We’re delighted to feature Tricia Govindasamy, Senior Information Analyst at Public Health Scotland and an active member of The Data Lab Community. In this blog, Tricia reflects on 2024 – a transformative year as she settled into life in Scotland, completed her master’s degree with distinction, and transitioned to a full-time role at Public Health Scotland. Her story highlights the power of community, resilience, and hard work, showcasing how supportive networks like DataKirk and The Data Lab can fuel both personal and professional growth.
2024 was my first full year living in Scotland, and it allowed me to experience all the seasons in their entirety. As the seasons changed, so did my experiences and growth throughout the year. This journey of change was made possible through the unwavering support of the communities and people who surrounded me.
The year began in full swing, with winter being particularly unforgiving. I started my second semester of my master’s degree, which came with challenges. By the end of February, I started my first UK job as an Information Analyst at Public Health Scotland (PHS). I learnt about this opportunity on The Data Lab’s job board at the end of last year and was assisted with interview preparation by DataKirk. Since then, I’ve been an active volunteer in the DataKirk community, providing data literacy training and mentorship to upskill ethnic minorities in the country.
It was incredibly fulfilling to re-enter the working environment. The people I met during this time were very supportive and helpful, making my transition smooth and enjoyable. This support I received through a great work culture became a central theme of my year and helped me navigate the many changes that lay ahead.
As spring approached, I completed my academic coursework and embarked on the most exciting yet demanding part of my degree: working on my dissertation. I had only three months to complete it, which was both thrilling and intense. Simultaneously, I had fully onboarded at work and was operating at full capacity. I felt incredibly fortunate to be part of PHS’s Analyst Training and Induction (ATI) Programme, which allowed me to build practical coding and analytical skills while continuing to develop my theoretical knowledge at university. This dual experience provided me with a strong foundation and reinforced my passion for public health.
Additionally, I spent the first five months of the year volunteering as an organiser for the csv,conf,v7. Held in Mexico at the end of May, csv,conf is an international annual community-driven data conference focused on all things open data and open source. This experience showed me the significance of building community relationships and involving myself with wider open data activists globally.
Throughout the year, I eagerly awaited summer, but it turned out to be a disappointment weather-wise, with only a handful of warm days. Despite this, I remained busy juggling my roles as a student and working part-time. However, the hunger to apply my skills to real-world public health challenges was met with the realities of balancing the two. Sleepless nights became a norm, and I often found myself falling asleep with my laptop and specs by my side. However, the unwavering support from my dissertation supervisor, classmates, friends, and colleagues at work made all the difference. Their encouragement helped me complete a successful dissertation and manage my workload effectively. This reaffirmed the value of having a strong community.
One of the highlights of the summer was being featured as a case study by The Data Lab Community, an experience that underscored the importance of supportive networks. By the end of summer, I had submitted my dissertation, marking the end of my academic year. It felt surreal to realise how quickly time had passed – I had completed my master’s degree in the blink of an eye!
Autumn brought a much-needed break. I travelled home to South Africa after one year to relax and reflect on the intense but rewarding year I’d had. During this time, I received news that I completed my degree with distinction, which was a testament to the hard work and perseverance I’d invested. The trip allowed me to recharge and celebrate my achievements with loved ones. This reinforced the need to take time away from just building a career, something I’d often neglected in the past.
In October, I transitioned from part-time to full-time work at PHS. The adjustment was significant, as it had been over a year since I last worked full-time. Yet again, the support from my manager and colleagues made the process smooth and rewarding. With more time and energy to dedicate to my role, I felt increasingly fulfilled and able to contribute meaningfully. Recognising how fast-paced the year had been, I started prioritising reflection and self-care. These practices have been invaluable in helping me process my experiences and appreciate the present moment.
November was marked by my graduation ceremony. It was a moment of pride and accomplishment, but it also left me feeling a bit adrift. Being a student had defined my identity since September of the previous year, and with that chapter now closed, I had to recalibrate my focus. Reflection once again proved to be a helpful tool, allowing me to embrace the transition and celebrate the milestone.
As the year came full circle and winter returned, I decided to aim higher by applying for more senior roles. The unwavering support of my colleagues was instrumental in this process. From mock interviews to presentation reviews, their guidance and encouragement exemplified the power of a strong community. As I end the year, I’m pleased to say that I’ve been promoted to Senior Information Analyst at PHS, a role I will begin in the new year.
Looking back, 2024 was a year of change, growth, and discovery. It was a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the rewards of hard work. In 2025, I look forward to submitting my dissertation on “Behavioural Responses to Transport Decision-Making: Analysing the Impact of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone on Traffic Patterns” for publication. Additionally, I want to use my new role and skills to help reduce health inequalities in Scotland, particularly among ethnic minorities. As I step into 2025, I carry forward the lessons and gratitude from this transformative year.