Vocalist. Data Fan. Senior Modeler.

Name: Jiawei C.
Job Title: Senior Modeler, Credit Operations and Decision Management

Senior modeler
I’m a senior modeler on the Card Acquisition Risk Modeling team. We’re responsible for developing and maintaining machine learning and statistical models in the credit card area. Our works assists credit card underwriting, pricing and line assignment decision making.

I’m the main contributor on the two major modeling projects this year. I played the leading role on model development planning, timeline delivery and customizing modeling processes to consider business requirements.

Passion for data
I was drawn to Discover based on the fact that Discover is a matured financial company that leverages data to drive business. That’s very attractive to me because I’m passionate about data analysis and believe deeply in the value that data provides.

Connecting school and work
I’ve worked on developing acquisition models at Discover for three years now. During this wonderful journey, I’ve been able to connect what I learnt in school with the business knowledge I’ve acquired. I’ve also had the opportunity to do research on practical problems, which pushes me to learn more about advanced data analytics. It’s been a pleasant and challenging journey.

Machine learning modeling
Discover always encourages us to be innovative, which gives me a lot of confidence in applying new ideas to practical problems. For example, once when I was working on interpreting machine learning models with my team, we used our practical experience and research to generate four new methods. The research we did provided a solid theory for the machine learning models to be leveraged in a financial industry. It showcased how we could provide risk prediction power and link the risk profile to the future risk behavior. Once we had the four methods to test, we came up with a metric to select out the best method.

Inspired by advanced data analytics
I’m inspired by the spirit of pursuing advanced data analytics here. It’s incredible to get to work with so many talented data analysts. If you’re considering an opportunity here, get ready for challenges and tons of opportunity. Company-wide we’re always encouraged to do the right thing. I remember to take responsibility in the work I do.

My authentic self
People might not expect this about me, but I was once a vocalist in a band.