Who says a childhood dream can't shape your adult career? Dr. Jodie Burchell would undoubtedly argue it can. As a data science advocate at JetBrains, she's living proof that a meandering career path can lead to extraordinary places. Join us for a heartwarming journey that starts with her fascination for paleontology, travels through studying psychology and German in university, and ends up leading data science teams in Europe. Enjoy a chuckle with us as she recalls her forgotten German skills and a high school art project that sparked her interest in psychology. Making a career transition can be daunting, but Jodie provides valuable insights into how these shifts can lead to unexpected fulfillment and purpose. With engaging tales from academia, she elaborates on how her experiences shaped her understanding of the significant role of data science and the real-world impact it can have. The conversation doesn't stop there as we explore the ever-evolving world of data science, its specializations, and the shift towards a greater emphasis on developers with computer science and engineering backgrounds. Have you ever wondered how to transition from academia to industry? Jodie shares her candid experiences and lessons learned, proving the journey isn't always straightforward but worth it. She opens up about facing her fear of the command line, overcoming insecurity about her engineering skills, and how this journey expanded her appreciation for the work of engineers. Bonus: we delve into her journey from academia to developer advocacy and the importance of multidisciplinary skills in data science. Whether you're already in the thick of data science or considering it as a career, this episode is a goldmine of insights and reflections. Use my special link https://zen.ai/dsVpYxjSth5fD-hlbzdIiw to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paidplan. Support the show