Welcome to Connecting Dots,  

From optimizing Google search rankings and LinkedIn recommendations to transforming all sectors, data science is surely the next big thing. Yet the terms “data science” and “data scientist” aren’t always easily understood, and are used to describe a wide range of data-related work. To demystify these terms for you, we have with us today, Aleena Taufiq -  a passionate data scientist at Verizon, TX.   

In this episode, Aleena reflects on her current role, the skills needed to succeed in this position, and how her academic journey paved the way for her career. She shares how she had been fortunate to be dispensed with opportunities such as participating in competitions and presenting in front of companies' boards of directors. As a believer in giving it forward, Aleena started a non-profit organization, Geared Up, that brings engineering enrichment programs to underprivileged schools across the States.   

Going the extra mile in her career, Aleena has accomplished a lot, and that too at a young age. Throughout the episode, you’d find her personality exuding dedication towards tech and hope this not only inspires us to dig more into this field but more importantly, it serves as a strong compeller for us to find a job we love as well.  

Aleena's Socials: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaiza-qayyum-8a453824/ 

Twitter: @AleenaTaufiq 

IG: @aleenataufiq 

Geared Up: https://www.geared-up.org/meet-the-team  

Geared Up (blog): https://blog.smu.edu/smumagazine/2018/02/aleena-taufiq-caswell-leaders/ 

Verizon's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOn5KkG3lMg 

Stem Story: https://www.1mwis.com/profiles/Aleena-Taufiq

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pLNj_UeM0l4