Founder of Tekdlin Ebere Oyekwe’s approach to demystifying data science revolves around breaking down complex concepts into more digestible and relatable content, making the field more approachable for beginners and those outside the traditional tech sphere. By addressing common misconceptions directly, Oyekwe leverages her expertise to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of data science and analytics.
Tekdlin is a technology company that specializes in research in data, analytics solutions, and artificial intelligence (AI). The company offers technology solutions for businesses seeking to leverage the power of AI to advance and scale their operations. Their services encompass AI consulting, custom AI development, data analytics, and machine learning solutions.
We sat down with Oyekwe herself to explore these misconceptions and how she counters them in the field.
Misconception 1: Data Science is Only for Geniuses
There’s a pervasive notion that data science is exclusively the domain of individuals with exceptional mathematical and statistical skills, making it seem unattainable for the average person.
Oyekwe challenges this by emphasizing that, “Data science is, at its core, a multidisciplinary field that values curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn as much as it does technical prowess.”
She advocates for starting with foundational concepts and building up from there, showing that with the right guidance and resources, mastering data science is within reach for anyone genuinely interested.
Misconception 2: Data Science is Just About Coding
Another common misconception is that data science is all about coding and nothing else, which can be daunting for those not already versed in programming languages like Python or R.
Oyekwe demystifies this by highlighting the importance of the analytical mindset in data science. She explains, “Coding is a tool to implement solutions, but the essence of data science lies in understanding the problem, collecting and analyzing data, and then using insights to make informed decisions.”
By framing coding as just one part of the puzzle, she makes the field more accessible to people with diverse backgrounds. In fact, this particular notion is something she is extremely passionate about, as she is living proof that one can come from any background and succeed in the field. Oyekwe herself is from Nigeria, and understands the difficulties one can face when finding themselves in a new environment. For that reason, she seeks to help anyone wanting to jump with both feet into the data science field do so with confidence and skill.
Misconception 3: Data Science Results are Always Accurate
There’s also a misconception that outcomes derived from data science are infallible or that data science offers clear, unambiguous answers to complex questions.
Oyekwe addresses this by teaching that data science is as much about understanding the limitations and assumptions of your models as it is about analyzing data. She stresses the importance of critical thinking and the need to question and validate findings. By fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism, she encourages her audience to “not just accept results at face value, but to delve deeper into the analysis, understanding both its power and its limitations.”
In her efforts to make tech more accessible, Ebere Oyekwe stands as a beacon for those intimidated by the complexity of data science. By tackling these misconceptions head-on, she not only clears a path for aspiring data scientists but also illuminates the importance of a diverse and inclusive tech community. Her approach underscores the value of simplicity, education, and the democratization of knowledge in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.
About Ebere Oyekwe
Ebere Oyekwe, Founder of Tekdlin and Lead Event Coordinator of Konnect, helps beginner tech professionals get into tech roles and teaches tech and data skills online. She has 91.2K followers on Instagram and has placed 75% of her clients in their dream tech jobs. To learn more, please visit tekdlin.com and follow Ebere on Instagram: @nelotechie
