In some cultures, the number 13 represents assured growth. Here at Bondora, we don’t leave our growth to chance, but support it with data. Lots and lots of data. This month, we’re getting to know Karen Danielyan, one of our Data Scientists and our 13th Bondora Superstar. This blog series highlights Bondorians’ passion for what they do, why they love working at Bondora, and other cool things you didn’t know about them. Let’s get going!
Bondora Superstars #13 — Karen Danielyan
👨 Bondorian since: 2019
🖥️ Role: Data Scientist
📊 Team: Data
Karen first joined Bondora in September 2019 while he was pursuing his Master’s degree in Actuarial and Financial Engineering at the University of Tartu. Though he valued the opportunity to immediately apply what he had studied, he decided to take some time off to focus on his financial engineering thesis. He rejoined Bondora in September 2020 after successfully defending his thesis.
Here’s a preview of Karen’s typical day:
As a data scientist, I use the data science toolkit to perform credit risk modeling, as well as draw conclusions from the data to support various decisions. Along with being useful for these reasons, our team is known for disrupting the peace and quiet in the office with smart jokes and laughter. (Though some people might be skeptical about the use of ‘smart’ 😀)
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to build a machine-learning model that performs its task very well. Nevertheless, there is always something you can do to improve, which makes this process an engaging challenge.
What’s your favorite Bondora value?
“Data wins” is certainly a prerequisite for a Data Scientist, but I would also add “Never be satisfied” as it describes my worldview accurately.
If you could study anything again, what would you choose?
Physics, as I was always interested in it; but never pursued it thoroughly. It answers almost all the questions one can have about things in general.
🎙️ Karen’s must-listen podcast:
The Joe Rogan Experience
On a more personal note
What’s your spirit animal?
I like dogs, so I will go with a 🐕 My favorite breed is the German shepherd.
Pineapple on pizza?
Is it allowed? Yes. Do I like it? No. I prefer a traditional Italian pizza.
What’s your favorite food?
Dolma with grape leaves.
And what food do you refuse to eat?
Rabbit. It’s not even tasty, to begin with.
What’s your favorite TV show?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one – I like House of Cards, Billions, Peaky Blinders, Family Guy, and many more.
What’s something you want to do but scares you?
Parachuting. But I will try it at some point.
What are some of your hobbies?
Traveling. I am up for any trip, especially with friends. I have many favorite places, but Prague immediately comes to mind. The architecture was beautiful, and the city was quite fun. I plan to visit Switzerland next.
And there you have it! We’re lucky to have Karen as a part of our team! Join us again in October as we get to know our 14th Bondora Superstar ⭐️
The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the individual and not Bondora’s official view.
