[neovive]

"You need something that will motivate you to keep learning." This is so true and often forgotten. I am always learning new things, but the concepts that stick, beyond just the basics, are tied to specific projects or solutions to real problems. I'm typically ok with being a "jack-of-all-trades" for most technologies, just to stay aware of new things. However, when it comes to applying new concepts, skills, or tech to solve problems, a deeper understanding is required; usually obtained through motivation.

[liviu-]

>"You need something that will motivate you to keep learning." This is so true and often forgotten.

I'm surprised that both you and OP seem to think this advice is rare, as I've personally seen it mentioned more than a few times. Professors always brainstorm ways to motivate students, employers always seek methods to motivate employees, etc. The answer always seems to be something in the lines of 'do what you love' which is so overused it loses its impact.

Anyway, as someone new to data science, I did not feel like I gained any new information after reading the article, and all the advice seems either intuitive or rehashed. Looking forward to read the HN discussion though.

[studentrob]

> Professors always brainstorm ways to motivate students, employers always seek methods to motivate employees

Uhh.. You must have quite a fortunate streak of having great teachers and great employers. Speaking for myself, I had some great teachers, but finding a boss who seeks to motivate employees with the right challenges is rare. Bosses and companies generally assume your salary is the primary motivator.