Navigating Data Field Job Assignments Effectively

photo by Maria Kostyleva (IG: masha_and_film)

Guys, let's talk seriously now. I understand that we’re all in a rush, but can we please, please stop blindly using GPT to solve home assignments we’re not sure how to tackle ourselves?

Why You Shouldn't Rely Solely on AI

If you get a home assignment, just uploading it to ChatGPT and relying on whatever comes up is very silly— to say the least! Using AI tools for everything can hinder your learning process.

Understanding Home Assignments

Here is your step-by-step guide if you're looking for a job in the data field:

• Read the task: Do this twice. Ensure you understand what is being asked.

  
  

• Understanding the Task: If you comprehend it, great! Go ahead, draft your solution, and start coding. There are a few more steps involved, but you likely know what to do—just dive in!

  
  

• If you don’t understand the task: If terms like “Marketing Mix Modeling” or “building FastAPI” seem alien to you, consider your options:

  
  

1. Politely decline: Thank them for the opportunity and recognize that you’ve saved time for both sides.

   
   

2. Take up the challenge: Be prepared for a stressful learning experience under considerable time pressure. If you're passionate about the field, you might find it worth your while. However, accept from the beginning that the chances of landing the job are slim.

   
   

Research and Preparation

If you decide to tackle the assignment, follow these steps:

1. Identify the topic: Use ChatGPT or another LLM to understand the subject. This isn’t about solving the task but getting a grasp of what it's about.

   
   

2. Deep dive into research: Google the topic and 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 everything you can find about it. Consider reaching out to someone experienced in this area. You can use platforms like mentorcruise.com to find a mentor. Set up a call to gain insights into the basics and what to keep in mind while tackling the task.

   
   

3. Still unsure?: After two days of research, if you still feel lost, thank them again and respectfully decline. You've avoided wasting both your time and theirs.

   
   

4. Solution preparation: If you grasp the topic and feel prepared to attempt a solution, create a logical report with a clear structure. Often, the report is more important than the code you wrote. Seriously!

   
   

Final Thoughts

In summary, using LLMs to understand a task is acceptable. They can aid in deep researching a topic you haven't encountered before. However, relying on AI for vague home assignments will likely lead you astray. The initial solution you get may mislead you. Each week, I encounter candidates’ assignments, and I can easily detect if they were influenced by a GPT hallucination. Avoid this trap.

Conclusion

Good luck with your job search! 🍀 If you're eager to grow faster, consider booking a discovery call to learn more about the mentorship support I provide!

This guidance not only helps you navigate your job search better but also cultivates skills necessary in your data career. Embrace the learning journey and ensure you are prepared to make informed decisions!