How to become a Data Scientist Manager in Tech? by Catherine Fan

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From Data Scientist to Manager: A Journey Unveiled

Hello everyone, I'm Catherine, a Data Science Manager at Twitter. Over the years, I've received numerous queries regarding my journey to becoming a data science manager. Many of you are curious about how I did it, why I chose this path, and whether you can do it too.

Today, I'm excited to share my journey in this blog post in hopes that you find some ideas to help you on your own career path.

The Three-part Journey

The journey that got me where I am today is divided into three main parts: the motivation, the process, and the mindset. It involves the reasons that prompted me on this path, the steps that I took, and the attitude I adopted along the way.

Motivation

Two factors motivated me to become a data science manager - an inherent factor tied to who I am as a person, and an external opportunity that drove me into management. Growing up, I found joy in interacting with people and numbers. My outgoing personality, coupled with my love for mathematics, helped shape my career goals.

Apart from these internal factors, an external factor played a vital role in my journey. A recommendation from a former boss to pursue an MBA led me to apply to UCLA Anderson School of Management. Thanks to his insight and belief in my potential, I was able to steer my career path towards management.

The Process

Becoming a manager was not an instant, smooth transition; it came with its fair share of challenges. I had to stay patient, persist, and work diligently at every step. Throughout this process, I ensured I always over-delivered and got involved in as much as I could, including cross-functional projects and having a tech lead role.

  • Preparation: I prepared meticulously for my new role – I spent approximately one and a half months reviewing numerous subjects such as statistics, probability, machine learning, and predictive modeling. I also refreshed my knowledge on past projects and prepared thoroughly for behavioral questions. The key is setting a clear goal, creating an actionable plan, and sticking to it.
  • Persistence: My journey involved slight setbacks and a fair bit of frustration. After some time without receiving a managerial role at my previous job, I decided to look for external opportunities. This persistence eventually rewarded me with my current role at Twitter.

Mindset

The mindset that you adopt throughout your journey is as crucial as the steps you take. A growth mindset, patience, and a focus on the journey rather than the result were pivotal in my journey. Despite the challenges I encountered, including the three-year wait after my MBA to land my first manager role, I remained positive and patient. I believe that focusing on the knowledge and experience you gain throughout the process is more rewarding than the end result. I assure you, you can reach your goals if you maintain this attitude and persist in your efforts.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a Data Science Manager is not easy. It’s vital to follow your passion, understand what makes you happy, and pursue what matters most to you. Always be patient, persistent, and keep an open mind. With the right motivation and mindset, you can indeed reach your goal. Remember, the journey is indeed the reward.

I hope that hearing my story inspires you and encourages you to pursue your ambitions. You are not alone in experiencing challenges and setbacks. With time and effort, you will reach your goals. Best of luck in your career and remember, the path to becoming a data science manager is in your hands. Thank you!


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