The 7 Reasons Why I Became a Data Analyst

I could have become one two years earlier, but I was too damn proud.

For two years after graduating college, countless people told me, “You should become a data analyst, Mike. I think you’ll like it.”

And…

Every. Single. Time. I’d answer:

“Ew no. I don’t want to do that. I’m gonna be a writer.”

Yet one day this past April, I woke up, stared at myself in the mirror, and completely on my own (with no outside input, of course) decided:

“I’m gonna become a data analyst.”

It was all spontaneous.

There was no deep thought at the time. But reflecting on that moment now, I realize why I wanted to become a data analyst.

Here are my 7 reasons why:

1. I loved analyzing my writing and uncovering the patterns that explained why some pieces performed better than others. Sounds like something a data analyst does, no?

2. Writing didn’t work out my problem-solving juices enough. The problem-solving involved in the data analysis process excites me and tests me in a way writing never could (and never will).

3. Money, money, money… I struggled to monetize my writing and didn’t want to go broke. Who would want to be broke, right?

4. I didn’t want to be a one trick pony. I used to define myself as a writer. Nothing more, nothing less. But I wanted to do more with my life than solely write. I wanted to make an impact elsewhere. Data stole my heart because of this.

5. I wanted a job where I could sit around in silence all day and not worry about having to talk to anyone. (But things have changed. It turns out being a data analyst is highly collaborative. And it’s the part I love about the job the most)

6. Computer science, coding, and programming have always fascinated me. While I doubt I’ll ever become a true programmer (like those crazy web developers and software engineers out there), I have fun with SQL. It’s enough coding for me. So that makes me happy.

7. It felt like the only entry level job I could get with my math degree. Yeah, I know this makes no sense now, but back in April, I didn’t think I could make myself qualified for a more mathematically focused job.

I’m sure there are other reasons that my subconscious mind doesn’t want to tell me yet. But for now, this will do.