Tell us about your background.
A group of newly graduated students from BVRIT Hyderabad College of Engineering for Women. We specialized in Information Technology. Bachelor’s degrees majoring in Computer Science, we have gained practical skills in software developing, managing databases and system designing among others. We were also taught programming languages such as Java, Python and C++, along with some web development technologies. It is our hope that by utilizing our expertise and experiences, we will be able to make a significant impact on the IT sector.
How did you get interested in data science?
The interest we have in data science was developed during our time at BVRIT Hyderabad college of engineering for women. Our initial attraction was computer science and information technology, but then we were thrilled by the strength of numbers in uncovering meaning and making informed decisions. As we took more courses, we understood that through data science, data management as well as machine learning techniques it is possible to bring about considerable changes in different disciplines including business analytics for healthcare.
Moreover, we became more interested when we engaged ourselves in practical activities. It provided us with an opportunity to test our skills on legitimate data sets while practicing predictive modeling, analysis and visualization skills among others. These moments made us believe that any problem can be solved using the data-driven approach and they also provided inspiration for a career where science can be positively applied.
Basically, the road has been guided by curiosity to explore unknown facets of information and contribute significantly towards the growing field of data science.
What are you currently working on?
At present, self-improvement is the main issue which we are concentrating on with aims of increasing skills and credentials to secure jobs. We are in turn looking for extra courses and certificates in the latest technologies and methodologies that industry needs. Meanwhile, while still students, we have been working at various places as interns where we had an opportunity to put our skills into practice so that we could sharpen them. Our aim is to become experts in data science with enough knowhow and practice so as to succeed in our careers.
How did you you first discover WiDS?
The way we heard about WiDS was during an encounter with our mentor who is our college lecturer and quite well respected at our school. We were introduced to WiDS by Dr. Kayal, as well as encouraged to join any of the events that were being held by the association. Her advice and support has been helpful in making sure that we are part of this community. It is because of her that we understood how important these kinds of connections can be for us as student leaders in higher education.
Have you been involved with WiDS since that first experience? If so, in what way?
Yes, since our first introduction to WiDS through Dr. P. Kayal, we have actively engaged with the WiDS community in various capacities:
Participation in Events and Competitions: We have participated in WiDS events, including data challenges and hackathons, such as the WiDS Datathon++. These experiences have allowed us to apply our skills in real-world data analysis and machine learning scenarios.
How has WiDS made an impact on your life and/or work?
WiDS has proven to be a game-changer for our team, helping us hew a path through this collective experience in data science and beyond. Also, engaging in activities organized around WiDS, like hackathons and workshops, shaped our technical skills in the field of data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. These hand-to-hand challenges in the field have built us not only in knowledge but also equipped us with practical expertise directly applicable to collaborative projects and future careers.
Beyond skill development, WiDS has given us invaluable opportunities for networking. Interactions with industry professionals, researchers, and peers have added greatly to our professional network and exposed us to very diverse perspectives and career paths in data science. Meeting such accomplished speakers and mentors has inspired and motivated us toward constant learning, distinction, and excellence in our academic pursuit and related professional aspirations.
Belonging to a community so supportive at WiDS has forged a spirit within us—a spirit of doing solutions, both the thorny and innovative ones, and growing professionally together. In addition, WiDS has made us more aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion in data science and encouraged us to contribute to creating such an environment in whatever places our careers take us.
In short, WiDS has helped us to show the light toward technical knowledge and more, allowed us to widen our horizons, connected us with influential figures in the field, and gave us a good deep appreciation for the transformational power of data science. As a team, we really owe WiDS for the opportunities and look forward to continuing our learning, collaboration, and making an impact in the moving data science landscape.
What comes next for you? And what are your hopes for women in data science in the future?
As a team, our next steps involve continuing to deepen our expertise in data science through ongoing learning and practical experience. We are actively pursuing opportunities such as internships and further certifications to strengthen our skills and prepare us for impactful roles in the industry. Our goal is to leverage our knowledge in data analysis, machine learning, and other relevant areas to contribute meaningfully to solving real-world problems and driving innovation.
Looking ahead, our hopes for women in data science are centered around fostering greater inclusivity and representation. We aspire to see more women empowered and encouraged to pursue careers in data science and related fields. We envision a future where women are not only well-represented but also recognized for their contributions and leadership in shaping the direction of data-driven technologies and solutions. We hope for continued support and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the data science community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
Sahithi Kolusu’s Journey:
During the WiDS Datathon as a student, I was excited yet nervous about applying
my classroom knowledge to real-world data challenges. It was a steep learning
curve, but collaborating with my team and receiving guidance from mentors helped
me navigate through it. Now, reflecting on it after graduating, I realize how much
that experience prepared me for my career. It taught me valuable skills in data
analysis, teamwork, and problem-solving that I continue to use today. WiDS not
only broadened my perspective on data science but also introduced me to a
supportive community that I’m proud to be a part of.
Koli Renu Sreeja’s Journey:
When we participated in the WiDS Datathon as students, it was a thrilling
experience filled with late nights of coding and brainstorming sessions. It was
challenging to balance our academic responsibilities with the demands of the
datathon, but it taught us resilience and the importance of teamwork. Now that
we’ve graduated, I realize how instrumental that experience was in shaping my
career path. It ignited my interest in data science and equipped me with practical
skills that have proven invaluable in my professional journey. WiDS provided us
with opportunities to grow, connect, and showcase our potential, and I’m grateful for
the lasting impact it has had on my career.
Kotni Nimisha’s Journey:
Participating in the WiDS Datathon as a student was a defining moment for me. It
was my first deep dive into real-world data sets and the challenges of data science
beyond textbooks. The experience was intense and rewarding; it pushed me to think
critically and creatively. Now, as a recent graduate, I look back on that experience
with gratitude. It laid a strong foundation for my career in data analytics, giving me
confidence in my technical abilities and a passion for using data to drive insights.
WiDS provided not only a platform for learning but also a network of like-minded
professionals who continue to inspire me.