Exploring, Learning, and Breaking Through: My Journey in Data Science
In this blog, we dive into Arnav's inspiring journey in Data Science — from his early curiosity and hands-on learning to the breakthroughs that shaped his growth.
👋 Hey! This is Manisha Arora from PrepVector. Welcome to the Tech Growth Series, a newsletter that aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical aspects of data science. My goal is to simplify complicated data concepts, share my perspectives on the latest trends, and share my learnings from building and leading data teams.
Uncertainty, Frustration, Determination…
A few years ago, I found myself stuck, unsure of how to navigate my career. I wanted to switch industries altogether, but I wasn’t even getting interview calls. My situation at my current job wasn’t great, and I felt lost, not knowing what to do next.
That’s when someone in my organization connected me with a few people who had transitioned successfully and were now working at Big Tech. Curious about how they made that transition, I reached out to them to understand their journey. It was during these conversations that I first heard about PrepVector. Until then, I had no idea such a resource existed.
Challenge, Reflection, Strategy…
At that point, I had no idea what was holding me back. Was it my resume? My experience? My skills? I knew I had to make a change, but I didn’t know where to start. The mentors at PrepVector - Manisha and Siddarth, helped me assess my weaknesses and create a structured plan. I wasn’t just preparing for interviews—I was rebuilding my entire approach to job applications, networking, and skill-building.
More importantly, I began developing structured thinking—learning how to break down problems clearly, even when faced with ambiguity. I practiced telling stories that resonated with hiring managers and helped me stand out. But I also asked better questions. I didn’t just prepare to get selected; I learned to evaluate whether a role or company was right for me. This clarity wasn’t something I had in the beginning—it was something I gained through reflection, iteration, and honest mentorship.
Mentorship, Practice, Breakthrough…
Siddarth helped me refine my resume, tailor my applications, and reach out to the right people. The support I got wasn’t just about tactics—it was about building the confidence to show up as the best version of myself, clearly articulating why I belonged in this field.
One of the important things I learned at PrepVector was that interviewing is a skill in itself. You can be great at solving problems, but communicating your approach under pressure is a different ball game. Manisha and Siddarth didn’t just give me advice; they gave me a roadmap. We worked on identifying my strengths and weaknesses, practicing mock interviews, and refining my approach to case studies and product sense questions like (asking the right questions, making the interview more like a discussion, driving the interview in the correct direction).
I still remember the mock interviews with Manisha where I stumbled through my answers, only to receive direct, constructive feedback that helped me reshape my approach. I learned to think aloud, structure my responses clearly, and tackle ambiguity with confidence. One of the biggest takeaways was how to think like a product owner—understanding user needs, designing experiments, and tying insights back to business impact.
Execution, Confidence, Success…
As I continued refining my skills, I started seeing real progress. My approach to case study questions became more structured, my coding efficiency improved under time constraints, and my confidence grew with each mock interview. By the time I applied to my next round of roles, I wasn’t just hoping to get through—I was prepared to showcase my abilities effectively.
When I finally landed my current role as a Data Scientist at CVS, everything came full circle. I now work on projects that directly impact business decisions, designing experiments, analyzing user behavior, and optimizing strategies for growth. The best part? The same structured thinking and problem-solving skills that I developed during my PrepVector training now help me make an impact in my day-to-day work.
If You’re Looking to Level Up, Here’s What Helped Me:
• Seek mentorship and constructive feedback.
Find someone who has been through the process and can help you see the gaps in your approach.
Engage in discussions, debate case studies, and refine your thinking with their guidance.
• Practice interviews under realistic conditions.
Coding under pressure is different from coding at your own pace. Mock interviews help you simulate the real environment and improve your ability to articulate your thought process.
• Understand how data science applies to the real world.
Product sense, business impact, and user insights matter as much as technical skills.
Identify the field that excites you and go deep—whether it’s personalization, experimentation, or optimization.
• Leverage your network strategically.
LinkedIn, referrals, and direct outreach to hiring managers can make a difference.
Craft a compelling message about why you’re excited about a role and what you bring to the table.
Looking back, my journey in data science has been about continuous learning, resilience, and adaptation. If you’re on the same path, know that leveling up is a process, not just for interviews, but for your entire career.
But this is just the beginning. I have only started, and there is so much more to learn. There is still a long way to go, and I am excited for what’s ahead.
In the end, I’d like to leave you with these inspiring words from Sachin Tendulkar:
“Chase your dreams. Dreams do come true.”
Upcoming Courses:
Master Product Sense and AB Testing, and learn to use statistical methods to drive product growth. I focus on inculcating a problem-solving mindset, and application of data-driven strategies, including A/B Testing, ML, and Causal Inference, to drive product growth.
AI/ML Projects for Data Professionals
Gain hands-on experience and build a portfolio of industry AI/ML projects. Scope ML Projects, get stakeholder buy-in, and execute the workflow from data exploration to model deployment. You will learn to use coding best practices to solve end-to-end AI/ML Projects to showcase to the employer or clients.
Not sure which course aligns with your goals? Send me a message on LinkedIn with your background and aspirations, and I'll help you find the best fit for your journey.
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