Project volunteer Sam Watts
“Data is a really useful resource, but a lot of the time it only tells us part of the story.”
Pronouns He/Him
Roles AI Engineer at Continuum Industries, DA / Troubleshooter / Weekend Volunteer
Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/swatts123/ https://sam-watts.github.io/blog/
How did you first get into data - was it what you always wanted to do?
For my first real job after finishing my undergrad studies, I was lucky enough to join a fast-growing consultancy called Kubrick Group that opened up a lot of opportunities for me in the data world.
Before that, I didn’t really know much about data as a career path. All I knew was I wanted to work with software in some capacity. I always enjoyed academic problem solving, and software seemed to me like a way to take that and apply it to something more impactful and tangible in the wider world.
What do you wish you’d known when you started to get into data?
How helpful it is to be conscious of the bounds of your own knowledge. It’s ok not to know everything, and in fact most of the time things go smoother when you are honest about that with yourself and others.
What was your first experience volunteering with DataKind UK like?
Very inspiring! It was really a whirlwind of enthusiasm and energy. I was much less confident in my data skills at the time, but still felt able to contribute. I still have the free pen I got from that weekend and it brings back good memories!
What advice would you give new or potential volunteers?
Data is a really useful resource, but a lot of the time it only tells us part of the story. It’s important to try and see the wider picture, rather than the handful of csv’s that you’re working with on a data dive.
What is a data project that inspires you?
Forensic Architecture is a research agency based at Goldsmiths. They conduct investigations into state and corporate violence using spatial data.
I remember going to see one of their exhibitions a few years ago and being blown away by the models they were able to construct from “found footage” on social media.
Is there a resource or tool you’d recommend?
Right now I’m trying to work through the online version of Climate Change AI Summer School. I’d recommend taking a look!
Tell us something non-data-related about yourself!
I’ve been a runner for most of my life, and enjoy nothing more than a little jog after a long day of coding.
