How do you break into a data career? What are the skills you need to learn? Where do you find your first job? There are many different paths that people take on this journey. And in the end, we often face the same challenges. And we can learn by listening to each others stories.
In this episode I talk with Cynthia Ovadje (Junior Data Analyst at 1&1 Mail & Media) about how she realized her plan to become a data analyst, and the lessons she learned along the way. I had met Cynthia some years ago, when she was just starting out in this field. And I was really happy to hear how she's found her way into her current role since then.
Key takeaways:
- The "analyst" title is used together with many different roles. Cynthia started out as an inventory analyst, making sure the right items were in the right warehouse at the right time.
- Looking at job offers and applying even if you don't meet the requirements can give you valuable experience and opportunities to learn about the job. Cynthia didn't let herself get discouraged by unsuccessful applications, but instead kept learning from the feedback she got.
- You can learn a lot of the technical skills with online courses. After several months of learning SQL and Tableau she landed her first job as a junior data analyst.
- Besides technical skills, strong communication is crucial for the data analyst role. The ability to translate business needs into technical solutions, and then explain complex analysis results in clear and simple language allows you to deliver real impact.
- Understanding how the business works gives you superpowers as a data analyst. You can learn this by joining meetings with many different stakeholders and building relationships with people from other parts of the business.
- A more established company (and data team) can be a better place to start at as a junior data analyst. There are usually more resources available to support you in your professional development compared to a startup.
- Working at personal projects can be super helpful to showcase your skills when you don't have the experience on your CV.
Bonus topic: Cynthia shares her experiences in moving to Germany from Nigeria, and the unique challenges of living and working here as a woman of color.
Find Cynthia and Valentin on LinkedIn.
