Transitioning from Software program Engineering to Information Science

I guided a buddy by her profession transition to being an ML engineer.

A software engineer putting on a data science glasses.
A software program engineer placing on a knowledge science glasses. — Picture generated with FLUX.1 [schnell] by the writer.

Mentoring teaches me loads.

I just lately had the chance to information a buddy who labored as a software program engineer (SE) for 2 years and desires to transition to a knowledge science (DS) position. What began as an informal chat ultimately turned a number of hours of outlining plans to develop into a knowledge scientist.

Her first query was, “What ought to I study new?

After all, I may record a dozen issues in a minute, but it surely requires rather more than an inventory of abilities and hyperlinks to well-liked programs. FYI, I by no means answered this query, neither on this put up.

A few of her current abilities are invaluable to her new endeavor. She may fast-track her transition by fastidiously studying one. However what’s extra necessary is considering like a knowledge scientist.

She doesn’t must unlearn something. Nevertheless, a few of her SE abilities have little use in knowledge science.

On this put up, I summarize a few of our discussions. These embrace which space of information science fits her pursuits, which new abilities she wants to amass, and tips on how to begin small and develop quicker.