SDS 599: MLOps: Machine Learning Operations — with @Miki_ML

Career Journey

Mikiko Bazeley's career journey from data science to MLOps is a testament to her determination and adaptability. Initially working as a data scientist at Teladoc, she felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue a more engineering-focused path, despite the risks involved. Mikiko took a six-month sabbatical to develop her skills in MLOps, creating a personal curriculum and engaging in side projects, which ultimately led to multiple job offers without the need for technical interviews 1. Her rapid transitions from data analyst to data scientist and then to MLOps engineer highlight her proactive approach to career development 2.

   

Mentorship

Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Mikiko's career, providing guidance and support at critical junctures. She emphasizes the importance of having mentors who can teach essential skills and help navigate career challenges. Mikiko's own experiences of being underestimated and overcoming obstacles have fueled her passion for mentoring others, believing in the power of a growth mindset to transform one's career trajectory 3. Her involvement in content creation and mentorship initiatives reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and empowering others in the field of MLOps 4.

   

Hiring Insights

In her role on Mailchimp's global engineering hiring committee, Mikiko Bazeley prioritizes culture add over culture fit, seeking candidates who uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion. She advises job seekers to know themselves, articulate their stories, and demonstrate humility during interviews. Mikiko values candidates who can take ownership of their work and navigate ambiguity, drawing parallels to the concept of extreme ownership often found in military experience 5. Her insights highlight the importance of personal accountability and the ability to contribute positively to a diverse team environment 6.