The broad scope of data science is a double-edged sword. Our professional lives span multiple fields, each containing decades of valuable discoveries with new insights added every day. How is a data scientist to stay afloat in this vast knowledge lake? Failure to utilize the right tool or approach can be costly for projects as well as careers. How do we avoid remaining in our comfortable tech bubbles, ultimately risking obsolescence?

During the first 20 years of my life, I was a passive learner. Schools and college had been my major knowledge source: Every semester, faculty members provided a syllabus with studying plans for each week, and all I did is strictly following the study guide without questioning. I went to all lectures and labs and completed all homework on time in order to eventually have those nice A’s on my transcripts. I thought I was a excellent student.

Target’s CodeRED Hack – a daylong hackathon open to all Target team members to work on projects to introduce, improve or enhance products or services used by Target – is always an energizing day, but the most recent event was special.