International Women’s Day 2021: Reflections from a Lead Data Scientist
Elisabeth Kant shares insights into her role as a Lead Data Scientist, a woman in tech and a mother of three.
Elisabeth Kant wasn’t always a data scientist. In fact, it wasn’t until 2013 — when she was growing increasingly frustrated with her job as a consultant — that she first heard the term. “I was immediately curious about it and started researching the web. I stumbled upon the Coursera Data Science Specialization course and enrolled the same day.”
Having always been deeply passionate about math and numbers, it was only natural that her career evolved alongside the steep rise in data-driven technology. “My educational background is in theoretical physics which provides the solid mathematical foundation and the passion for the beauty of math needed for data science. After starting my professional career as an Analyst, I began to build upon it through online courses in machine learning and programming. Then, I was eventually able to work as a Data Scientist in e-commerce and online education.”
With a growth mindset and a passion for complex problem-solving, Elisabeth found that a career in Data Science ticked all the boxes. “It’s all about solving complicated problems with smart collaborators. Learning something new every day. I enjoy that a lot.”
For those of us in the tech field, data science is a term we hear often. But it’s not always obvious to the casual observer. “Some people are scared by the idea of artificial intelligence and algorithms taking decisions. But new technology is nothing to be afraid of, it is all about how humans use (or abuse) the technology.”
When reflecting on the challenges she faces in her role, Elisabeth mentions the balance between her home and work life. “With 3 kids, I am mostly enjoying and sometimes juggling to reconcile work and family life.”
We asked Elisabeth what her experience has been working in a male-dominated field. “My overall experience is that being a woman didn’t impede or hinder me from pursuing a career in tech. I feel well-respected and that I am an active member of the tech community.”
As she continues to reflect back on her career and time spent in university, she enlightens us more on her experience. “Back in university, I once experienced getting worse homework grades than a male student who actually copied my work. That immediately stopped when I abbreviated my surname, thus hiding my gender identity. I have also experienced the reality of the gender pay gap in the past.”
Unfortunately, Elisabeth’s experience earning less than her male colleagues is all too familiar for millions of women around the world. In fact, women earn 14.1% on average less per hour than men in the EU according to EU27 data. One aspect that factors into this is part-time work. On average in 2019, a third of EU working women worked part-time whereas only 8% of men did the same. Moreover, 15.0% of 15-to-64-year-old non-working women are inactive for care reasons like looking after dependents (children or incapacitated adults), compared to only 1.4% of men.
Elizabeth adds that this gap is something that company’s need to focus more on. Not only should they be aware of financial discrimination, but they should be transparent about it. Moreover, companies should actively encourage fathers to take parental leave and part-time positions.
No matter what numbers you look at, it’s clear that the gender pay gap is still alive and thriving, and will continue to do so unless organisations and governments choose to fight back with active measures.
Despite the hurdles, Elisabeth has made great strides in her career and has made a huge impact on the tech community. She offers advice to those who wish to follow a similar path. “Just go for it. Don’t question your skills and abilities too much. It is normal to have questions and doubts. It is normal to constantly learn. No one knows everything. I’d give the same advice to all genders pursuing a career in tech.”
The fact is, women are far from the only one’s fighting for equality. An inclusive culture should focus on fairness for all, regardless of gender, age, race, different abilities, sexual orientation or identity. Something that Elisabeth thinks companies should focus more on. “ Create an inclusive culture around all dimensions, not just gender.”
—
Do you believe in the power of diversity and inclusion? Are you looking for a career in tech in an organisation that actively measures and constantly tries to improve diversity and inclusion? Join SumUp.
Check out our open positions here.
