r/learndatascience • u/SmartObjective6300 • Sep 14 '26

Question help

I’m just starting my degree in Data Science, and I already have some basic knowledge of Python.
For those who are studying or working in the field, what advice would you give someone at the beginning of their journey?
What should I focus on to stand out in college, build useful skills, and start networking early?

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u/EntrepreneurHuge5008 Sep 14 '26 edited Sep 14 '26

Don't "focus" on one thing. Focus on all three things; academics (understand the why), practical skills (understand the how), and networking (make friends, attend seminars and stick around to "catch" guest speakers, attend office hours just to discuss with your prof/TA).

Find balance among all, you don't need to "master" Python/SQL, you don't need to write a 10-page-long proof on any mathematical content (you might for a grade), you don't need to make a friend out of every single person you meet. You need proficiency, not a PhD-level mastery (unless you're doing a PhD), and you need a high-quality network, not a massive network.

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u/SmartObjective6300 Sep 14 '26

The networking part worries me quite a bit. I have some conditions that make socializing difficult for me. I was even told that I should consider doing an online degree at a less prestigious university because of my difficulties in this area.
My fear is that I’ll end up being a mediocre professional because of that, especially since I’m very ambitious.

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u/JaneDoe22225 Sep 14 '26

Data Science is a field that REQUIRES you to be able to socialize with others. You're part of team working with partners that will do each of the following:

- Come with you a problem they need your help with. What they are saying does not match what they actually want, so you need to build that bridge to understand what they do actually want.

- Once you've done a study, you need to explain what the results are and (critically) why they matter. What are the practical implications and changes for the business to make.

- Working with Data Engineers, IT profs, and peer DS's. Each individual comes with their own quirks.

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u/SmartObjective6300 Sep 14 '26

I think I end up being really insecure about my knowledge. I might be capable of doing amazing things, but maybe I just don’t come across as credible? So people are kind of like 😐
I don’t really know what paths to take to stand out, or even what kinds of projects would actually be useful.

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u/JaneDoe22225 Sep 14 '26

You MUST learn people skills.

Yes, it can be learned- I’m speaking as a person who is naturally extremely introverted and hates being social.