Wrapping To Stay Relevant
In the United States alone, 38.6 million people have applied for unemployment in the last nine weeks due to the effects of COVID-19. And if this alone doesn’t make you shudder, more specific layoff statistics from large companies will: Uber is laying off 14 percent of its workforce, Airbnb 25 percent, and United Airlines a full third of its workforce.
It’s wrong to think that we as data scientists, in a growing industry, will not be impacted. And while we don’t know to what extent, there are still many steps we can take to uphold our value and as a result, our security in the workforce. This week’s #DataEveryone chat provided a medium for industry novices and experts alike to express their opinions on this topic. Below I share the highlights with you:
How Can We Best Secure Our Places At Our Companies In Times of Transition?
Nobody likes to be caught off guard with transitions, but transitions are all we seem to come across these days. And as we adjust to such a dynamic reality, some companies are more equipped to cope than others. “So many processes in companies don’t change because that’s how they have always been done,” @MatthewVielkind commented, “There could be opportunities to both learn something new and improve some of those processes, which could lead to great personal and company wins.”
In other words, don’t be afraid to take initiative: @datadzif cited an IG Live video in which Mrs. Dow Jones and Chris Voss urged viewers to “run to trouble.” “Be involved in critical projects or projects others do not want so when the times comes, you’ll be deemed essential,” she said.
Regardless of what role you’ve assumed at your company, listening across the board is key. Be aware of what unfulfilled needs your company has and even if it’s not in your job description, be willing to fill those holes. Moreover, make sure management knows that you are available to learn new things and take over responsibilities in any area necessary. This holistic approach involves “understanding how the company makes money,” explained @daniebrant. “In my next job, I want to understand these things so I can be a better contributor.”
How Can We Choose The Best Jobs For Us Moving Forward?
Regardless of where we stand in a transition, some industries will be searching for help and @Scar_Data highlighted this perfectly: “Needs shift during a pandemic, and it’s up to analysts to identify those needs and drive action accordingly,” she explained. “This pandemic isn’t going away, and a second wave is imminent. Consider viable industries such as healthcare, logistics or e-commerce. Subscription-based SaaS platforms won’t go away either.”
In essence, #DataEveryone participants agreed that the ideal job will allow for the development of your skills. @damitajotrene described it as “the ability to touch each part of the data pipeline, including data engineering, machine learning modeling and monitoring.” @DataSciBae agreed: “The learning environment and mission are the most important. I think it’s easier to thrive in a place that embraces learning in a non-judgmental way.”
How Can We Protect Ourselves From Uncertainty?
We can’t. But we can be aware of what we’re up against. According to a newsletter sent out today by The Mighty, “The psychological toll of this pandemic is becoming clearer: Data from the U.S. Census shows that 34 out of 100 adults are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression,” a number that has nearly doubled since 2014.
Whether you feel frustrated about your job situation, your level of motivation or something else entirely, always feel free to reach out to me by email at dikayo@dikayodata.com or on Twitter at @DikayoData.