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From Data Science to Machine Learning
Sarah Glasmacher started working in Machine Learning when she got her first job in consulting. But when she found herself ready for a switch, the recruitment consultants at Visser & Van Baars played a significant role in her next career step. For Sarah, they stood out among the other recruiters who approached her with their genuine tone and interest in her wishes and needs. The result? She is now working as a Machine Learning Engineer at a renewable energy company and loves to put all her enthusiasm and drive into educating others about the amazing world of machine learning.
When Sarah Glasmacher grew up, she loved maths. However, she had no idea where it could take her. It wasn't until university that she discovered the potential of applying her mathematical skills to real-world problems through computer science. As she humorously states: “I don’t think many children grow up thinking ‘I want to be a data scientist’. I know I didn’t.” Finding one’s path in an industry that develops faster than any other, can be a journey of exploration and self-discovery. And this is indeed how Sarah experienced her growth trajectory.
Passion for machine learning
After two bachelor's degrees, it was during her master's program in computer science that Sarah found her true calling. She explains: "I realised that while I loved math, the traditional paths like working in insurance seemed overwhelming at the time". "I was drawn to the more modern, flexible, and laid-back environment that computer science offered." The transition into machine learning, as a sub-field of data science, turned out to be an important moment for Sarah. Initially entering the field through consulting, she soon realised that her interest lay in building and implementing machine learning models. "I knew I wanted to delve deeper into machine learning in my career, not just data analysis”.
The experience of
Data Scientist Sarah
“The recruitment consultant at Visser & Van Baars really took the time to talk to me, and made sure they understood what I valued in my next role so they knew exactly what I was looking for.”
Visser & Van Baars truly listened
After having been approached by several recruiters, she received a message from one of the recruitment consultants at Visser & Van Baars. He wanted to hear what Sarah felt was important for her. He did not seem to have a concrete job offer at the time, but he took the time to talk to Sarah. “The recruiter didn't just present a job offer; they wanted to understand what I valued in my next role. And he must have taken great notes, as every person I spoke to after this call, knew and understood exactly what I wanted.”
Another value that struck Sarah in the engagement with Visser & Van Baars was that they fully understood what her expertise was all about. For Sarah, this was a breath of fresh air. "Not everyone defines these terms the same way," she points out. "It's crucial to ask questions and ensure everyone is on the same page. And that is exactly what they did. They asked the right questions and they understood exactly what I was looking for. It was a great experience."
Machine learning and data science
In her current role at a renewable energy company, which she landed after the fruitful collaboration with Visser & Van Baars, Sarah is involved in diverse projects. The company is looking into ways to apply machine learning and use it in innovative ways to improve processes and address real-world challenges. There are endless opportunities, from developing predictive models for energy consumption to enhancing internal knowledge systems using machine learning techniques. Sarah explains: "I want to not only contribute to the company's success but also educate others about machine learning.” She aims to promote the field and share her knowledge to empower colleagues to leverage machine learning effectively.
Recruitment consultants supporting your growth
In a currently still predominantly male industry, Sarah stands out as a young female. She recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion. "It's essential to have representation and support for women in the field," she emphasises. "Having female colleagues and mentors creates a more inclusive environment and encourages more women to pursue careers in tech."
Reflecting on her journey, Sarah offers advice to aspiring data scientists. "Take the time to explore opportunities and find recruiters who understand your goals," she advises. "Not a lot can go wrong, really, don’t be scared. Just meet recruiters, talk to them and see if there is a click. The person you deal with really matters. The important thing is that the recruiter listens to you, gets to know you, knows your industry and understands your needs. Embrace the learning process and seek environments that support your growth." Sarah's positive experience with Visser & Van Baars and finding the right fit turned out great, and set her up for success in her further career as a machine learning engineer.