Millie Goh, a data scientist from the Data Analytics and AI (DNA) Centre of Excellence, switched from a role in marketing and now works on cutting-edge AI and real-world healthcare needs, transforming raw data into actionable solutions.
Making a career switch for more motivation at work
Millie moved from a marketing role to becoming a data scientist, driven by a desire for a more technical and analytical career path.
Her love for solving puzzles naturally translated into a passion for tackling challenges in data science.
On top of that, Millie was particularly drawn to the HealthTech industry as she came to the realisation that people dedicate a significant amount of time to their jobs.
She wanted to make it count and have a lasting impact.
After careful consideration of what constitutes a “meaningful and fulfilling” job, Millie decided that she wanted to join the HealthTech industry, which combines the meaningful aspects of healthcare with the innovation and growth opportunities of the tech industry.
How to stay motivated on a new career path
Entering the data science field presented Millie with some significant challenges she had to overcome.
Inexperienced in any coding languages and lacking relevant prior working experience, she knew these shortcomings would drastically affect her chances of landing a data science job. Undeterred, Millie embarked on a bold career move.
Taking a gap year from work, she enrolled in a Masters of IT in Business programme to gain a deeper understanding of the field.
But her learning did not stop there. Millie actively self-learned, immersing herself in videos on model architecture and statistical concepts.
To better prepare herself, she subscribed to relevant data science newsletters and sought guidance from those who had made similar career transitions.
To Millie, the Masters of IT programme was not easy. She had to catch up on her technical coding skills while simultaneously grasping the theoretical concepts.
While the workload kept her schedule busy, she fostered a sense of camaraderie with fellow coursemates who were also changing careers.
Discovering this supportive community of peers made her journey far less lonely.
Millie shared how she managed to stay the course in her new career, saying, “Curiosity is a hot commodity.” She believes the ability to ask insightful questions is a key to success.
“This skill allows us to truly understand the needs of the healthcare system, peeling back the layers to uncover hidden challenges and opportunities,” she concluded.
This article is contributed by Synapxe, Singapore’s HealthTech agency enabling technology innovation in the public healthcare sector.
