Data science in transport: every career journey matters
The journey from academia to industry can be a daunting one. What does data science in industry look like day-to-day? How do you apply theory to business problems with tight deadlines and messy data?
This session brings together data science experts from Transport for London (TfL) to map out their journeys from academia to one of the world’s leading and data rich transport authorities. They will explore what actually matters in industry data science, how to position your experience, and why working on transport problems offers a mix of technical challenges and social impact.
Please note this event is open to LSE students only.
About the speakers
Alex Drake is a Lead Data Scientist at Transport for London with experience across operational and strategic analytics, developing scalable data products and frameworks to translate complex data and information into business solutions. With a background in Physics, his career has taken him from engineering research and development to advanced analytics and machine learning in industry. He is experienced working across the data science field, from research to deployment, and is a strong believer in lifelong learning.
Harriet Grayson leads the Strategic Risk Analysis team within TfL's Safety, Health and Environment function, leveraging advanced analytics to understand safety risk and hazards across all of TfL’s operations. She started her career on TfL’s graduate scheme fresh out of her maths degree, enjoying a variety of engineering and data placements before finding her feet in the data science team that supports the delivery of an efficient and reliable road network. Since then she’s worked in many of the data and analysis teams at TfL, and has enjoyed transitioning from a technical, hands-on data scientist to a senior manager and team leader, promoting data science and leading initiatives to expand its reach across TfL.
About Careers in Data Science and AI
This talk forms part of the Data Science Institute's Careers in Data Science and AI series, which aims to connect students with people working in data science who have made the transition into industry.
Held twice per term, these events are open to all LSE students with an interest in pursuing a career in data science or related fields. Our series features guests with experience of both the public and private sectors, including early career professionals as well as established leaders.
The Careers in Data Science and AI series provides opportunities to find out more about pursuing a career in data science and AI in an informal environment. Each presentation is designed to be conversational in tone. Audience questions are encouraged and there is further opportunity to ask questions and network with refreshments after the presentation.
LSE holds a wide range of events, covering many of the most controversial issues of the day, and speakers at our events may express views that cause offence. The views expressed by speakers at LSE events do not reflect the position or views of the London School of Economics and Political Science.