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Lauren Burke
Data Scientist, CoverMyMeds
And - Director of Operations, Women in Analytics
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Start exploring potential fields of study and future career options early!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
As a data scientist, I find patterns in sets of information that provide insights about the past, present, and future. I think data science is kind of an intersection of math, statistics, and computer science with a heavy focus on creative problem-solving. In my current role, I use innovative data science and machine learning techniques to solve problems in the healthcare technology space.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I always liked math and computer science. I majored in mathematics and after taking a course in Machine Intelligence, chose to focus my senior thesis on a topic that combined mathematics and machine learning. During the project, I realized how much I truly enjoyed this type of work and that I would like to pursue it as a future career.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Speaking at events and being able to share my excitement about data science and analytics with others. There’s no set time you have to wait before you can start doing cool and exciting things. Even if you think you don’t have as much experience as others or haven’t been in a field long enough, your perspective is important and can benefit those who were are in the same place you once were.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love everything about the process of solving complicated problems. As someone who never stops asking questions, working in a STEM field gives me the freedom to be curious and always exploring. My field is continually changing and advancing, which provides countless opportunities to continue learning.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Start exploring potential fields of study and future career options early! It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I discovered data science as a potential career path for someone with a background in mathematics. If you find yourself enjoying learning about STEM topics, take some time to figure out what about it specifically interests you. You might be surprised to see the different fields of study and careers that relate to your own qualities, interests, passions, and goals!
INSPO / FUN FACT
"Work hard and be nice to people".