#254 - What Do Data Scientists Actually Do? A Candid Conversation with Ryan Varley

Develop Yourself

Have you ever wondered what data scientists and engineers actually do all day? Forget what you've seen in movies – it's not all neural networks and fancy algorithms.
Ryan Varley, Engineering Fellow at Magnite and experienced data leader, pulls back the curtain on the rapidly evolving world of data science and engineering.

The real work often involves what he colorfully describes as "really complex plumbing" – making processes more efficient, reliable, and scalable in ways that directly impact business outcomes.
Whether you're considering a career pivot into data, trying to understand how these roles fit within your organization, or simply curious about the mechanics behind today's AI revolution, this episode provides an accessible window into a complex and increasingly crucial field.

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn .

Read Ryan's Newsletter for engineering leaders facing the hardest problem in scaling their impact: https://newsletter.ryanvarley.com/

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Ryan Varley (00:00:00)

2. Data Science Evolution and AI Impact (00:05:45)

3. Day in the Life: Data Engineering (00:11:21)

4. Why Data Teams Are Core (00:18:27)

5. Career Paths in Data Science (00:21:16)

6. Database Preferences and MongoDB Critiques (00:28:52)

7. Machine Learning Applications and Resources (00:33:19)