Falling into Data: The Accidental Architect

No perfect grades. No prestigious pedigree. Just real experience solving real problems.

Join us for a candid conversation by WiBD and DataCamp Donates with Annie Friedman, Resident Solutions Architect @ Astronomer, about breaking into data the unconventional way. A few short lived jobs where workforce planning was still done manually, or a single misplaced zero could cost a fortune, discover how a series of "accidental" roles became the foundation for a data career.

What you'll learn:

Why architecture and clarity trump clever one-liners
How to act as a "data therapist" mediating between stakeholders
The fine line between over-engineering and building for scale
Practical insights for getting started without the traditional background

The truth? Mastering algorithms won't help if you miss the bigger picture. Being an expert with a hammer doesn't matter if you don't have the plans to build the house.
Whether you're considering a career in data or already navigating the ecosystem, this talk offers an honest look at what really matters: understanding the business, seeing the whole picture, and knowing when to engineer vs. when to ship.
Perfect for: Aspiring data professionals, career changers, and anyone who's ever felt they don't fit the "typical" data engineer mold.
Let's explore the messy, real path into data together.