E17: Grades, Grit, and Gains: Journeying into Statistics | Benjamen Simon @New Frontiers AI

Our guest today is Benjamen Simon, who founded New Frontiers AI whilst finishing his PhD in Statistics at the Lancaster University.

Ben walks us through the maze of statistics and data, touching on a range of topics, including how school grades are actually marked, learning on the fly, modelling COVID, and breaking into data science. A must-listen for any aspiring data enthusiast!

Follow us

Benjamen Simon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamensimon/

Alex Alexandrescu - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-alex

Sofiane Bébert - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiane-b

References from episode

• Volunteer DS Opportunities – https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/volunteer-data-science-jobs/?currentJobId=3460887364&originalSubdomain=uk

• New Frontiers AI – https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfrontiersai

Timestamps

[00:00 – 10:06] The truth behind school grades.

[10:06 – 21:54] How to fall in love with statistics.

[21:54 – 26:08] Learning R in 4 hours while applying for a job.

[26:08 – 38:55] Modelling super spreaders and new variants during COVID.

[38:55 – 41:47] Is a data scientist just a poor man’s statistician?

[41:47 – 44:44] Finding the balance - pursuing dreams without dismissing doors.

[44:44 – 55:55] Trusting yourself - taking the plunge & starting a business.

[55:55 – 1:03:56] How to get a job in data without work experience.