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From Academia to Industry: How an Underrepresented Seismologist Became a Data Scientist

Description: 

The transition from academia to industry is often nonlinear and full of uncertainty. It is a nuanced and stigmatized process driven by culture, finances, geography, and opportunity. Here, I will discuss the tools that facilitated my transition from a seismology postdoc in a Bridge to Faculty Program to an Associate Data Scientist at KoBold Metals, an AI-driven mineral exploration start-up focused on the discovery of critical metals used in electric vehicles and other renewable energy applications. This talk is intended to provide insight into the transition from academia to industry through the lens of my lived experience as an afro-latina, with the ultimate goal of conveying what it means to be a data scientist.

The presentation will be a 5-part chronology: I will discuss (1) my graduate research and the skills I gained and leveraged during my time in academia; (2) the factors that influenced my decision to pursue industry jobs; (3) my job search, including self-promotion strategies and application response timelines; (4) reflections and advice based on my interview experience, as well as the general structure of data science interviews; (5) my daily routine as a data scientist, including skills learned and tools used, analyzing sediment-hosted ore bodies in Zambia, collaborating with geologists and engineers, and contributing to KoBold’s numerous exploration projects.

Session: Transforming our Seismological Community through Inclusive Mentorship and Diverse Narratives

Type: Oral

Date: 4/18/2023

Presentation Time: 02:15 PM (local time)

Presenting Author: Monique M. Holt

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: Yes

Authors