From Petroleum Engineering to Data Science: Jaiyesh Chahar’s Journey

Introduction

Jaiyesh Chahar, a Petroleum Engineer turned Data Scientist, shares his educational journey, the inspiration behind his switch to data science, and his experiences in the field. With a strong background in petroleum engineering and a passion for mathematics, Jaiyesh found his calling in data science. In this article, we delve into his journey, the challenges he faced, and his advice for those interested in pursuing a career in data science.

Let’s get into this thrilling and compelling conversation with Jaiyesh.

Interview Excerpts with Jaiyesh Chahar

AV: Please introduce yourself and share your educational journey with us.

Jaiyesh: Hi, I am Jaiyesh Chahar, a Petroleum Engineer turned Data Scientist. I have done my bachelor’s in petroleum engineering from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun. After that, I pursued my master’s from IIT ISM Dhanbad, and there I decided to take Machine Learning as my minor. From there, my journey of becoming a Data Scientist started. After that, I worked as a Petroleum Data Scientist for an Oil and Gas Startup. And later, I joined Siemens as a Data Scientist.

AV: What made you decide to become a Data Scientist?

Jaiyesh: I always loved mathematics, and if we see data science, machine learning, or even complex deep learning networks is nothing but the application of algebra, differential calculus, and statistics. So, mathematics attracted me towards data science. Also, as I was a petroleum engineer in Oil and gas industry, there was an immense increase in data. So, I decided to take advantage of this vast amount of data to solve problems in the Oil and Gas Industry.

AV: You have a specialization in Petroleum; what made you switch? What steps did you take to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field of Data Science?

Jaiyesh: I started by using Data Science as a tool for solving problems in Petroleum Industry. So, I was a Petroleum Engineer who knew Data Science. And regarding the steps, the initial step was learning how to code using python. Started with python, followed by useful libraries of python like Numpy, pandas, and Matplotlib. Then Statistics, machine learning, and at last deep learning. Also, at each step, a lot of practice is required.

AV: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career as a Data Scientist? How did you overcome it?

Jaiyesh: My biggest challenge was to get a job as a fresher without any experience, but here my petroleum background helped me because there are very few people who have knowledge of oil and gas as well as data science. So that mixture helped me to get my first job.

AV: You are one of the co-founders of “Petroleum From Scratch.” What was the inspiration behind it?

Jaiyesh: We started Petroleum from Scratch during covid times 2020. A lot of organizations started during that time, and they were charging hefty amounts for providing training to petroleum students/engineers. And also oil and gas market was at its lowest point, as crude prices went below zero. So a lot of layoffs happened in the oil and gas industry. So, to help professionals and students, we came up with Petroleum From Scratch, where we share knowledge free of cost.

AV: After working at Siemens for over a year, can you describe a recent project you have worked on, and what were some key insights or takeaways?

Jaiyesh: So, one of my recent projects is for a giant automotive company, where we built a complete pipeline for the detection of faulty parts in the manufacturing unit. In this project, not only the Data Science part but the software piece was also delivered by us. So, this project showed me the importance of knowing software pipeline development, even being a data scientist.

Tips for Data Scientist Enthusiasts

AV: What are habits that you swear by which have led you to be successful?

Jaiyesh: Consistency and showing up daily are key habits that can help in achieving success in any area of life. When we consistently show up and put in the effort, we are more likely to make progress and see results over time.

This is especially true when it comes to learning new skills or developing new habits. By consistently practicing or working on something every day, we can build momentum and make steady progress towards our goals. This can help us stay motivated and avoid getting discouraged or giving up too soon.

In addition to consistency, other habits that can contribute to success include setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and maintaining a positive attitude. By combining these habits with consistency and daily effort, we can create a powerful formula for achieving success in any area of life.

AV: What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in data science, and what skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in this field?

Jaiyesh: Always start with basics, and have a strong grasp of these basic things. Because many people in the industry don’t know what exactly is going under the hood of complex algorithms, and the answer to that is basic mathematics. So, it’s always good to have a strong understanding of basic concepts. Mathematics, Statistics, and Python Programming are the skills that will help a lot. If you want to become a Data Scientist. Then, click here for more details.

Conclusion

Jaiyesh Chahar’s journey from petroleum engineering to data science is an inspiration for those looking to make a career switch. With a strong foundation in mathematics and a willingness to learn, Jaiyesh has successfully navigated the challenges of the data science field. His co-founding of “Petroleum From Scratch” showcases his commitment to sharing knowledge and helping others. His advice for aspiring data scientists to have a strong grasp of basic concepts and skills in mathematics, statistics, and programming is invaluable. Jaiyesh’s journey proves that with passion and perseverance, one can achieve success in any field.