Kalpesh (he/him) holds a master’s degree in data science and business analytics from Oklahoma State University. He has been at Paycom for over two years, starting as an intern for a year before transitioning to a full-time Data Scientist.
“When I joined Paycom, I was drawn to the company’s strong values, especially its commitment to innovation and excellence. I was impressed by the team’s passion and eagerness to learn and explore new ideas and technologies,” Kalpesh shared. “The energy and dedication to growth really resonated with me, and I’m excited to be part of a team that shares my enthusiasm for learning and exploration.”
When asked about his favorite part of working at Paycom, he responded, “The flexibility and autonomy. I love that I can work independently, make my own decisions and have the freedom to explore new ideas and projects.”
There’s so much to learn in the evolving role of a Data Scientist. We caught up with Kalpesh to explore what this role offers at Paycom.
What does a day in the life of a Data Scientist look like?
As a Data Scientist at Paycom, my work feels like a never-ending puzzle — in the best way. Whether it’s fine-tuning language models, enhancing chatbots or digging into email insights, every day brings a new challenge.
I get to collaborate with an amazing team of data enthusiasts who make coming to work feel like a fun problem-solving session. We dive into the latest research in data science, constantly exploring new ideas and techniques that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
What classes or experience prepared you for this role?
Machine learning and AI coursework provided a solid technical foundation, which I apply daily. Applied business courses helped me develop a deeper understanding of product ownership and connecting technical aspects to business goals. A project with SAS, enhancing their search engine, was a valuable learning experience. I applied theoretical concepts to real-world problems, gaining a broader industry perspective.
What is something you learned or wish you would have learned before getting to Paycom that would’ve better prepared you?
I wish I had more hands-on experience with software development practices and a few specific tools. While I had a good foundation in machine learning and data science, navigating the nuances of our on-premises infrastructure and deployment was a steep learning curve. More experience in these areas would have given me a head start in my role.
How does Paycom help you achieve your goals? Are there any personal or professional goals you’ve met or are hoping to achieve soon?
Paycom helps me achieve my goals by allowing me to explore and apply the latest technology developments. My team supports me in voicing my ideas and collaborating with others, promoting my personal development and growth. This support empowers me to stay up to date with industry advancements and push my skills forward.
What’s one of your favorite Paycom memories?
One of my favorite Paycom memories is when my team and I successfully deployed a project we had been working on for months and it received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our stakeholders.
Seeing the impact of our hard work and collaboration was incredibly rewarding, and it’s a memory that I’ll always cherish.
What does a perfect day in the office look like for you?
A perfect day at Paycom is when code runs smoothly, ideas flow freely and my team and I get to geek out over LLMs. Throw in some good coffee, a few laughs and a “Wow! That’s cool!” moment, and I’m a happy Data Scientist!
What advice do you have for someone going into this role?
If I had to give one piece of advice to someone going into this role, it would be to be curious, stay humble and never stop learning. As a Data Scientist, you’ll be working with complex data, new technologies and constantly evolving business needs. So be prepared to ask questions, learn from your mistakes and adapt to new challenges. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” It’s a sign of strength, not weakness!
Kalpesh’s curiosity and dedication to learning helped him transition from intern to full-time team member. Tech careers are all about a commitment to growth, innovation and staying current on cutting-edge technology, and Paycom helps you do all of the above!
Learn more about a Data Scientist internship.
