Career Journeys Series, Dr. Haema Nilakanta

2024-04-30
🚀 Unveiling the Untold Career Odyssey: Meet the Mavericks Who Charted Their Own Paths 🚀

Welcome to the Career Journeys series, a captivating exploration of researchers who ventured beyond the academic realm. Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories of those who embraced unconventional paths, discovering the moments that propelled them towards new horizons. Get ready to be inspired by these trailblazers who redefined the boundaries of success. Dive in now and embark on an exhilarating journey of ambition and discovery!

Name: Haema Nilakanta

Current job title: Principal Data Scientist

Current Industry: Retail

Can you share a bit about your academic background and the research you pursued during your MS/PhD studies?

I earned my undergraduate degree in math while taking more statistics classes near the end of my undergraduate career. I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but wasn’t sure in exactly what. Fortunately, I received sound advice to only pursue graduate school if I knew my “why” (as there would be times where it’s really hard and I’d want to quit, so I should have my “why” to motivate me). Since I didn’t have that answer yet, I worked for a bit after my bachelors degree.  I then first started graduate school while working full time in clinical research at a biostatistics research institution. Initially I enrolled as a part time student in a Biostatistics Masters program. During this time, though, I realized I wanted to be more involved in the larger planning and architecture of projects, which a masters alone would likely limit me to, particularly for anything government funded (e.g., couldn’t be a Principal Investigator on a study without a PhD).

Moreover, I realized that I did not want to feel confined to one field, but rather would prefer having a skillset transferable to other areas. As such, I applied to PhD programs in statistics and was fortunate to be accepted at the University of Minnesota. My PhD research focused on statistical computing. In particular, studying how we can ensure the reliability of our results when running simulation based studies; further focusing on two applications in studying network properties and approximating functions. 

What initially drew you to pursue research in academia?

I grew up in an academic family and community, so was always surrounded by that lifestyle. It was the default path I knew! On top of that, I was always enticed by this idea of being an expert in an area and living the faculty life. Lastly, I did, and still do, enjoy teaching quite a bit.

What factors or events prompted your decision to transition out of academia into either the private/public sector?

There were a few factors. Firstly, the stress and pressures of faculty life now. For example, the uncertainty of tenure-track roles, “publish or perish” mindset, and the endless competitive nature of the field. The faculty-life I grew up in was not the same that it is now. Secondly, trying to envision how I would manage both research and teaching. At one point in my PhD program I was teaching two classes and struggling to work on research. I was starting to feel as if I wasn’t making progress anywhere and at the same time feeling burnt out. Thirdly, I had opportunities during my PhD program to complete internships in industry and I really enjoyed them. I worked with smart people on challenging problems. And lastly, the money, industry would pay way better than academia, particularly at the beginning of my career.

What role did the fear of the unknown play into your decision-making? How’d you cope with those feelings?

The fear of the unknown can be so stifling! I was terrified of making the wrong decision, of disappointing my advisor, department, and family, of choosing industry, of closing the door on an academic career. The thing that I would reflect on, and still do, is knowing that we make the best decision that we can with the information we have. And that as I get more information and experience, I can always re-evaluate. We’re never stuck in one place. Even though I’ve been in industry now for almost 5 years, I think about re-entering academia through adjunct roles to get back to teaching, which I thoroughly enjoy. Or consider ways I can partner with former classmates who are now faculty at universities. Another thing that calms me down when I get overwhelmed with the decision making process is knowing that whatever path I choose, I’ll make the best of the situation, as we all have to. And I’ll be earnest and genuine in my efforts. 

How did you leverage the skills and experiences gained during your academic journey to excel in your new career path?

First and foremost, the skillset to learn; the ability to go down to the fundamentals and build up. There’s a lot of new techniques that I don’t know, but I remind myself, I have the skills to write out the functions and build up the knowledge and process of how different models/algorithms work. Second, the skills to communicate technical topics. I was lucky that I had a strong advisor who demanded his students be able to effectively present their work. Establishing rules such that if we ever have notation on our slides, we need to define those terms. I also had classmates who I could  practice my presentations to as many times as I needed. Where they would give me constructive feedback to make my presentations better. And of course, teaching undergraduate classes helped with this too. Lastly, a skillset I grew during my Phd that I use everyday is humility. As you study any topic deeply, the more you realize how much you don’t know! Truly the Dunning-Kruger curve in real life. Understanding that you know only a part of a field, but grounding yourself in what you do know and acknowledging what you don’t know is an important skill. Being honest about when you don’t know something will actually allow you to learn and grow. 

What resources or strategies did you find most helpful when exploring career options outside of academia?

Internships, networking, conferences, informational interviews, talking with classmates who pursued non-academic paths.

What role did continuous learning and professional development play in your journey?

In my field of data science/AI I have to be continuously learning to stay up to date. That means reading new papers and blogs, checking out online courses, or listening in on others' presentations. As for professional development opportunities, as I’ve been maturing in my career, I’m seeking more leadership trainings and opportunities to take more leadership roles. 

How has your lifestyle and general well-being improved in your life after pivoting away from academia?

Not surprisingly, the financial resources have allowed my family and me to pursue choices that would have otherwise been more difficult. I’ve also had opportunities to work with different technologies that I may not have had such easy access to otherwise. 

What achievements or milestones are you most proud of?

I’m one of a handful of women principal data scientists at a Fortune 50 company. I’m also proud that I’ve stayed true to my statistical training and use what I learn (or how to learn) everyday. Lastly, I am also proud of the way I approach working with others, to be approachable, methodical, and open to different ideas. 

How do you feel your work in your new career path has made a difference or contributed to your field at large?

Already in statistics it’s not uncommon for people to go into industry as it’s a highly utilized skill. In fact, in my PhD cohort, about 50% went into industry. But I do think more examples of PhD graduates making careers in different areas shows future students the variety of options they have in store. 

Did you seek out any professional guidance or coaching during your transition? If so, how did it contribute to your success? If not, do you wish you had and why?

I have not sought career coaching yet, but I’ve been thinking about it more seriously. Especially as I grow more in my leadership role and consider my next steps. I do wish I worked with a career coach earlier on to, at minimum, bounce off some ideas and help improve my own confidence. 

How do you think career coaching can support academics in navigating career transitions effectively?

Yes, particularly those who are not sure what they want to do with their career.

What opportunities or challenges do you anticipate in your field? How do you plan to adapt and grow?

My field, data science/AI, is so rapidly changing that the opportunities and challenges there are endless. My plan to adapt and grow is to stay open to learn while remembering my fundamentals and  ground myself that I can learn as long as I take my time and go step by step. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience about your career journey on the possibilities outside academia?

Everyone’s path is different, there is no right or wrong here (as frustrating at times as that can be!). Whatever you choose to do, you’ll most likely make the best of the situation. And it’s okay to change too! Good luck in the process and enjoy the moments along the way.

You can find the full interview with Haema on the LaterAcademia newsletter! Subscribe so you don’t miss anything :)  

And you can find Haema on LinkedIn!

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