Name: Sross Gupta | Designation: Senior Data Scientist | Company: Snap Inc. | Place: Seattle, Washington, United States
Sross Gupta, a Senior Data Scientist based in Seattle, works at Snap Inc, a technology company headquartered in Santa Monica, California, known for its popular social media app, Snapchat. As a data scientist, Sross is committed to unraveling the hidden stories within data, providing a foundation for informed decision making and strategic planning in his organisation. He has been into the field of data science for over eight years, and has enjoyed a fulfilling career with opportunities to work at Austin, Washington DC, and Bengaluru.
“As a Senior Data Scientist on Snapchat’s camera team, I use advanced causal models with machine learning (ML) to analyse user engagement. This helps uncover cause-and-effect relationships for product development and enhances the overall user experience, Sross tells Global Indian.
Sross Gupta at the National Air Museum, Washington DC
From Jodhpur to Pennsylvania
After earning his undergraduate degree in Electronics and Computer Engineering from Jodhpur, Sross joined Analytics Quotient (AQ), a startup in Bengaluru. A three-year stint there helped him deepen his expertise in data science, and develop his foundational understanding. Having gained valuable work experience, in 2017, Sross moved on to pursue a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The curriculum’s emphasis on statistics, machine learning (ML), computer programming, and their application in business contexts equipped him with a robust understanding of machine learning and the development and deployment of large-scale systems.
One of Sross’s early milestones was his work at Carnegie Mellon, where he had the opportunity to contribute to a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). “I collaborated with Prof. Rema Padman on a research project tackling the global issue of pediatric obesity, which is worsened by poor dietary habits. We utilised advanced statistical techniques to showcase the positive impact of educational mobile apps on developing healthy habits. I was thrilled when our work was published in JMIR,” he tells.
Polishing his skills on the job
After completing his masters’, Sross joined Cvent at Washington D.C., where he focused on developing recommender systems using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. Moving on to Zynga at Austin in Texas, he honed his skills in marketing analytics, crafting sophisticated LifeTime Value (LTV) models for performance marketing using Bayesian modeling and curve fitting.
“In my current organisation, Snap Inc my work helps influence strategic roadmap through data-driven decision making, and identifying the opportunities for engagement gains,” tells Sross. At Snapchat, what Sross loves most is the opportunity to work at the crossroads of technology and user experience. This allows him to ensure that the popular social media platform connects effectively with users worldwide.
Sross Gupta’s fun out with colleagues
“Throughout my career, I have been part of teams engaged in ideation, development, and launch of data products and services that have generated or saved millions of dollars annually. My work has even led to recognitions within my field,” he tells.
Milestones at Snapchat
At Snapchat, Sross has been instrumental in launching innovative camera features such as Director Mode and Dual Camera. “Through comprehensive analyses of user signals to evaluate engagement and performance metrics, I have contributed to features used by over 10 million daily users,” he explains. “This indicates that my work has significantly enhanced user experience.”
The launch of these features garnered widespread coverage in major media outlets like Engadget, The Verge, and TechCrunch, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Becoming a mentor
During the early stages of his career, Sross encountered the absence of a mentor to provide guidance during challenging times. “I lacked someone in my family or circle of friends to navigate the complexities of the tech industry,” he recalls. Recognising that others might face similar obstacles, Sross has made a commitment to mentor aspiring data scientists.
Recently he was acknowledged as an industry expert by Criya, a platform backed by Y Combinator, where he offers mentorship services for free. “This opportunity to give back to the community and support individuals looking to break into the tech industry is something I cherish deeply,” he remarks.
Sross Gupta
Achieving personal growth
Sross has also encountered public speaking anxiety in the early days of his career. “As a data scientist when I was required to present complex machine learning results to different stakeholders, including VP/Director level executives, I felt very conscious and unconfident,” says he. Determined to rectify it, he was finally able to overcome the challenge by working hard on it. “I sought professional help and adhered to a rigorous regimen of ‘Practice, Practice, Practice,’ which helped me overcome my apprehensions,” he mentions.
Another significant hurdle was adapting to the new cultural and work environment when he moved to the U.S. “Navigating through different communication styles, building trust with a diverse team, and integrating into a different workplace culture required patience, openness, and flexibility, that I had to work upon,” he shares.
Commitment to continuous learning
The fast-paced evolution of technology in his field sometimes makes Sross question his own ability to keep pace with rapid advancements. “Nevertheless, through persistent effort and a commitment to continuous learning, I manage to not only keep up but have also led projects that established new benchmarks in my organisation,” he says.
He believes that whether it’s mastering a new programming language, understanding the latest in machine learning algorithms, or staying abreast of industry trends – dedicating time to learning is crucial.
Sross Gupta in Turkey
Career goals
Sross aims to become an Expert Data Scientist specialising in causal inference. “This area fascinates me because of its potential to transform product development by focusing on understanding cause-and-effect relationships with end-users,” he explains. His goal is to excel in creating machine-learning driven data products that are not only technically advanced with state-of-the-art algorithms but also designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring they are intuitive for users.
“With entrepreneurship in my family background, I aspire to leverage my expertise and passion to eventually launch my own startup someday,” he says.
Work-life balance
An early riser, Sross’s day begins at 6 AM with a 30-minute workout to maintain both physical and mental fitness. Following his workout, he spends about half-an-hour catching up with his family back in India. “Regular communication helps me stay connected to my roots,” he says.
He begins work at 8 AM, focusing on emails, Slack messages, and planning the day. Mornings are for intense tasks like analysis, coding, and data modeling. Throughout the day, he continues with data modeling, A/B experiments, and supporting stakeholders. He tries to finish work by 6 PM, ensuring all critical tasks are completed and ready for the next day.
“After work, my wife and I enjoy cooking dinner together, also preparing our meal for the next afternoon. We often take a short walk at a nearby park. The evenings are my time to unwind, whether that’s catching up on a TV show, having in-depth conversations with friends, or keeping abreast of the latest trends in the tech world. “Being there for both big and small moments with loved ones means a great deal to me, helping me stay connected to the important things in life,” he tells.
Sross Gupta at Warner Studios
During weekends Sross loves hiking, dining out, or going to potluck events to unwind. Both he and his wife are foodies so they try new restaurants and cuisines.
Sross is an avid traveler. “Life in Seattle has given me the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking trails,” he tells. “I recently embarked on a challenging yet rewarding hike at Mt. Rainier, covering 10 miles with an elevation gain of 2200 feet. Finding balance between work and personal life keeps me grounded and focused,” he adds.
Sross Gupta’s strategies to prevent burnouts and boredoms:
- Clear Communication: Weekly check-ins with managers and stakeholders to set expectations and help prioritise tasks.
- Time Management: Setting work boundaries, utilising peak productivity hours which for him is early in the day, and structuring the rest of the day to optimise output and focus on crucial tasks.
- Scheduled Breaks: Taking short breaks throughout the day for coffee, and interacting with colleagues refreshes his mind and boosts productivity.
- Making weekends special: Spending quality time with friends and family and leisure activities helps him begin the new week with renewed energy.
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