WiBD DC Donates : The Future of Data Work: What’s Next and How to Stay Ahead
Session started with an overview of Women in Big Data (WiBD), an organization celebrating its 10th anniversary. Starting with one chapter and 15 members in the Bay Area, WiBD has expanded to over 50 chapters across multiple continents. The organization’s mission is to foster careers and develop women leaders in the data field, focusing on accelerating equity for women in data and AI. WiBD offers various programs including networking, training workshops, mentoring, hackathons, and leadership development. People are encouraged to follow WiBD on LinkedIn for updates. Additionally, WiBD partners with DataCamp to offer free licenses and certifications in data analysis, data engineering, and data science. Here are those who completed certifications in May as well top 10 learners with highest XP scores and a few testimonials.
Norhan Shereen Yassin, a global data expert at Allianz, was introduced as the speaker to discuss data career trends and emerging roles in the field. The presentation covered essential skills for data professionals, and future technology trends, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the evolving data field.
Data Jobs: Trends and Skills
Norhan discusses industry trends in data job hiring and provides insights on essential skills for data professionals. She notes that the banking and financial services industries are hiring significantly due to increased regulations, while FMCG companies are also expanding their data teams. Norhan advises job seekers to use region-specific job boards in addition to LinkedIn. She then outlines several key roles expected to be in high demand, including data product managers, privacy and ethics specialists, AI/ML engineers, data monetization managers, IoT specialists, and data sustainability analysts. Norhan concludes with practical tips for data professionals, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, technology literacy, networking, soft skills, and problem-solving mindset.
Data Science Skills Evolution
Norhan discusses the importance of SQL, Python, and R in data science, emphasizing that SQL is fundamental and should be learned before Python and R. She predicts that coding skills will become less valuable over time due to automation, but stresses the importance of understanding coding principles to work effectively with new tools. Norhan advises learning coding but not expecting to use it extensively in jobs in the future. She also highlights the growing importance of cloud services, cybersecurity basics, and responsible AI in the data field.
Norhan also noted:
- Connect with Norhan on LinkedIn for further advice and networking.
- Focus on learning SQL, Python, and R basics before specializing in specific tools.
- Explore cloud services certifications, particularly from major vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
- Learn basics of cybersecurity related to data fields.
- Explore courses on responsible AI and data governance.
- Stay updated on industry trends, particularly in finance and healthcare sectors for data-related job opportunities.
- Practice interdisciplinary collaboration, especially between data roles and business departments like finance and sales.
- And regularly review documentation and updates for data tools and technologies they use.
Recording available here.
