An Important Lesson From My First Month as a Data Analyst

I'm one month into my new, sexy job as a data analyst.

And I'm feeling like a superstar already.

But not because I'm the greatest data analyst out there.
I'm not.
I'll admit it.

I feel great because I've learned more over the last four weeks than I did over the last four months.

You've heard it before, and I'm about to force you to hear it again...

"Real-world data experience is more valuable than any cheap online course or portfolio project."

Whether you like it or not, that's the truth.
So sorry to all you disappointed data dorks.
There's no way around it.

Before ending this post, I want to leave you with a valuable nugget of knowledge. You know, give you a little taste of something I've learned on the job...

Over the last few days, I discovered a crucial soft skill you need to grow quickly in your career.

It's the confidence to ask questions.

Especially the ones you think are stupid and common sense. The ones you think are at the same level as saying to your boss, "What's a SQL join?"

Let me tell you...

The more questions you ask, the more you will grow.

So, if you're a data analyst right now, stop being afraid of asking the wrong questions. You'll regret not asking them more than you will regret asking them.

And if you're trying to become a data analyst still...

Ask questions to the people you meet (like me).

You'll learn things about the career that only someone who's been in the role would understand. Even though I'm just starting out in the Dorky World of Data, I've learned a lot.

So reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to talk data. I'm always interested in chatting with a fellow data dork.