Data Analyst Feature: Courage Iroro

1. Please introduce yourself, what you do, and your current role.

My name is Courage Iroro. I am from Nigeria and now live in the UK. I have a degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Data Science. I started as a Software Developer, then became a Cloud Support Engineer for the Azure platform. After moving to the UK, I pursued a master’s degree in Data Science. I interned at OESON and later worked at UWA Cars.

2. Tell us about your path into data science. What inspired you to pursue a career in the field? Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?

I didn’t always want to be in Data Science. My interest began in my penultimate year of undergraduate studies during a lecture on big data and IoT. My lecturer explained how devices like fridges and cars would communicate via IP addresses, creating massive data (big data) through IoT. This was in 2014. I realized this was the future and decided to study it further. In 2021, I chose to pursue my master’s in Data Science after researching its demand. The concept of using data for decision-making intrigued me, especially as it forms the backbone of AI, which I explored in my undergraduate project on an Expert Construction Management System.

3. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced on your career journey, and how have you overcome them?

A major challenge is the competition in the data field. Data Science is accessible to many from different backgrounds, making it highly competitive. To stand out, it’s essential to have domain knowledge relevant to the job you’re applying for. This specialized knowledge can give you an edge over others with similar skills.

4. What advice would you give to those who are just starting out in AI and data science? What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this field?

Learn the basic concepts and build projects to show your skills. Focus on a popular domain like health and create relevant projects to enhance your marketability.  Don’t hesitate to showcase your projects no matter how small, have a repository where you upload your projects, one would be https://github.com/. Learn necessary tools and a programming language like Python. Being inquisitive is crucial—ask questions that lead to insights and answers.