My name is Ashwaq, and I am a dedicated data scientist at Moonpig, recently promoted from a junior level.
My journey into the tech world has been anything but typical. As the first person in my family to attend university and a proud first-generation immigrant, my path has been one of resilience and determination, much like Bridging the Gap: From Python to Scala with Quantexa demonstrates the diverse journeys individuals take in technology.
From a young age, I was fascinated by technology, always the one in my family to troubleshoot problems and explore the inner workings of devices.
Unsure of my future, I initially studied Biology, which led to a passion for understanding the human brain. A pivotal moment was discovering a TED Talk by Ted Hawkins on “How Brain Science Will Change Computing,” sparking my love for Computational Neuroscience – the fascinating blend of using technology with neuroscience.
Despite facing challenges such as unsupportive teachers who explicitly mentioned not to continue with Computer Science and a lack of role models within the technology sphere, I persevered to pursue an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Neuroscience, followed by a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
Studying my Master’s whilst simultaneously working as a customer service agent at the Moonpig Group – I approached the CEO and SLT of Moonpig for a potential internship which commenced my journey as a data science and cybersecurity intern at Moonpig.
During this time, I advanced into the role of a Junior Data Scientist, and I knew I had found what I always wanted to do. I thrived on working on key projects where I could see the tangible impact of my efforts and utilise creative solutions to solve complex problems. This role perfectly aligned with my passion and aspirations, thus recently progressing into a Mid-Level Data Scientist.
My journey has been driven by a desire to innovate and advocate for diversity in technology.
