Part 5/12:
Despite this democratization, Shan cautions that there is no substitute for raw aptitude—the curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and passion for learning. Recruitment from campuses now focuses less on where someone studied and more on who they are: their logical thinking, teamwork, and passion for their pursuits.
The Role of Aptitude versus Technical Skills
When asked if campus hiring still relies primarily on aptitude testing or if technical skills have become a necessity, Shan responds that the landscape is more flexible today. Initially, many firms prioritized aptitude because formal data science education was scarce; candidates were often tested on reasoning or problem-solving capabilities, while technical skills were developed post-hire through training.