Philip’s career journey to PlayStation inspires the next generation

Philip Kalinda (Business Analytics and Decision Sciences, 2015) returned to the Business School to share insights from his career journey in data science for our ‘Lunch with Alumni’ event series.

He spoke about his professional growth, offered career advice to students, and shared insights into the industry.

In his current role as Senior Data Scientist at PlayStation, Philip works with gaming data for propensity modelling, purchases and activity data for recommendations, and Customer Lifetime Value Forecasting. He highlighted how data science drives key business decisions and enhances gaming experiences.

Philip’s passion for programming, analytics, and technology shaped his path into data science. He emphasised the importance of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights. To showcase his expertise and stand out in job applications, Philip created a blog - an initiative that proved invaluable in securing interviews and career opportunities.

Philip encouraged students to develop strong analytical and programming skills, engage in hands-on projects, and stay updated with industry trends. He also emphasised the value of continuous learning and adaptability in a constantly changing field.

Philip’s talk included an interactive Q&A session, where students asked about securing job opportunities, preparing for interviews, and strategies for entering the data science industry. His practical advice and enthusiasm motivated students to pursue their career aspirations with confidence.

Reflecting on the event, Philip said: “It was fantastic to see everyone and have the opportunity to answer so many thoughtful and engaging questions. I hope my advice was valuable to the students as they take the next steps toward securing their first job after graduation.”

The Business School is excited to continue its 'Lunch with Alumni' series, sharing more inspiring alumni stories with students throughout the academic year and supporting them on their professional journeys.

If you are interested in sharing your career journey with us for a future event, please contact us at alumni@lubs.leeds.ac.uk. You can also find out more about how to get involved and volunteer with us on our website.