82. Landing your First Job In Data Science with Jules Malin
Wed Apr 09 2025
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jules Mailin — data science professor at the University of San Diego and former data science leader at GoPro — to unpack the real strategies aspiring data professionals need to break into the industry.Jules shares his own pivot story from operations to data science, the common myths about landing a role, and the practical steps undergrads (or career switchers) can take to stand out in a competitive job market. If you’re applying to hundreds of roles and getting ghosted, this is your blueprint to turn it around.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why imposter syndrome is your biggest enemy — and how to beat itThe three most effective education paths into data scienceWhat hiring managers actually look for in your resumeHow to build a compelling portfolio (with non-cliché projects)How to reverse-engineer job descriptions to tailor your resumeThe secret power of referrals — and how to land one on LinkedInWhy storytelling is a must-have skill for technical candidatesThe importance of understanding your target industry domain🛠 Jules’ Tips for Aspiring Data Scientists:Focus on core skills: SQL, Python, and business problem-solvingCreate a full-scope portfolio: Include a business case, notebook, and executive-ready summaryAvoid copy/paste projects: Skip Titanic and Kaggle clones — go find unique public datasetsBe intentional: Don’t “spray and pray” your resume — tailor it to your dream roleUse LinkedIn wisely: Reach out to alumni, second-degree connections, and always include your resume in DMsGo beyond online: Networking in person is underrated and powerful#datascience #jobseeker
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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jules Mailin — data science professor at the University of San Diego and former data science leader at GoPro — to unpack the real strategies aspiring data professionals need to break into the industry.Jules shares his own pivot story from operations to data science, the common myths about landing a role, and the practical steps undergrads (or career switchers) can take to stand out in a competitive job market. If you’re applying to hundreds of roles and getting ghosted, this is your blueprint to turn it around.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why imposter syndrome is your biggest enemy — and how to beat itThe three most effective education paths into data scienceWhat hiring managers actually look for in your resumeHow to build a compelling portfolio (with non-cliché projects)How to reverse-engineer job descriptions to tailor your resumeThe secret power of referrals — and how to land one on LinkedInWhy storytelling is a must-have skill for technical candidatesThe importance of understanding your target industry domain🛠 Jules’ Tips for Aspiring Data Scientists:Focus on core skills: SQL, Python, and business problem-solvingCreate a full-scope portfolio: Include a business case, notebook, and executive-ready summaryAvoid copy/paste projects: Skip Titanic and Kaggle clones — go find unique public datasetsBe intentional: Don’t “spray and pray” your resume — tailor it to your dream roleUse LinkedIn wisely: Reach out to alumni, second-degree connections, and always include your resume in DMsGo beyond online: Networking in person is underrated and powerful#datascience #jobseeker