Hello everyone and welcome to my first blog! My name is Lina and I am one of four members of cohort DS48. Today marks the first week I’ve been at the Data School.
A whirlwind is the best way to describe the first week. We’ve been meeting so many new faces, learning names and backgrounds, as well as learning new concepts about data and diving into new programs. It’s honestly been such a great experience and I’ve enjoyed being challenged and back in a learning environment again!
It was just really fun to understand the theory behind all of the programs (I'm sure many can relate with being self-taught in Tableau) and being able to apply it with confidence that it would work.
So why did I choose being a data analyst consultant?
I studied Industrial Design and Technology at university for 4 years and left with a BA(Hons) and DIntS with the three of those years being very product design based (to be expected of course!).
But what made me realise the true scope of design was my year abroad in at the Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. It truly opened my eyes to a more research heavy based type of design process, with a service or scheme at the end of it. Thinking of future landscapes without being too futuristic in technologies that may or may not be developing and instead, designing something that is more human based and flexible.
From that year it made me realise that my interest in design certainly rests within the early processes of design, being the person discovering the problems, identifying key issues, and then designing something to help the client or end user.
But unlike design which has a lot more freedom, with the solutions that I may come up with in during my role as a consultant is one that is backed up by data.
Moving onto my understanding of the role of a data analyst consultant after my first week…
To me, a data analyst consultant is someone who is able to bring in something new and dig deeper to what is existing. And with that bigger picture, be able to understand what a client truly needs, (because at the end of the day, we can always want something and not need it).
It is very easy to be blinded with our own assumptions, but as a consultant, we have the ability (and also the data) to ask why and dig deeper, even challenging how something has been done.
We’re there to help with big or small ideas with the aim to make some sort of change or put something into action.
Something else that stands out to me is the aspect of teaching and education that a consultant can provide. Having the expertise to be able to help those who are starting from scratch and learning about data analysis.
What I personally hope to bring to my role is my creative and design background, and being able to see additional problems and solutions which may not be found directly within the data.
I’m excited for my journey at the Data School and learning so much more!