PyData Virginia 2025

Panel: Principles for Effective and Successful Data Scientists
04-18, 13:35–14:35 (US/Eastern), Auditorium 5

What truly makes a data scientist effective in their job and career? Come hear from our panel of data scientists, each with their unique pathway into data science, discuss the principles that matter: pathways to data science, translating business problems, and what technical expertise means for data science. Grow your insight into becoming the kind of data scientist people trust to solve the right problems, the right way.


This conversational panel brings together experienced data science professionals to explore what truly matters for success in the field beyond what's typically learned in educational settings.

Our panelists will share insights on:
* The "real world" skills critical to data science that aren't typically taught in academic programs
* Foundations of data science: the core understanding data, the mechanics of models, and the importance of considering MLOps as a Data Scientist
* How to stand out in data science job opportunities and the pathways in and through data science.
* Practical advice for students, job seekers, and career changers looking to enter or advance in data science

This session will be valuable for students, early-career data scientists, those interviewing for data science roles, professionals seeking promotions, and individuals looking to transition from other fields into data science.

The panel will include time for audience Q&A, allowing attendees to ask specific questions around each major discussion point during the process.


Prior Knowledge Expected

No previous knowledge expected

Renee Teate is the Senior Director of Data Science at higher ed tech company HelioCampus and author of SQL for Data Scientists (Wiley). Many people know her as the host of the Becoming a Data Scientist Podcast, or as "Data Science Renee" from BlueSky (previously becomingdatasci on Twitter).

Renee lives in Harrisonburg, VA, and is a graduate of JMU and UVA. She has worked with data her entire career, as a database designer, data analyst, data scientist, and director. She enjoys chatting with people looking to "break into" data careers, or looking to build their data science network.

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Data Scientist and Statistician working at CapTech Consulting with 8 years experience in business. A coach, mentor, teacher, and expert in the field of data science and a diverse love of learning across the fields of data science, psychology, business, and foreign literature.

Chief AI Officer, computer scientist

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