🔄 Reinventing Myself at 40: My Journey from Social Sciences to Data Science 📊
I never thought I'd be doing this. An anthropologist becoming a data scientist in his forties? If it sounds crazy, it probably is.
I'm sure my 17-year-old self, who bravely decided to study anthropology and then history at university in a country like Colombia, would be in deep shock. I still remember saying something like: "I'm going to choose a career as far away as possible from what I hate most: 'mathematics,'" and the classic: "I'll never let this capitalist world chain me to a desk."
Well, um, what can I say? Almost thirty years later, I can tell you, dear little Sergio, that I'm not the vision you once dreamed of, and no, I don't have the hat or the whip. I haven't changed my last name to 'Jones' either.
The following years were like an interesting dance, where each step unknowingly brought me closer to the world of data. First, nine years as a social studies and history teacher in private schools, where I learned to explain complex concepts simply - a skill I now value enormously when working with data.
Then, I took an unexpected turn into international cooperation, working for a year as a logistics officer and then the next nine years as a monitoring specialist in social programs related to USAID and the U.S. government ("The horror!" my 17-year-old self would say, haha).
And it was there, without realizing it, where my secret romance with data began. In international cooperation, every decision, every project, every impact needed to be measured, analyzed, understood. It started with simple spreadsheets, then more complex analyses, and little by little, I found myself fascinated by the power of data to tell stories and create real change.
My training as an anthropologist, which I thought was left in the past, turned out to be surprisingly useful: what is data science if not the systematic study of human behavior through evidence: numbers? Detailed observation, pattern analysis, the search for meaning - all these skills I developed studying at university I now apply to studying datasets.
My fight against Nazis, as well as the search for treasures in exotic remote locations, I've left behind, because what can I say... I guess they've become a nice memory of an idyllic time in my life. ("The horror!")
At some point in my life, this caused me a lot of anxiety. For a moment, I thought I had betrayed my youthful ideals, that I had fallen into the endless wheel of "I need to work to live," and the "I can't hire you as an anthropologist because you don't have experience." But, between spreadsheets and reports, and while trying to rebuild my life (I met my wife, had a beautiful son who will probably be a comedian), I discovered something fascinating: those numbers I avoided so much in my youth told stories as rich as those I studied in anthropology. Only instead of using a field notebook, I now use Python and Excel.
Have I become bourgeois? Maybe. At my age, I prefer my desk (THE HORROR!) with a cup of Colombian coffee, close to my family, and particularly to my son whom I enjoy watching grow - and probably become a comedian or something similar - rather than the fieldwork I once dreamed of. But I've discovered that the adventure I was looking for isn't in exotic places, but in data exploration, finding patterns, telling stories through numbers.
And speaking of telling stories... you know what? I realized there are many others like me out there. People who are considering taking that leap into data science, who maybe feel the same vertigo I felt (or still feel?). People who perhaps also once swore to stay away from mathematics and are now here, peeking into the world of data.
That's why I decided to create this blog. And yes, I know what you're thinking: "Another data blog? Really?" Well, yes, but this is MY blog and I'll do whatever I want here hahaha!
No, seriously. This space is different because it's both a chronicle of my own journey and a guide for those considering taking the leap. Here you won't find an expert who knows everything, but someone who's learning alongside you, stumbling over the same obstacles and celebrating the same small victories.
So, what can you expect from this blog?
First things first: this won't be another technical blog where they bombard you with complex terms and incomprehensible code. As an anthropologist turned data scientist, my approach is different. I'm going to explain each concept the way I wish someone had explained it to me: with clear language, real-world examples, and, of course, the occasional bad joke.
We'll start with the basics, focusing on two main tools:
Excel: because I have years of experience juggling spreadsheets and know all the possible tricks (and mistakes).
Python: because I'm learning along with you, so I can anticipate where you'll get confused (because I probably got confused first!)
Later, we'll explore other tools like SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and R. But we'll go step by step, without overwhelming ourselves.
Frequency? I'll post twice a week. Each post will include:
Step-by-step explanations with images and videos
Real-world practical examples
Exercises to practice at home
And yes, more bad jokes (they're free, take advantage!)
But most importantly: I want this blog to be more than just my monologue. My dream is to build a real community. And to make it happen, as we grow, we'll develop an exclusive membership space specifically designed for people like you.
All of this explained in clear language, without unnecessary technical jargon, and with support from someone who's been exactly where you are now. Because I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed by this career change, and I want to make sure you have all the support you need on your journey.
Why should you trust me? Because I don't pretend to be a data science guru. I'm an anthropologist learning to see the world through numbers, and I want to take you with me on this journey. My teaching experience, background in anthropology and history, and work in international cooperation have given me a unique perspective on making data accessible and meaningful for everyone.
So, if you're ready for this journey, if you want to learn about data in a different way, or if you just enjoy bad jokes... welcome to my digital corner. I promise it will be an interesting adventure.
