Here at Palantir Technologies, we are focused on solving the toughest problems. To do that you need the best people in an environment where they can be the best version of themselves. Through our collaboration with Women in Data, we hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in data science and analytics and to create a supportive environment for their growth and development. Fostering a diverse workforce, bridging the gender gap, and promoting equal opportunities for all employees within Palantir and the broader tech community is mission critical.
We anticipate big changes in the data landscape over the next 5 years, including:
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies will continue to transform the data landscape, enabling new insights and automating processes.
Increased diversity: We want and expect a more diverse workforce in the data industry, including improved gender parity. This will foster innovation, enhance decision-making and improve the lived experience of employees.
Growing demand for data professionals: The importance of data-driven decision-making will continue to grow, leading to an increased demand for skilled data professionals, including data scientists, analysts, and engineers.
Ethics and privacy concerns: As data becomes more integral to decision-making, ethical considerations and privacy concerns will take centre stage. This is something that Palantir has championed since our creation in 2003.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration: Data professionals will increasingly collaborate with experts from other fields, such as social sciences, humanities, and business, to generate comprehensive insights and address complex problems.
Data literacy: As data becomes more pervasive, organisations will prioritise data literacy across all roles, enabling employees to effectively use and interpret data in their daily work.
By actively promoting gender parity and investing in a diverse workforce, Palantir aims to contribute positively to these anticipated changes in the data landscape.
Palantir Technologies is a leading software company specialising in data integration, analysis, and visualisation. Founded in 2003, Palantir’s mission is to help organisations make better decisions by transforming complex, disparate data into actionable insights. Palantir’s clients span various sectors, including defence, healthcare, finance, and energy. Palantir’s culture emphasises mission-driven innovation, collaboration, meritocracy, inclusivity, and continuous learning, fostering a diverse and high-performing work environment.
Maria Ivanciu graduated from Cambridge University and currently works as Forward Deployed Software Engineer at Palantir Technologies. As a passionate advocate for engineering, technology and education, Maria also dedicates her time to teaching STEM and believes in empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive innovation and solve the challenges of the future. Maria’s enthusiasm for tech and teaching has led her to volunteer at various community outreach programs, STEM workshops and at a summer school in Nairobi, Kenya.
I am a 24 year old computer scientist currently working as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer at Palantir.
As a bit of a background of my career, I’ve always loved maths, not only because I was dyslexic so hid away from essay based subjects at school but because I saw a beauty and simplicity in numbers. I was studying when Computer Science was replacing IT in schools, so I was lucky enough to be one of the first classes in my schools to take Computer Science as a GCSE and A-level. With a lot of work, I managed to get a place at Cambridge to study Computer Science, where my computing passion grew and I knew this was the area I wanted to grow my career.
Graduating in Covid I had no clue what industry I wanted to apply for, so I applied everywhere, after getting many rejections I finally got three offers to do Software engineering. I chose to go to a consultancy style, so I could try out different industries while learning about the Google Cloud Platform. I would say I massively underestimated the importance of a positive work environment, so I doubled down to get two promotions and get out.
I heard great things about Palantir so I went for a job there and with a lot of hard work I got the job, and I would still get to work with different clients. I focused on healthcare and defence, and I have been quickly exposed to some extremely privileged places and working around respectful and exceptionally talented people, who I learn from on a daily basis.
Chesca is a Deployment Strategist at Palantir Technologies, working on various UK Defence projects since transitioning from her civil service role as a data analyst. Her experience covers intelligence, maritime, and defence logistics, with a focus on both customer-facing and technical aspects of her role. With a background in the defence sector, Chesca understands the importance of data-driven solutions in government and their potential impact. As a Deployment Strategist, she enjoys bridging the gap between government and technology, using her firsthand experience to develop rapport with government customers and deliver innovative solutions. Chesca is passionate about championing women in the male-dominated fields of both data and defence. Recognising the need to make these industries more appealing to a wider audience, she is committed to driving change and fostering gender parity in all data roles. Chesca believes that promoting diversity and inclusion will create a more innovative and balanced workforce to tackle future challenges.
Simal Patel, Lead Product Manager at Motorway
Simal is a Lead Product Manager at Motorway, the UK’s fastest-growing used car marketplace. Simal joined the business in February 2023 to lead the Growth and Engagement teams responsible for optimising the experience for private car sellers, creating innovative tools to give consumers more reasons to engage with Motorway.
Prior to joining Motorway, Simal has been in Product roles in high-growth/scale-up companies such as Farfetch and Activision Blizzard King as well as a founding member of a gardening marketplace startup. Simal’s transition into Product from Engineering roles at King and The London Stock Exchange were inevitable given her passion for using tech/data to solve commercial and consumer problems.
Simal has a BSc in Computer Science and Management from Kings College London.
Outside of Product, Simal is a gin enthusiast and entrepreneur and has her own gin brand called Gin Wala.
Katie MacDonald, Senior Product Manager at Motorway
Katie MacDonald is a seasoned Senior Product Manager with a track record of driving innovation and enhancing user experiences. As Senior Product Manager for the dealer experience at Motorway, Katie is responsible for the optimization of the vehicle browsing and bidding processes, driving value for Motorway’s dealer partners. Katie actively uses data, leveraging the power of machine learning and AI models, to help dealers find more relevant stock, faster, ultimately improving their overall user experience.
Prior to her role at Motorway, Katie was a Senior Product Manager at MasterClass, an educational and entertainment streaming platform. There, she played a pivotal role in building the B2B segment, contributing significantly to the company’s growth and strategic initiatives.
Hannah Carroll, Analytics Engineer at Motorway
Hannah Carroll is an Analytics Engineer at Motorway, the UK’s fastest growing used-car marketplace. In her current role, Hannah provides clean datasets to end-users, modelling data in a way that empowers teams to find answers to their questions in an independent way. She supports the upper funnel, customer success service teams and also the post-sale teams, in order to use data to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.
Hannah’s journey with Motorway began when she joined the company as a Data Analyst and after one year, made the transition to Analytics Engineer.
Before joining Motorway, Hannah gained valuable experience in various analytical roles across different industries. She served as a Tactical Analyst at ASOS, where she honed her ability to interpret data trends and support tactical decision-making processes. Prior to that, she was a Workforce Planning Specialist at MOO, where she focused on optimising workforce allocation and planning to improve operational efficiencies.
