Excelling in your Niche
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Data Science Fellowship

Excelling in your Niche

Basty’s Notebook

Hi, everyone! My name is Basty, and I’m a data scientist and educator from Metro Manila. If there’s something I value so much, that is education. Education has allowed me to not only dive into the amazing world of code and data, but also to encourage and inspire others to do the same. Read more about me here.

Outside of work and school, I love playing video games like Valorant and League of Legends. I also love listening to Broadway musicals (HAMILTON, DEH, TICK TICK BOOM ALL THE WAY!). Lastly, I LOVE watching Friends, New Girl, HIMYM, and The Big Bang Theory.

Now, let’s take a look at my notebook!

January 2023 Notebook entry

In my previous blog, we talked about the different tips and strategies that you can take to find your very own niche. Remember, finding your own niche can be a challenge, but in today’s data-driven world, standing out in your chosen niche is another challenge. And so, in this blog we’re gonna go through different tips and strategies on how you can excel in your chosen niche, and position yourself as a valuable asset to any organization. Let’s get started!

Excelling in your Niche

The field of data science is a highly competitive field filled with a growing demand for professionals who are expected to turn large amounts of data into actionable insights. With the increasing use of data science in different industries, the need for data professionals has never been higher. So, with so many professionals eyeing for the same opportunities, the question stands, how will you stand out in the crowd?

Here are some tips and strategies that can help answer that question:

  1. Advance your skillset

    One of the best ways to stand out in your niche is to have a deep understanding of the latest tools and techniques, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders. By investing in yourself, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex data problems that are being experienced by different companies to stay ahead of the competition.

    Being able to be on par with the latest trends and developments in the field is crucial—as the technology and techniques used in data science are constantly evolving, that means the problems are evolving as well.

  2. Build a strong professional network

    Another key to standing out with your niche is building a strong professional network. Most people consider networking as key to success in any industry. Building relationships with other professionals in your field and chosen niche can open doors to new opportunities, provide you valuable insights, and also help you stay on par with the latest trends in the field.

    Building a network can be as simple as attending events, joining organizations, and participating in online communities. If you’re fairly new in the field and niche, these examples might be intimidating since you will be meeting experienced professionals already. But, always remember that you won’t be where you are now if you’re not capable.

  3. Create a portfolio / online presence

    There’s a high chance that you’ve already heard of this tip. Almost every influencer from any field highlights the need for having your own portfolio. By having a portfolio of your previous data projects, it can help showcase your skills and experience to potential employers and clients.

    In addition to having your own portfolio, creating an online presence is also helpful in standing out. There are different ways for you to create an online presence such as writing articles and blog posts, like the one you’re reading right now, or you can also start documenting your learnings in your social media platforms.

    Your online presence and portfolio are two of the best ways to showcase your branding in public. Essentially, they are both ways on how you want to tell your professional story
  4. Be a problem solver

    Lastly, be a problem solver. This is perhaps the most used tip that you’ve gotten in your career, but there’s a reason why it is used a lot by many. In a world where everything is becoming data-driven, a lot of opportunities and problems can now be solved. And being able to solve problems is one of the most valuable skills in data science. Companies look for professionals who can take on ongoing problems and solve it using actionable insights based on data.

Anything is possible

Like I’ve mentioned, finding your niche can be a challenge, but excelling is another challenge. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to set yourself apart from the crowd. Just always keep in mind that by advancing your skillset, building a strong professional network, creating a portfolio and online presence, and being a problem solver, you will excel in your chosen niche.

I’d like to leave you with a quote by Audrey Hepburn that I think can help you in this journey of yours: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible”

Never stop learning!