In this 5th episode of the Let’s Make It Count podcast, we took the opportunity to chat with data analyst and entrepreneur David Curry. David is always looking for cool new ways to apply data in the real world. In our interview, we learn how he utilizes his 20+ years of software development and data analytics experience.

David started his career as a web developer in the late ’90s, using statistics to create online surveys for market analysis. Over the course of time, he realized that he would get the most excited when he was involved in using data patterns to directly affect and influence business decisions. Today, David operates his own data consultancy business and has also helped facilitate a weekly online learning lab with Matt Dancho designed to make the relatively new field of data science less intimidating for any explorer.

Listen in as Mr. Curry walks us through what data scientists “do,” how he teaches people to shape their business’ trajectory and outcomes, and what he specifically does to apply easily obtainable (and usually free!) data sets to create a clearer direction for markets and  organizations. Plus, David chimes in on exciting ways on how to use Census data to create a submission for the Let’s Make It Count National Competition for high school students and teachers. What new discoveries will you explore this week?