TechGuide

TechGuide
TechGuide

TechGuide was created with a simple mission in mind: Develop up-to-date, comprehensive, and easy-to-use informational resources for our readers. This podcast is an extension of the TechGuide website, which contains degree and career overviews, career profiles, and other guides.

  1. APR 9

    82. Landing your First Job In Data Science with Jules Malin

    In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jules Mailin — data science professor at the University of San Diego and former data science leader at GoPro — to unpack the real strategies aspiring data professionals need to break into the industry.Jules shares his own pivot story from operations to data science, the common myths about landing a role, and the practical steps undergrads (or career switchers) can take to stand out in a competitive job market. If you’re applying to hundreds of roles and getting ghosted, this is your blueprint to turn it around.💡 What You’ll Learn:Why imposter syndrome is your biggest enemy — and how to beat itThe three most effective education paths into data scienceWhat hiring managers actually look for in your resumeHow to build a compelling portfolio (with non-cliché projects)How to reverse-engineer job descriptions to tailor your resumeThe secret power of referrals — and how to land one on LinkedInWhy storytelling is a must-have skill for technical candidatesThe importance of understanding your target industry domain🛠 Jules’ Tips for Aspiring Data Scientists:Focus on core skills: SQL, Python, and business problem-solvingCreate a full-scope portfolio: Include a business case, notebook, and executive-ready summaryAvoid copy/paste projects: Skip Titanic and Kaggle clones — go find unique public datasetsBe intentional: Don’t “spray and pray” your resume — tailor it to your dream roleUse LinkedIn wisely: Reach out to alumni, second-degree connections, and always include your resume in DMsGo beyond online: Networking in person is underrated and powerful#datascience #jobseeker

    25 min
  2. MAR 26

    81. How to Future-Proof Your Career with AI Skills in 2025 and Beyond with Aleksandra Przegalinska

    AI isn’t just a tool — it’s becoming a teammate, a critic, and even a decision-maker. In this episode, Dr. Aleksandra Przegalińska — a global AI researcher and MIT fellow — joins TechGuide to explore how students and professionals can collaborate with AI, not compete against it. From AI's growing influence in creative industries to real-world prompting tips, Aleksandra shares cutting-edge insights on using AI responsibly and effectively. Plus, hear about her groundbreaking experiment writing a book with ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. If you’re a student, marketer, or anyone curious about working with AI, this episode will change the way you think about tech in your life and career. What You’ll Learn: Why every student needs to understand AI, regardless of their major How AI is changing creative industries — and what that means for marketers The art of prompting: How to get better results from ChatGPT and other tools Which skills will matter most in an AI-driven workforce Real examples of using AI as a collaborator, not just a generator Tips on finding legit resources to learn AI How hybrid teams of humans + AI will shape the future of work Timestamps: 00:00: Intro: Why students must understand AI 01:20: AI is the new internet: A universal platform 02:45: Which industries AI is impacting most 04:15: How AI is changing the creative process 05:40: Ethical concerns + AI delegation in daily life 07:10: Prompting tips: How to get better responses 09:20: Why long, specific prompts work better 10:40: Creative use case: Using AI as a critic 13:15: Avoiding AI-generated content fatigue 15:00: ChatGPT lingo and standing out with authenticity 16:40: Skills students need to thrive alongside AI 18:00: Human-AI collaboration in hybrid teams 19:30: Everyone uses AI — how to stand out anyway 20:45: Projects and experiments that impress in AI fields 23:00: Final advice: Where students should start with AI 24:00: Free courses and resources to learn AI 25:00: Where to connect with Aleksandra

    25 min
  3. MAR 19

    80. How to Break Into Data Science (and Land a High-Paying Job) with Dr. Gene Ray

    Want to break into data science and land a high-paying job? In this episode of The Tech Guide Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Gene Ray, a professor at Kennesaw State University and an industry expert who has helped countless students launch their careers in data science.Dr. Ray shares insider tips on:✅ The most important skills to learn (Hint: It’s not just coding!)✅ The best programming languages for data science✅ How to get hands-on experience while still in school✅ The role of AI in data science (and whether it’s coming for your job)✅ How to stand out in interviews and impress top employersWhether you're a student, career switcher, or just curious about data science, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you turn classroom knowledge into a successful career.Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome to The Tech Guide Podcast0:30 - From Student to Data Science Pro: What It Takes2:00 - Meet Dr. Gene Ray: His Journey & Expertise4:00 - The #1 Skill You Need to Succeed in Data Science5:20 - Python vs. R vs. SAS: Which Language Should You Learn?6:45 - Do You Need to Be Good at Math for Data Science?8:30 - Data Science Career Paths: Which One is Right for You?10:15 - How to Get Hands-On Experience in College (Even Without an Internship)11:45 - Best Side Projects to Build Your Data Science Portfolio13:00 - Real Student Success Stories: How They Landed Jobs14:30 - Should You Do Kaggle Competitions? Are They Worth It?16:00 - Master’s vs. PhD in Data Science: Do You Really Need One?17:50 - Can You Get a Data Science Job with Just a Bachelor’s Degree?19:30 - How AI & ChatGPT Are Changing Data Science Careers21:00 - Soft Skills You Need to Stand Out in Data Science22:30 - How to Land Your First Data Science Job23:30 - Dr. Gene Ray’s #1 Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists24:30 - Where to Connect with Dr. Gene Ray#DataScience #techcareers #MachineLearning

