Hey everyone,
I graduated in 2025 with a BTech in IT. I started learning data science around 2023—beginning with Python, then moving on to libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly. Along the way, I also built a foundation in statistics and probability. After that, I learned machine learning algorithms and explored areas like CNNs, RNNs, and NLP.
More recently, I’ve been working on computer vision and generative AI, and I’ve also completed projects in these areas as part of my work at a startup.
During my learning phase, I used to solve problems on Kaggle, and honestly, it felt really satisfying. I enjoyed the process of thinking, experimenting, and getting to a solution—it gave me a sense of progress.
However, I wasn’t strong in DSA and didn’t have solid live projects at that time, so I didn’t get placed through campus. That phase was really tough for me mentally.
Later, I managed to get a job at a small startup in Bangalore, where I’m continuing to learn and work on new things.
Recently, I opened my old Kaggle notebooks and realized I haven’t been practicing problem-solving like before. Now I feel a bit stressed and confused—like I’ve lost some direction and momentum. I also miss that feeling of solving problems and improving step by step.
Another thing is that I’ve stopped using platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram because I personally find them distracting. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by too many opinions and advice online, and it becomes hard to know what to actually follow.
At the same time, I’m also confused about what to focus on. These days, companies expect so many skills—DSA, development, ML, system design, etc. If I try to learn everything in a short time, I might be able to crack interviews, but I don’t feel confident that I’ll be truly strong in any one area.
But if I focus deeply on one thing (like data science or problem solving), I worry about missing out on other important skills.
So I feel stuck between:
- learning many things at a surface level to get opportunities
- vs going deep into one area but risking fewer options
Has anyone else gone through something like this after starting their first job? How do you balance depth vs breadth, and stay consistent with learning while working full-time?