How to grow your skill to get in to AI/Machine Learning/Data Science teams

by Senthil Kumaran | at MinneBar 14

This January 2019 report from Indeed, one of the top job sites, showed a 29% increase in demand for data scientist’s year over year and a 344% increase since 2013 -- a dramatic upswing. The rise of AI and Machine Learning may also be a factor in the dramatic increase in demand for Data Scientists. Let us first understand the difference between AI, Machine Learning and Data Science. What companies in town are working on these new innovations? and what are they looking for?. What are the different job titles in a Data Science team? What skills are needed in each of these job titles?. You know how to program and work with SQL but how do you break into this team? What are available courses that you can take in online learning platforms like Coursera, Udacity, Udemy Lynda Edureka, ClassCentral Edx, Emeritus, etc? How about other university programs in town?

Come into the session and let us explore this together.

Senthil Kumaran

Senthil S. Kumaran is a technology executive, architect, and educator with over 30 years of experience in software engineering and leadership. He has driven digital transformation and technological innovation across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing. His expertise includes strategic IT leadership, cloud-native architecture, enterprise architecture, and the implementation of advanced technologies like applied AI and machine learning to create scalable, impactful solutions. He is also a recognized thought leader in applying agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

Kumaran currently serves as the CIO at MNGI Digestive Health and holds a part-time position as an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University. In this academic role, he teaches courses in software engineering, emerging technologies, and data management. He is also a sought-after speaker who has presented at over 100 technical and healthcare conferences on the intersection of technology, healthcare, and AI.

As the technical co-founder of Virtuwell, a pioneering telehealth platform, Kumaran designed and implemented a HIPAA-compliant system that served over one million patients, earning a 98%+ positive feedback rating. His contributions included developing clinical decision support systems and optimizing patient engagement workflows. At Virtuwell, he led the AI, Machine Learning, and Enterprise Architecture group, driving over $100 million in savings, innovation, and growth through digital product development.

He holds a Master's in Electronics Engineering from Bharathiar University, India, and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. He is also an active contributor to various nonprofits and frequently presents at technology events worldwide.