Beyond the Books: Becoming a Data Scientist
What does it really take to become a data scientist?
In this candid and practical session, Raghav Agarwal, a Data Scientist at Microsoft, unpacks the journey beyond textbooks and tutorials. From mastering foundational coding skills to developing a strong analytical mindset, he’ll break down what it means to actually think like a data scientist.
In this presentation you'll learn:
Why exploratory data analysis (EDA) is your best friend
How to apply your skills across industries and use cases
The importance of understanding the entire solution, not just building models
Learning to critique your own work
Positioning yourself confidently as a data scientist
And most importantly: how to learn continuously and think critically in a world of hype
Whether you’re starting out or sharpening your edge, this talk is packed with insights you won't find in a course.
👤 About the Speaker
Raghav Agarwal
Data Scientist @ Microsoft | MS in Data Science, the George Washington University
Raghav has led high-impact projects at Microsoft, Cummins, and Xbox—working on everything from causal inference models to fuel optimization and real-time data pipelines. He’s also been a research assistant exploring climate data and policy implications.
Award-winning, technically sharp, and deeply reflective, Raghav brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what it takes to thrive in this field.
Learn more about Raghav: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghav-agarwal-127539170