My Path to Data
Welcome to the second edition of “My Path to Data,” where we talk to women from Slalom, current and alumni, about how they got into data, what their roles are like and even some tips on how to prepare for a career in data. Remember to join the 1-hour panel discussion event on November 18th hosted by Slalom’s Women in Data to hear more about their journeys and share stories of their careers at Slalom.
Today, we spoke with Diamond Williams, a Data Engineer, from Slalom’s Houston office. She shares her path to data after a career pivot from being a Manufacturing Quality Engineer.
How did you get into the data field?
I graduated with the BS in Industrial Engineering and MS in Quality Management. I’ve spent most of my career working within Aerospace Manufacturing as a Quality and Process Improvement Engineer. Roughly two years ago I did a career pivot into Tech as a Data Engineer by taking a 6-month Data Analytics Bootcamp. Since September 2020 I have been a _builder at Slalom.
What’s one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself before starting a career in data?
I wish I could have told myself to start my data career sooner. Much of the projects I had as a Quality Engineer were data centric. If I started my transition to data sooner, I can’t imagine how much further along I would be skillset and career wise.
What was your role at Slalom?
I am a Data Engineer at Slalom _build, or also known as a _builder!
What made you decide to apply to or choose Slalom?
I choose Slalom based on company values and Slalom’s emphasis on modern consulting.
What are some tips for those interested in a career in data or applying to Slalom?
Never stop trying or learning. Data is vast and often times overwhelming. Always strive to know more today than you did yesterday.
What’s the most important Slalom core value to you now as a woman in data?
Celebrate authenticity. I felt like majority of the jobs I had before Slalom, wanted a specific version of me and not the full me. I am fully myself every day; which Slalom accepts and values every day!
What is your superpower? Tell us something that you are damn good at!
I would summarize my superpower by my favorite quote “It’s not that I’m so smart. I just stay with problems longer” — Albert Einstein
Want to hear more from Diamond?
Register now for Slalom’s Women in Data Community event: You & Data panel discussion on November 18th. Whether you have 10+ years of experience or are just starting your career, we hope you will join us to listen in on this conversation with other women in the industry. https://go.slalom.com/WID_You-and-Data
Diamond has been a _builder at Slalom since Sept 2020. She graduated with the BS in Industrial Engineering and MS in Quality Management. She has spent most of her career working within Aerospace Manufacturing as a Quality and Process Improvement Engineer. Roughly two years ago she did a career pivot into Tech as a Data Engineer.
