As part of our International Women’s Day celebration, we’re spotlighting women in data at Capco. Meet Remy Spanierman, a Senior Data Scientist, who shares her journey into the field, the challenges she’s faced and the advice she has for women looking to start a career in data.
Q: How did you get into data and what’s your background
Remy: I was first drawn to the power of data during my advanced Econometrics courses at McGill University, where I studied data-driven techniques and was fascinated by measuring observed phenomena. Since then, I’ve worked in data-driven roles, and during the Covid-19 disruption, I returned to academia to build my data science toolkit at Columbia University, studying Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. The ability to use data to improve our world has always excited me!
Q: What made you apply for a role in Capco’s Data & Analytics practice?
Remy: A close friend working at Capco NYC spoke highly of the culture and the entrepreneurial spirit the firm fosters. After speaking with members of the data team, I knew this was the right opportunity for me.
Q: What has been the most interesting data project you’ve worked on?
Remy: My current project is particularly exciting. We’re enhancing predictive models to identify customers at risk of attrition and opportunities to cross-sell financial products to high-value customers.
Q: What challenges have you faced starting a career in data?
Remy: Transitioning from academia to real-world industry data was a challenge. Financial Services also comes with a lot of red tape and regulatory considerations which was an adjustment.
Q: What three key traits make someone successful in Capco’s Data and Analytics team?
Remy: Success in Capco’s Data & Analytics team requires strong communication to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, curiosity to ask questions and continuously learn, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen both individual and team expertise.
Q: What does #BYAW (Be Yourself at Work) mean to you?
Remy: It means I can show up as my authentic self at work. Capco attracts people with diverse backgrounds and there’s a genuine sense of care amongst colleagues. The firm’s affinity groups help connect people across different teams.
Q: What advice would you give to young women starting a career in data?
Remy: Lean into your network and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. My female mentors—both formal and informal—have been pivotal in empowering me to advocate for myself and navigate my career.
Q: What are your future goals in data?
Remy: I want to work with cities to leverage data for improving people’s well-being and protecting our planet’s health.
Q: What do you enjoy outside of data?
Remy: I’m a fitness instructor and have been teaching for over four years. My fitness community has been a huge source of joy and fulfilment. I believe that showing up for yourself in challenging environments—whether in the gym or at work—translates to how you show up in life.
Q: Any game-changing resources in your journey?
Remy: The leadership team at Columbia’s QMSS program was instrumental in tailoring my Master's experience to my career goals. I’ve also had phenomenal female mentors in the fitness space who helped me overcome imposter syndrome and step into my confidence.
Q: If your data journey was a movie, what would the title be?
Remy: Breaking the Code: A Stack Overflow Story.
