DataCamp-Ishango.ai Scholarship: Jam Rodrick’s Data Science Journey

1. Please share a bit about your background. How did you first become interested in data science?

I was raised in Kumba, a town situated in the southwestern region of Cameroon. As a child, I was fascinated by the construction of impressive buildings and cars, and this drove me to build toy cars and buildings using bamboo and mud. During my early university days, I discovered my passion for statistical analysis and problem-solving. This led me to explore various fields where I could utilize these skills and make significant contributions to society, eventually leading me to a career in data science.

2. Where did you study, and what subjects did you pursue?

I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics at the University of Maroua, Cameroon. Additionally, I am currently enrolled in the National Advanced School of Engineering (Polytechnique) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where I am pursuing a Master’s degree in mathematical modeling and scientific computing.

3. What has been your experience with the DataCamp-Ishango.ai scholarship so far?

The DataCamp-Ishango.ai scholarship has been an invaluable asset to my career development. I have acquired knowledge on how to manipulate data using Pandas and create interactive visualizations with the Matplotlib library in Python. I have also developed my storytelling skills to propose solutions to real-world problems using datasets. 

4. What are your learning goals, and what do you hope to achieve through the DataCamp-Ishango scholarship?

My primary goal is to establish a solid theoretical and technical background in data science, allowing me to assist individuals and companies in making data-driven decisions. Through this scholarship, I hope to achieve considerable success as a data scientist, utilising the provided projects, skills, and career tracks that guide one through the necessary tools and best practices to succeed in this field.