Data
2-Day Python and Machine Learning Bootcamp Series
In this workshop series, you'll get a crash course on how to program with Python.
266 Times
Craig Sakuma
Founder, QuantSprout
San Francisco
Craig has been a data science and analytics instructor at General Assembly since 2014 and he has over 2,000 hours of teaching experience. Prior to teaching at General Assembly, he worked as a data scientist at Euclid Analytics. Craig has also founded an e-commerce furniture business, Deal Decor, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. He has an engineering degree from Northwestern and an MBA from Wharton. For fun, Craig enjoys traveling and has spent a total of 5 years living overseas in three different countries.
IN CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG:
What is your favorite technical skill to work with on your own projects and why?
Generative AI is a powerful technology that is evolving at an incredibly fast pace. It’s exciting to study all the new advancements and innovative applications. Although there is a lot of uncertainty about how AI will evolve, all the experts agree that it will fundamentally change the way everyone lives and works.
What is your favorite technical skill to teach to students and why?
I enjoy teaching students how to implement their first machine learning algorithm. Data science can be intimidating, but after students execute their first algorithm, it becomes much more relatable. As an instructor, nothing is more rewarding than watching the lightbulb go off in a student’s head and watching them recognize the potential of their new skills.
What is most important to you about teaching technical skills at General Assembly?
One of my priorities, as an instructor, is to create an environment where students aren’t afraid to ask questions or for help. The instructional team is always available to help with troubleshooting or explaining complex concepts. However, if students don’t ask questions, the instructional team may not be aware that there is an issue to address.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to learn technical skills to reach new career goals?
Learning new skills can be challenging, but if it was easy, everyone would already have the skill and it wouldn’t be as valuable. If you are resilient and you utilize the resources at General Assembly, you will be 100% successful. Students should ask questions during lectures to clarify topics, request help when troubleshooting code to avoid frustration, and utilize office hours to review challenging concepts. If you’re not doing these three things, you aren’t getting the full value of the course.
WHAT CRAIG'S STUDENTS ARE SAYING...
"Craig is wonderful. Knowledgable, patient, a clear communicator, and I can tell he really wants his students to learn and succeed."
"Craig is patient and quite clear with his content. Constantly seeks survey feedback to help better his classes."
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