Mike Norton, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the telecom industry and a remarkable tenure as a Marine Corps officer, is anything but ready to slow down. Currently thriving as a Product Management leader at T-Mobile, Mike is diving headfirst into the ever-evolving world of data science. His journey isn’t just a tale of career advancement; it’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge, his commitment to mentoring others, and his strategic acumen in staying relevant in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
Having already earned two master’s degrees, Mike recognized the importance of continually refining his skill set. This realization led him to pursue a third master’s degree through the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Science in Data Science program available on Coursera.
### A Career Built on Leadership and Adaptation
Mike’s professional journey began at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, which set the stage for his 7.5 years of service in the Marine Corps. Following his military career, he transitioned into the telecom industry, where he steadily climbed the ranks in IT management and application development. Throughout his career, Mike managed complex systems like billing, ordering, and network management, building a reputation for his leadership and technical acumen.
However, seven years ago, Mike encountered a significant turning point. His company underwent a restructuring, which he viewed not as a setback but as an opportunity to reinvent himself. He embraced the challenge of starting anew as an individual contributor, leveraging his management skills to transition into product management. Initially working as a consultant, he eventually secured a permanent role at T-Mobile. The company’s emphasis on data science opened new avenues for Mike, and he was quick to recognize the importance of staying ahead in this domain. “Data is crucial here,” he said. “To provide maximum value, continuous learning is essential.” This philosophy drove him to embark on his third master’s degree journey at the University of Colorado Boulder.
At T-Mobile, the significance of education is evident, as Mike has been able to benefit from employer tuition reimbursement programs. “I’m extremely satisfied with the program. The cost is very affordable, so affordable that I’ve managed it within the funding provided by T-Mobile,” he shared.
### The Pursuit of Data Science Excellence
When Mike began his enrollment in the data science program, he was confident in his technical foundation but understood that mastering data science and machine learning required formal education. Having completed a six-month machine learning certificate program, he aspired for more in-depth knowledge of big data, statistics, and other aspects of data science beyond artificial intelligence.
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Data Science program offered the flexibility and practical curriculum he was seeking. “In a traditional classroom, information can be fleeting. But with this program, the combination of videos, labs, and tests ensures the knowledge sticks,” he explained.
Mike praised the professors, particularly Dr. Jen Corcoran and Dr. Zaharatos, for their engaging and challenging teaching styles. “90% of the professors I’ve encountered have been excellent,” Mike remarked. The program’s self-paced nature was a game-changer for him. “If you’re not feeling well one day, you can catch up later. That flexibility is invaluable.”
In terms of enrollment, Mike chose the technical pathway, delving into courses on statistics and data pipeline engineering. Although brushing up on calculus presented a challenge, he appreciated the learning curve. “Some of the stats courses were math-intensive — I hadn’t tackled calculus in quite a while! But with persistence, you overcome it,” he noted.
### Bringing Knowledge Back to the Team
Mike’s education in data science extends beyond personal growth; it’s reshaping how he leads his teams. Managing four machine learning scrum teams at T-Mobile, Mike has been able to apply statistical insights and modeling techniques to real-world challenges. “Previously, I had a strong technical understanding. Now, I can better explain the mathematical underpinnings of these models, enabling me to coach my teams more effectively,” he said.
Mike has encouraged his teams to refine their approaches to data distribution and algorithm selection. He has driven them to read abstracts, question assumptions, and experiment with feature engineering. For instance, when it comes to models, he has collaborated with his teams to continuously tweak and optimize their approaches.
### A Passion for Mentoring
Mike isn’t just applying his newfound knowledge; he’s sharing it. He regularly meets with colleagues for one-on-one mentoring sessions, guiding younger team members in their career journeys and helping them build confidence.
Mike’s dedication to mentoring has made him a role model. Younger employees in their 20s have expressed how his pursuit of further education has inspired them to consider advancing their own learning endeavors. He even inspired a team member to enroll in the same Data Science master’s program at CU Boulder. “What the University of Colorado Boulder has invested in me, I invest in others,” he stated.
“I firmly believe that as an individual navigating your career, your greatest skill is your ability to learn, adapt, and continuously reskill yourself to remain relevant,” he added.
### Staying Competitive and Future-proofing his Career
Mike’s motivation is evident: maintain competitiveness in a fast-paced field. He understands that as his career advances, he must continue honing his skills. “You must stay competitive because, as an employee, you become more costly. If you’re not upskilling and retooling, you risk becoming obsolete,” he emphasized.
While the credential itself holds value, the knowledge it represents is even more crucial. Mike is already contemplating his next steps. Large language models are the next frontier, and he’s preparing by studying them on his own. “I purchased a $68 book on large language models — theory and practice. There’s an old saying: if you invest in 30% of the best texts in a field, you’ll be ahead of 80% of your peers,” he explained.
### Finishing Strong and Looking Ahead
With only one credit hour remaining, Mike is on track to graduate this May. He eagerly anticipates reaching the finish line but, more importantly, takes pride in the skills he’s acquired along the way. “It’s been a long journey, akin to a marathon. But I’m excited to earn the credential. It holds significant meaning,” he expressed.
Mike’s long-term aspiration is to remain at the forefront of data science, both within his company and the broader industry. He’s considering writing an abstract on anomaly detection and submitting it to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Public speaking at data science conferences is also on his radar, marking a return to one of his earlier career strengths.
“I’m obviously not the youngest,” he quipped. “But I plan to contribute for a long time to come, and I’m already contemplating what I’ll learn next.”
Mike Norton’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. His journey underscores the value of education, mentorship, and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and data science. As he continues to inspire those around him, his dedication to personal and professional growth remains unwavering.
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