    24 min
  4. JAN 29

    77. How to Land a Job Interview in Computer Science with Maurice Herlihy, Professor at Brown University

    In this episode of The TechGuide Podcast, we dive into the world of computer science and tech careers with none other than Dr. Morris Herlihy, a pioneer in distributed computing and an academic powerhouse with ties to Harvard, MIT, and Brown University. Dr. Herlihy shares his journey, from starting as a math concentrator to shaping the future of computer science, and provides invaluable advice for students and professionals navigating the evolving tech landscape. Key Topics Covered: Grades vs. Skills: Why grades are often overrated and what really matters when pursuing a tech career. Non-Traditional Pathways: Dr. Herlihy’s unconventional journey into computer science and what it means for aspiring tech professionals. Choosing a Focus Area: How to select a computer science concentration and why flexibility is key. Emerging Industries: Insights into hot tech fields like AI and blockchain, plus why finance is a surprising favorite for CS graduates. Standing Out: Tips for landing internships, building a portfolio, and leveraging strong letters of recommendation. Tech Trends: How to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry and adapt to new technologies like generative AI. Big Picture Thinking: The importance of maintaining breadth and depth in your skillset and preparing for leadership roles. Actionable Takeaways: Focus on Experience: Prioritize internships and real-world projects over a perfect GPA. Leverage Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with professors through research or collaboration for standout references. Stay Current: Keep up with emerging trends and technologies by reading blogs, attending job fairs, and following industry leaders. Think Beyond Coding: Broaden your perspective to prepare for roles in leadership and interdisciplinary fields. Build a Portfolio: Showcase your skills with projects on GitHub, especially those tied to real-world problems. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Grades 00:17 Welcoming Dr. Morris Herlihy 00:29 Dr. Herlihy's Academic Journey 02:43 Advice for Undergraduates in Computer Science 06:06 Choosing a Focus Area in Computer Science 07:57 Exploring Careers in Finance and AI 11:43 Importance of Internships and Recommendations 16:07 Balancing Grades and Extracurricular Activities 20:04 Staying Current with Emerging Trends 24:17 Final Advice for Success #jobseeker #computerscience

    26 min
  5. JAN 15

    76. The most important job skill you NEED to land a job in data science

    In this episode, we talk with Jeff Richardson, Senior VP of Operations in clinical research and a statistics and data science professor at Central Connecticut State University. Jeff reveals insider tips on how to break into the field of data science, land your first job or internship, and set yourself up for long-term success in the tech industry. Whether you're a student majoring in data science or statistics, a recent grad trying to stand out in the job market, or simply exploring tech careers, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Time Stamps: 00:00 Meet Jeff Richardson 03:01 Finding Your Passion 05:05 Is Data Science for You 06:39 Building a Strong Resume 09:21 Top Skills for Entry-Level Jobs 11:07 Interview Prep Tips 15:22 Negotiating Your First Offer 17:35 Transitioning from College to Work 18:38 The First 90 Days 23:03 Mindset for Long-Term Success 24:58 Networking for Career Growth Resources Mentioned: The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins LinkedIn profiles of industry professionals Local and online data science communities and clubs 🙋‍♂️Connect with Jeff Richardson: Jeff is happy to connect and mentor aspiring data professionals! Reach out to him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrichardson/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrichardson/ 🔗 Stay Connected with Us: ✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. 🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Tech Guide Podcast! 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. #datascience #jobseeker

    25 min
  6. 12/30/2024

    75. Career Tips to Break Into Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Maya Ackerman

    Curious about the intersection of AI and creativity? In this episode of the Tech Guide podcast, host Ryan Atkinson welcomes Dr. Maya Ackerman, CEO of Wave AI and associate professor of computer science at Santa Clara University. Maya shares her journey of blending music and technology to create AI tools that support songwriters and musicians. From the founding story of Wave AI to advice for undergraduates and aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr. Ackerman discusses the evolution of AI, the importance of trusting your intuition, and the ethical considerations shaping the industry. Whether you're curious about generative AI or looking to break into the tech world, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The founding story behind Wave AI and its mission to help creators write music How generative AI has evolved over the past decade Career advice for undergraduates looking to break into AI and tech The future of AI in creative industries like music Ethical considerations and how to approach AI development responsibly Key Highlights: [00:02:00] Maya's background and the origin of Wave AI [01:41:00] Struggles with songwriting and the creation of Lyric Studio and Melody Studio [03:31:00] The evolution of AI from the 1950s to today's generative models [05:28:00] Opportunities in AI over the next 5-10 years [07:25:00] Top industries benefiting from AI and creative applications [11:11:00] Ethical considerations for AI and the importance of responsible development [15:15:00] How undergraduates can start projects and gain hands-on AI experience [19:24:00] Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and trusting your intuition [27:13:00] One piece of advice for undergraduates pursuing AI careers Resources Mentioned: Wave AI: wave-ai.com Lyric Studio and Melody Studio Upcoming Book: Creative Machines by Dr. Maya Ackerman (Fall Release) Connect with Dr. Maya Ackerman: LinkedIn: Dr. Maya Ackerman Website: wave-ai.com

    30 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

TechGuide was created with a simple mission in mind: Develop up-to-date, comprehensive, and easy-to-use informational resources for our readers. This podcast is an extension of the TechGuide website, which contains degree and career overviews, career profiles, and other guides.

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