We are thrilled to spotlight Benjamin Stringer ( @BS_THE_ANALYST ) as our Databricks Community Champion for August! From teaching mathematics in Jersey to competing internationally as a professional gamer, and now thriving as a data consultant at Bulien, Benjamin’s journey is anything but ordinary. His passion for continuous learning, love for problem-solving, and commitment to helping others make him an inspiring voice in our community.
Read on to learn about his experience, favorite Databricks features, and insights into the future of data platforms.
Featured Member Introduction
- Name: Benjamin Stringer 🌟
- Community nickname: BS_THE_ANALYST
- Pronouns: HE/HIM
- Company: Bulien
- Job Title: Data Consultant
Can you provide a brief overview of your career journey leading up to your current role?
I’ve had a pretty interesting career path to date. After graduating from university with a maths degree, I trained as a teacher of mathematics and landed a teaching position abroad (I'm from the UK) in Jersey, part of the Channel Islands. After teaching, I decided to reignite a childhood dream of becoming a professional gamer where my team managed to climb the heights of becoming one of the best teams in Europe. As a result, I was fortunate enough to fly across to America to compete in the ALGS global finals for a LAN event! After gaming, I sought some normality, and after conducting my research, I settled on Data, and honestly, that turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Initially, I began like most do when pivoting into data, I started with YouTube tutorials, online courses, and trawling through forums to find an appropriate pathway. Shortly after, I found myself enrolled on a Python for Data Analysts bootcamp which showed me the power of code and automation. I wanted to leave Excel behind as fast as possible. I then landed my first data role at a company called Bulien, situated in Newcastle upon Tyne, in the North-East of England, and I’ve been here for almost 3 years. I have loved climbing the ranks at Bulien and now lead the learning & development function, which is a natural fit given my steadfast dedication to education
What do you enjoy most about your current job or role?
As a data consultant, I’ve been engaged with a variety of clients. Fortunately, this provides lots of exposure to so many different problems. It’s allowed me to foster an attitude I’m proud of, which is, “Hey, I might not know the answer, but I’ll certainly do everything I can to learn and find out”. This has helped me grow massively and I love the thrill of getting to a solution. Besides that, it’s my colleagues and the work culture. I’m surrounded by passionate individuals who push me to be the best version of myself.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? How do you think your coworkers would describe you?
Passionate. Competitive. Hungry (in both knowledge and foodconsumption). My coworkers would describe me as an unwavering nerd.
Have you had any mentors or significant influences in your professional life? If so, could you tell us about them?
Three, to date.
First, Alex, a dear friend from university who was a classmate throughout my maths degree. Thanks to Alex, I was the highest overall achiever in both my second and third years. This wasn’t because I was the smartest; Alex was one of (if not) the smartest in my year group. I learned a lot from him and his attitude towards studying. My approach to scoring higher than him was to do extra work outside of his schedule (cunning, I know). In reality, that meant I didn’t even go home for Christmas break. The sacrifices we make in the face of defeat.
Second, my work colleague at Bulien, Owen “TheOC” Coyle. He was and continues to be my mentor (even if he doesn’t officially call himself my mentor). Owen is somebody who isn’t afraid to fail, lifts others around him, and ensures he makes time for people. This has been a big factor in helping me accelerate my career path in the Data world and has shown me the value that being an active community member can bring.
Third, my wife-to-be, Ria. I don’t need to say much more than she’s been here for the whole ride. Moving countries, swapping careers, and starting from scratch brings hardship with it. Somehow, she thrived in the chaos and taught me that change is something to embrace. Nothing can match the confidence that you have in the decisions you make if you have somebody who backs you.
When and why did you first start using Databricks?
I first started using Databricks back in January of this year. Although it had been on my radar for a while before that! I started using Databricks through a combination of clients using Databricks and the partnership with Alteryx. I’ve never been more excited for the future. Databricks is unreal!
Are there any Databricks features that you particularly enjoy or find indispensable in your work?
For me, it’s the flexibility that Databricks’ Notebooks bring. The fact that you pick SQL, R, Scala, or Python - all in a single place, by the way! just blows my mind.
Is there a Databricks feature you wish existed or would like to see in future updates?
It’s the Databricks Free Edition. It’s such a game-changer for anyone looking to get started with Databricks. I appreciate that its predecessor, “Community Edition”, was around before this, but the Free Edition brings all the latest and greatest features!! I wish it had been around when I first started learning, but I’m so happy for others that it’s around now. The cloud can feel daunting, especially when you’re worrying about running up costs, but the Free Edition takes that stress away and gives people a safe space to learn, experiment, and really grow.
When did you join the Databricks Community, and what motivated you to do so?
The sheer passion and energy around this product made me realise I needed to get involved with the other superstars who are using it. I joined back in January, and I wish I had joined sooner! The community lived up to what I hoped for & I’m loving the direction that it’s moving in. I know it’s bold to say, but I’m really excited to master the product… I may regret saying this (future me, don’t laugh). The community members on Databricks are awesome, I’m learning so much from them & I can’t wait to provide as much value back as possible. This really is going to be such an exciting journey.
What aspects of the Databricks Community do you find most valuable or enjoyable?
I love the gamification with levels and badges. Before working in data, I was a professional gamer! I’m a sucker for ranking up. Every day, I’m learning more and more from the community members. It’s already clear to me that the community staff listen to the community users and that really matters. It’s something I’m proud to be a part of! Thanks to everyone who’s helping create such a great space.
Outside of work, what is your favourite hobby or pastime?
I love learning, currently that consists of mastering Databricks and doing everything I can to become a great data engineer. When life calls for me to go outside, I enjoy hiking and putting myself through my paces. My fiancée and I have recently climbed a mountain called Helvellyn and hiked across the neck of England on a route called “Hadrian’s Wall”.
Where do you envision yourself professionally in the next three years?
I envision:
- Becoming a respected Data Engineer and voice in the community. - Building a strong and current understanding of AI, specifically through the lens of Databricks.
- Achieving all Databricks certifications.
- Staying consistent in the Databricks community and achieving the status of an MVP. - Speak at Databricks events.
It’s important to me that I can grow with the Databricks community and give back as much as I can to others along the way.
🌟 @BS_THE_ANALYST AKA Benjamin’s story is a reminder that diverse experiences fuel innovation and growth — both in data and in life. We are proud to have him as an active contributor, and we can’t wait to see him achieve his goal of becoming an MVP and speaking at Databricks events.
Join us in congratulating Benjamin, check out his Alteryx ACE profile to see more of his work and follow his journey on LinkedIn, 🚀
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