Inês Pinheiro Gomes De Oliveira | Data Scientist | Penguin Random House

 

I kick-started my career as a journalist, driven by a deep passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to uncovering truth. While working in the field, I became increasingly intrigued by the transformative power technology could have in the creative industries. Eager to explore this intersection further, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Publishing at University College London (UCL).

I then went on to work as a development editor at an academic publisher. It was a valuable experience that taught me the intricacies of the publishing world while fueling my curiosity about the potential technology held in revolutionizing this traditional field. I started working with data in order to leverage its power to improve decision-making processes.

An exciting opportunity arose when I was offered a position at Penguin Random House UK as a Junior Metadata Analyst. What struck me most was the faith my boss placed in me, despite my lack of proficiency in programming languages. With the guidance and support of my boss, I took it upon myself to learn Python and SQL. Through countless hours of dedicated effort (his and mine), online resources, and hands-on experimentation, I gradually acquired proficiency in these programming languages. My unwavering commitment and expanding expertise did not go unnoticed. In recognition of my contributions and capabilities, I was promoted to the role of Data Scientist, and it was this milestone that solidified my belief that relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering dedication can lead to remarkable achievements.

Driven by my growing passion for technology and data-driven insights, I recognized the need to further enhance my skills. I pursued a data science and artificial intelligence apprenticeship which provided me with formal training, practical experience, and a deeper understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence techniques required in my day-to-day job.

From a wide-eyed journalist covering the metro desk, to editing civil engineering books, and then finally to data science, my path has been one of constant adaptation and learning. I always look forward to embracing new challenges, adapt to emerging technologies, and leave my own mark in the field of data science and analytics.