Evolving in the world of data science
Exploring the data with Thijs Roukens
At bol.com we love to grow, in all different directions. Whether it’s by taking on a leadership position, deepening expertise or pursuing a completely new career path, our colleagues are encouraged to continuously challenge themselves and try out new things. In our ´Exploring the Data´ blog series, we catch up with Data Scientists at bol.com who have made career switches, changed directions, or explored different departments. You’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of personalities – analytical, introverted, outgoing, chaotic, creative, and practical. But they all share a common trait: the courage to grow, to try something new, and to discover what works best for them.
Data Scientist Thijs started his bol.com career in the Forecasting department, but has later transitioned to the Pricing, Assortment and Promotions team. Although his first role was a great opportunity to dip his toes into the world of data science, he is happy with the growth he has experienced since then. “My advice to others concerning a new career path is to stop overthinking and just take the plunge. In my opinion, switching things up every couple of years is a good way to keep learning and growing.”
Can you explain the difference between both departments?
“The Forecasting department is responsible for predicting a variety of metrics, such as the volume of customer calls and the number of products to sell on the platform. The methodologies we used were usually well-studied, making our predictions relatively straightforward and accurate compared to the actual outcome. But when it comes to pricing, assortment and promotions, the solutions to challenges are much more of an unknown. Even though Forecasting was a great place to kick off my professional career, I was excited to take my skills to the next level and progress as a Data Scientist.”
“My advice to others concerning a new career path is to stop overthinking and just take the plunge. In my opinion, switching things up every couple of years is a good way to keep learning and growing.”
Gaining knowledge and experience
“I’m a very analytical and curious person, I like to dive into a problem and move things forward in a simple and pragmatic way. When I started working at bol.com, everything was new to me, and I had to navigate a new work environment. This time around, I can use some of the experience from my previous job and apply it to my current role. For example, I’m applying the forecasting technology I have already worked with and using it to start new projects in my current team.”
“Surprisingly, I was also recently introduced to challenges that could benefit from some of the methodologies that I learned a while ago at university. It’s really fun and rewarding to me that I can tap into my existing skills and knowledge, and use them in a new context. ”
New beginnings
Even though Thijs was entirely on board with his decision to switch roles, it always takes some time to get used to a new work environment. “Starting a new adventure was exciting, but I didn’t know many of the people I’d be working with. My colleagues are very nice though, and I am quite familiar with lots of the data that is being used. All in all, I’m thrilled with my decision to join a new team and gain a ton of new experiences.”