The 2-Step Framework To Land Your First Data Science Role With Just a Few Connections

(And a list of 2,000+ Tech Roles)

When I transitioned to data science I got 2 GREAT job offers after only 1 month searching.

But there is a trick…

• Where do you find data science job opportunities?

• Where do you find people who can refer you?

• How do you land that first data science job?

I get these questions all the time.

And I get it—because I was right there with you not long ago.

The truth?

Your Network will land you your first data science role.

This simple mindset helped me land my first job in finance… and then my second job in data science.

And now I’m sharing it with you.

And if you read until the end, you will get access to a list of 2,000+ roles you can apply to, from our guest

Sai Kumar Bysani

.

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What Do I Mean by “Your Network will land you your first data science role”?

Here’s the thing:

• You already know someone who works in tech.

• You already know someone who knows someone hiring for a junior data role.

• You already know someone who could introduce you to the right person.

You’ve probably picked an industry that interests you—like finance, healthcare, sports analytics—and that’s a great start.

But the key?

Someone in your existing network is already connected to that world.

You just need to start the conversation.

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Why We Start With Your Network (Not Cold Messages to Strangers)

Let me save you a lot of time here:

It’s way easier to get referred by someone you know—or someone connected to someone you know—than to blindly apply online.

Would you trust someone you already know—or someone introduced by a friend—more than a total stranger?

We both know the answer…

That’s how I started in finance, and then in data science:

Not by being the “most qualified,” but by being top-of-mind when opportunities popped up.

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So…

• If you’ve done a bootcamp, capstone project, or internship—you already know people who can help.

• If you’ve posted on LinkedIn, been to events, or made a few online friends—you’ve got warm leads.

Your job: Make it easy for those people to think of you.

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Make the Conversation About Them

Here’s the biggest mistake I see new grads make:

They start with “Can you help me get a job?”

That’s too much pressure, too soon.

Instead, start with curiosity.

When I was pivoting into data science, I’d reach out like this:

“Hey! I saw you're working in data at [Company]. I’m early in my career and super curious about how you got started. Mind if I ask how you landed your first role?”

People love talking about themselves—especially when you’re genuinely interested.

And by making it about them, you're opening a door to:

• Learn how they broke in

• Get advice tailored to your background

• Build rapport that could lead to a referral down the line

Your goal isn’t to “ask for a job.”

Your goal is to make a real connection.

And trust me—it works.

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“But Penelope… I don’t know anyone in data science.”

Totally get it. I used to think the same.

But here’s what’s actually true:

You do know people.

• You know alumni from your university.

• You’ve taken courses, joined communities, followed people on LinkedIn.

• You have classmates, ex-professors, and mutual connections.

Sure, you might not know them very well.

But guess what? You don’t have to.

You’re not asking for a job.

• You're starting a conversation.

• You're showing curiosity.

• You're making it about them (their journey, their experience, their advice).

That’s how real opportunities start.

When I landed my first data science job, I didn’t reach out to a “close connection.”

I reached out to someone who was a second order connection on Linkedin—and that led to a referral.

All you need is a small opening and a genuine message.

The rest builds from there.

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Let’s get practical.

Step 1: Build Your Contact List

You already know more people than you think.

Start with:

• Former classmates

• Project collaborators

• Instructors, TAs, bootcamp mentors

• Internship managers or coworkers

• LinkedIn or Discord friends

• Relatives in tech

• Meetup folks, workshop peers

Put them into two buckets:

• Referrers: People in tech or data

• Connectors: People who might know someone in tech or data

Aim for a list of 30 people (that’s one/day, EVERY SINGLE DAY)

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Step 2: Send 30+ “Curious Conversations” Messages

Time to take action.

Reach out with genuine interest, not desperation.

Here’s a message I used dozens of times (feel free to steal it):

“Hey [Name]! I saw you work in [role/company]. I’m just starting out in data and super curious how you got into your role. Would love to hear your story if you’re open to chatting for 10 mins!”

That’s it.

Short. Friendly. Human.

You’re not asking for a job. You’re just making a connection.

And from there, you never know what could happen.

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This exact approach helped me go from lost in job boards to landing two great roles.

And I promise—it’s not luck. It’s leverage.

Now here is a list of 2,000+ Roles you can apply to

They come from our guest

Sai Kumar Bysani

.

He is the writer of

The Data Hustle

, where he writes about how to navigate the data world, find opportunities, and grow in your career! And he has 150,000+ followers on Linkedin!

So here is the list:

That’s it! Now you have everything that you need in order to succeed in your job search!

You got this.

Until next time,

Penelope