Career Roadmap
Steve's work combines: Science, Technology, and Problem Solving
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Economics, General
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor's Degree
Applied Mathematics, General
Johns Hopkins University
Graduate Degree
Economics, General
University of California-Riverside
Doctorate
Economics, General
University of California-Riverside
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Computer and Information Research Scientists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Economics, General
Bachelor's Degree: Applied Mathematics, General
Graduate Degree: Economics, General
Doctorate: Economics, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I helped co-found Nerd Kingdom with three or four other people.
2.
This was my first venture into data science; I worked my way up to chief economist.
3.
I also acted as the chief financial officer of the company for some time, which was eye-opening.
4.
We ran a Kickstarter campaign, raised a quarter of a million dollars, and launched the company.
5.
The company has grown from 4 to over 60 employees over the last 4 years.
6.
I hold appointments at UCSD in the Department of Economics and School of Global Policy & Strategy.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Why should I believe in your business?
How I responded:
My family has always been very supportive, but peers and investors have been very critical along the way. In order to get through that, I've become very good at sorting out "noise" from genuine constructive criticism. Plus, without the critics, I don't think I'd be in the position I'm in today.There are always going to be a multitude of reasons for you to not take a risk, but if the cost is low enough, that risk-taking is necessary for growth.