Project volunteer Abhigya Chetna

“The most important lesson that I have learnt is the power of diversity and collaboration.”

Pronouns She/her
Roles Senior Data Analyst, LandSec | DataKind UK Data Ambassador and weekend volunteer
Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhigya-chetna-7a412a18/

How did you first get into data?

I got into data analytics after hearing cool stories about predictive analytics from peers and friends. The pay in the industry helped me decide quicker and work harder, and my education as an operational research graduate augmented it. I was not very sure of what I wanted to do, because of a lack of exposure to the corporate world and its opportunities. But things eventually fell into place. The rest is history!

What advice would you give to someone getting started with data?

I would advise my younger self that the more you sweat to create and design the data solution, the lower your chances of reworking it.

What was your first volunteering experience with DataKind UK like?

I was first a weekend DataDiver in July 2023. It was an overwhelming experience on the first day. But by Sunday, I got the hang of things. It was an enriching experience meeting professionals from different companies and academics. I am happy to have contributed significantly by making simple deductions and insights.

What are the most important things you learned as a volunteer?

The most important lesson that I have learnt is the power of diversity and collaboration. As a project volunteer, you are exposed to the problem statement and data for more than a month. And I thought everyone would be ready to start using the data straight away. But having a team of volunteers from different backgrounds raised so many more questions, all of them valid. It opened new streams of thought. We covered a significant part in two days, but more importantly, it gave a direction for using data and some operational insights which were unplanned.

What is a data project that inspires you?

A data project with a well-defined scope and clearly articulated potential usage is a great project. Data insights that are eye-opening for everyone are a great win for a data professional.

Is there a resource you’d recommend?

There is a sea of courses available now a days. All we need is consistency to follow through a course and use the learnings in day-to-day life.

Tell us something completely non-data-related about yourself!

I am teaching myself to paint with watercolours and love doing arts with recycled products. I also have a bit of green thumb and collect plants from here and there to grow in my garden.