David Schroeder

(Aka Data Dave)

A Very Non-Linear Journey:

From Bartender to Data Scientist – And Around the World

My 20+ year career, started with a bang. Walking straight into the 2008 financial crisis. But through those early days, I learned to be scrappy and constantly evolve to meet the challenges of the moment. I’ve worn many hats: bartender, carpenter, doorman, taxi driver, humanitarian filmmaker, marketer, and data scientist. Each role taught me something valuable, shaping the professional (and person) I am today. Sometimes success isn’t a straight line—but it can be an adventure, if you do it right.

Along the way I met thousands of remarkable people. I saw incredible stories and places. Through continual learning and development, I built valuable skills. I earned Master’s degrees from Northwestern University and New York University, a professional certificate from Harvard Business School, and was eventually certified as a Data Scientist. But more importantly, I gained a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, adapt, and succeed when the job market sucks and the deck is stacked against you.

That’s why I created Career Compass AI—to share everything I’ve learned with early-career professionals that also want to push their professional careers to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career change, or looking to accelerate your growth, my goal is to help you navigate your path with confidence, strategy, and the insights I wish I had earlier in my journey.

Your career is a story in the making. Let’s make it a great one.