Meet Thibault, our Data Scientist!
Ever wondered what happens when you combine computer science, statistical mathematics, and business? Thibault, our Belgian Data Scientist who is based in Canada, will be able to tell you!
Moving from Belgium to Canada was a tough yet worthwhile choice for Thibault. He longed to get away from the hustle and bustle of Belgium. Without further hesitation, he immediately hopped on a plane and moved to Canada just for a gap year upon graduating High School. Unexpectedly, he fell in love with its gorgeous landscapes and warm, friendly people. Growing up as a nature lover, he felt a deep and genuine connection with Canada’s environment, culture, and slower pace of life, and so decided to make his home there. He took up a degree in computer science at the University of British Columbia and is now in the process of applying for permanent residency.
Thibault’s disposition for data science could be seen since he was a child. By nature inquisitive and analytical, his curiosity and interest were piqued when he explored the endless possibilities of transforming data into solutions designed to solve real-world problems.
As a Junior Data Scientist at Cialfo, he takes pride in building data infrastructures through data collation and transforming them into models. His role has also allowed him to push himself out of his area of expertise and learn about the business side of things. Being in a fast-growing, international start-up presents him with a never-ending stream of learning opportunities that he wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.
How did Thibault’s journey at Cialfo start? While pursuing his degree, he took part in an internship project and earned the chance to showcase his work to Cialfo’s co-founders. Thibault’s passion and aptitude for data science shone through his work and left a strong impression on them, and it was a no-brainer for him to make the transition from intern to permanent staff when he was offered the role. And so in late 2020, Thibault became an official part of the Cialfo family!
To Thibault, it is important and gratifying to be able to pursue his love for and expertise in data science while being able to solve real-world problems. Years ago while being a student himself, he understands the pain and work that high school students have to go through while applying for universities, and now he wishes to be in a company that aligns with his aspirations and values of improving education accessibility through data and technology.
When asked to describe his team in three words, Thibault chose the adjectives “hardworking, ingenious, fun”. Not being able to meet his team members physically (yet!) has not stood in the way of Thibault forming close and meaningful relationships with them, and even having fun and cracking jokes. Fun fact, as he was having a casual conversation with Charles, his product manager, they found out that both of their partners share the same name!
With Charles situated in China and the rest of his team members in other regions, flexibility has been key in collaborating with them. As Cialfo is on its hyper-growth stage, inching towards becoming a truly international organization, diversity and inclusion are recognized as fundamental elements to gain a global edge, and Thibault is committed to giving his best in the process. When it comes to working cross-functionally with the other product teams, Thibault also credits Charles for doing a great job in connecting colleagues from various teams and bringing all of them together to work on projects simultaneously.
After work, Thibault winds down by going to the gym on his own to clear his head. To him, his vigorous exercise regime is more for the purpose of having a healthy routine that benefits his mental health, rather than to reach particular physiological or fitness goals. On the weekends, cycling is also another hobby Thibault enjoys — he does after all come from the land of cycling legends! — as it allows him to escape from the city into Canada’s beautiful and bounteous natural landscapes. to take a break and bask in nature.
Working remotely in an international company with diverse nationalities has never fazed Thibault. On the contrary, he finds it exciting and relishes it. Despite physical differences in time zones and locations, his team has been brought together through a common passion for and commitment to Cialfo’s mission. They are also joined by the sense of ownership and pride they have in their work, and the opportunities to grow in a safe and inclusive environment.
Join Thibault and our Product colleagues around the world. Apply here https://www.cialfo.co/careers
