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Lindsay Murphy
Head of Data at Secoda

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Breaking into Data Analytics

December 2023

Summary

The rising field of data analytics offers a host of opportunities for those seeking intellectually challenging and well-paid careers. Lindsay Murphy, with over ten years of experience in the data industry, shares advice on how to make your way in this changing sector. With a background in psychology and biology, Lindsay's shift into data highlights the importance of learning on the job and improving skills. The data industry's transformation from 2012 to 2023 has seen a switch from expensive, manual operations to efficient, cloud-based systems that one person can manage. This change has created new roles such as data engineering and analytics engineering. However, the current economic climate expects that data professionals show clear business value to justify their roles. Lindsay emphasizes the need for a comprehensive skill development plan, focusing on both technical and soft skills. She also stresses the importance of creating a data portfolio to showcase one's skills and suggests focusing on real-world datasets. In the job market, understanding the interview process and aligning one's expectations with industry realities are essential. The webinar ends with a call to connect with the data community and to apply selectively to roles that match one's skills and goals.

Key Takeaways:

The data industry has improved significantly, allowing for more efficient, single-person management of data operations.
New roles in data now include data engineering, data science, and analytics engineering, reflecting the industry's increasing complexity.
Showing ROI is essential in today's economic climate to secure and maintain data roles.
Creating a detailed data portfolio with real-world datasets can significantly improve job prospects.
Both technical skills and soft skills are necessary for success in the data industry.

Deep Dives

The Evolution of the Data Industry

The data industry's sector has rapidly transform ...
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ed from 2012 to 2023, as depicted by Matt Turk's visualization of company logos and categories. A decade ago, running a data team required substantial investment in infrastructure and staff, often leading to a disconnect between data engineers and analysts. Today, cloud-based solutions have democratized data operations, enabling even small teams—or individuals, like Lindsay at Sakoda—to manage a full stack of data processes. This shift has introduced roles such as data engineering, data science, and analytics engineering, each catering to different aspects of the data cycle. While these roles continue to evolve, the challenge remains in making sense of the increasingly complex array of tools available. As Lindsay notes, "The industry is becoming increasingly complex," highlighting the need for data professionals to continuously adapt and learn.

The Importance of Demonstrating Business Value

In an era where economic pressures have tightened budgets, data professionals must clearly articulate the return on investment (ROI) they provide. As Lindsay explains, "Data teams now have a target on their back," with senior leaders scrutinizing the tangible value of data operations. To justify their existence, data teams must move beyond traditional metrics and show direct business impacts, such as cost savings through fraud detection models or efficiency improvements in operations. This shift towards accountability means that data professionals must be skilled not only in technical skills but also in communicating their contributions to business outcomes. As Lindsay emphasizes, understanding the intersection of data and business strategy is essential to maintaining relevance in this competitive field.

Skill Development and Portfolio Building

Starting a career in the data industry requires a strategic approach to skill development. Lindsay advises aspiring data professionals to "reverse engineer" their desired roles by identifying the necessary abilities and crafting a personalized learning plan. While technical skills like SQL and Python are foundational, Lindsay stresses the essential role of soft skills, including communication and critical thinking. Building a data portfolio is equally important, serving as a tangible demonstration of one's abilities. Lindsay recommends using real-world datasets to create projects that resonate with personal interests, thus enhancing engagement and showcasing problem-solving prowess. This approach not only enhances technical credibility but also highlights the candidate's ability to deliver actionable insights.

Making Your Way in the Job Market and Interview Process

Entering the data job market requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the interview process. Lindsay outlines a typical sequence, from initial applications to behavioral and technical assessments. She advises candidates to refine their LinkedIn profiles and portfolios to make strong first impressions. During interviews, showing critical thinking, domain knowledge, and cultural fit is essential. Lindsay also highlights the value of assessing a company's data culture and strategy, encouraging applicants to ask probing questions about how data is integrated into decision-making. This two-way evaluation ensures that the role matches the candidate's career goals and values, reducing the risk of dissatisfaction or burnout.