Talk us through an average day in your role
As a data scientist in Deltatre’s Innovation Lab, the company’s R&D team, my days are anything but typical! Our job is to explore and experiment with new technologies to enhance our products and develop fresh solutions across media, entertainment, and sports.
Mornings start with a quick team catch-up – just a casual sync on what we’re working on and who needs help. From there, my work varies depending on ongoing projects, whether it’s collecting, analysing, or testing new AI-driven solutions – data is at the core of everything I do, and I often say, “Data is king” because every insight and improvement starts with well-prepared information.
A big part of my day is research, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI. It’s a dynamic and exciting job, sometimes frustrating (like when I spend days chasing a bug that a new patch fixes overnight), but there’s never a dull moment.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the media and broadcast industry?
I arrived in this industry through an indirect path. My studies led me to Deltatre’s R&D team, where I initially worked on a research project, but I was always drawn to seeing innovations applied in real-world scenarios. I decided to stay because of the perfect mix of curiosity and impact.
I love solving complex problems and turning raw data into meaningful insights – whether it’s helping sports fans appreciate the precision of an athlete’s movement or improving accessibility in entertainment through AI-powered solutions. Finding new ways to enhance how people access and engage with content – no matter the format – is what makes this field so exciting.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve been fortunate that, despite working in a predominantly male environment, I haven’t faced overt exclusion. However, especially early on, I sometimes felt undervalued – both as a young woman and, at times, for not being a die-hard sports fan in discussions on the topic.
These situations were frustrating, but I focused on letting my work speak for itself. I listened to criticism as constructive feedback to improve where needed and built confidence in my expertise – after all, data doesn’t lie! Over time, I realised that trying to prove I was right wasn’t as effective as helping others see the value of my insights. This shift opened the door to more productive discussions while teaching me to balance assertiveness with openness, and not let others undermine me.
Ultimately, maintaining a professional yet approachable attitude and surrounding myself with smart, open-minded colleagues has been key to overcoming these challenges.
What skills or training helped you break into the industry?
My background in biomedical engineering gave me a solid technical foundation, especially in data analysis, problem-solving, and working with complex systems. From there, I took specialised courses in machine learning and data science, which helped me build the skills I needed to get my foot in the door.
But the real learning happened on the job. Working in R&D – or really, in any field – means constantly exploring new tools and techniques to stay up-to-date and improve, because today’s cutting-edge solution might be outdated tomorrow.
Ultimately, it’s that mix of solid technical knowledge, a willingness to experiment, and the humility to learn from mistakes that makes the difference in this fast-evolving industry.
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in media and broadcasting?
Go for it! The media and broadcasting industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always room for fresh ideas and perspectives. Don’t let the fact that it might feel male-dominated at first hold you back – diverse voices are essential to driving innovation, and yours could spark the next big breakthrough.
Focus on building solid skills, especially in areas like data, technology, and storytelling, which are becoming increasingly important. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – most people are happy to share their knowledge if you show genuine interest.
And remember, you don’t need to know everything on day one. Confidence grows with experience, so embrace the learning process, step outside your comfort zone, and trust that your skills and perspective will make a difference.
