Hello everyone,
I’m Kushagra, currently working as a Data Scientist at ICICI Lombard, one of India’s leading general insurance companies. In my current role, I design intelligent, data-driven solutions, build predictive models, and use statistical insights to optimize business decisions that touch millions of lives.

My Journey: From MIT Manipal to IIT Kanpur to ICICI Lombard

My journey began at MIT, Manipal, where I completed my B.Tech. After graduation, I started working while preparing for the GATE exam, a phase that taught me discipline, focus, and time management. Managing a full-time job alongside intense preparation wasn’t easy, but consistent effort and structured planning made it possible.

With dedicated preparation, I secured a GATE rank under 1000, which led me to the prestigious IIT Kanpur for my Master’s. Those two years were truly transformative. They strengthened my understanding of statistical modelling, optimization, and mathematical foundations, skills that later became central to my work in data science.

During my academic journey, I also explored multiple free certifications from platforms like Microsoft, Google, and IBM, and honed my skills in Python, SQL, and statistics. I believe these form the true backbone of data science. I worked on small projects that allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, bridging the gap between learning and implementation.

Eventually, my journey brought me to ICICI Lombard, where I now work on designing and deploying data solutions that contribute directly to business growth and efficiency.

How I Prepared to Land a Role in a Reputed Company

Looking back, a few guiding principles made all the difference:

1. Strong Fundamentals: I focused deeply on statistics, probability, mathematics, and SQL. Tools may evolve, but a solid conceptual base remains timeless.

2. Consistent Practice: I regularly coded and built projects to translate concepts into working solutions.

3. Smart Learning Choices: I relied on free, high-quality certifications rather than costly courses. The internet is a goldmine for self-learners.

4. Networking & LinkedIn Presence: Staying active on LinkedIn helped me learn from others, exchange ideas, and stay informed about industry trends.

5. Real-World Applications: I built mini-projects like churn prediction, sales forecasting, and machine learning models, each one improving my problem-solving approach.

Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals

• Prioritize Skill Over Labels: Companies value what you can do, not just where you studied. Applied skills and practical knowledge always stand out.

• Build and Showcase Projects: Hands-on work demonstrates initiative and understanding far better than theory alone.

• Use Free Resources Effectively: Platforms like Microsoft Learn, Kaggle, GitHub, and YouTube provide excellent content to master industry-ready concepts.

• Share Your Journey: Posting your projects and learnings on LinkedIn not only builds your visibility but also helps you connect with the right people.

• Stay Adaptable: The world of technology changes fast. The ability to learn, unlearn, and reskill quickly is your greatest advantage.

Final Thoughts

My journey has always been guided by one principle, consistency compounds. Every small effort, every late-night study session, and every project contributed to where I am today. Success in data science, or any field, is not about shortcuts, but about a steady commitment to learning, improving, and staying curious.