So you've found The Data School and are keen on applying (great choice by the way!) but don't really know what to expect? Well, the application process is a little different to the standard (and quite frankly boring and outdated) application processes you may have come across in the past - this one is a lot more hands on and potential-driven. All the steps can be found here, and this blog is by no means the only way to approach the application, but I'm going to delve into tips and tricks that I found helpful, to help you smash the application process!
- Pre-application: So for many of you, Tableau will be completely new, and don't let this put you off - this is very common and you'll find it's fairly easy to pick up if you dedicate some time to it. So my first piece of advice would be to download Tableau Public and just have a little play around and get used to using the software before even thinking about your application topic. There are some great resources online to teach you how to use Tableau and also some great sample datasets to use to practice on which can be found here.
- Application: Your application can be on absolutely anything - seriously anything. My main piece of advice would be to do it on a topic you are interested in, something that you can confidently talk about and something that will allow you to showcase your personality. For me personally, that meant nothing serious for my first application, I'm quite a light-hearted and jokey person and wanted to focus on something a little different that wouldn't restrict that part of my personality. Sooo.... I tried to guess what name my pregnant best friend would be calling her baby using UK baby girl name data from 2021 (ps. I somehow??? guessed correctly - she's called Mabel and she is very cute indeed). Some great resources to look at for inspiration are here and here.
- First stage interview: I know it's easier said than done, but RELAX. This interview is mainly for The Information Lab to get to know you and see if you are a good cultural fit - that being said obviously do your research on the company, practice your presentation etc but overall the interview was far less intense than all of the others I've had in the past. They're not trying to catch you out, it does just feel like you're having a casual chat with one of the coaches.
- Second stage interview: While you are completing your second stage viz you will be assigned a buddy who is already at in The Data School - they are available to help you throughout that week. Take advantage of this!! Ask as many questions as you like and send as many drafts of your final viz as you like. I found jumping on a call with my buddy and practicing my presenting skills in front of her really helped prepare myself for my final interview too.
- Same as before, in terms of the interview, RELAX. The sound of presenting in front of a panel of coaches sounded so intimidating to me, I thought I'd be like X Factor where I'd be stood up on my own in front of a large table of coaches sat down staring back at me, but it's much less intense. You're all sat around one table and it does just feel like you're having a chat with them. Something that really helped with my nerves was attending one of the meet and greets (found here) that The Information Lab regularly hosts. This allowed me to get a feel of the office environment (and get excited for the bar and ping pong table) and also gave me the opportunity to meet and talk to the coaches prior to my final interview.
- Goes without saying, make sure you've researched your topic well. I felt a lot calmer in the interview because I had gone over my presentation soooo many times and had done some background research on the topic it was based on. That being said, if you don't know the answer to a question, just be honest, they're not expecting you to know everything, as long as you can explain how you would go about finding the answer, a lot of the time that is good enough.
For those going through the process, best of luck! If you have any questions or want more advice feel free to reach out - nadia.holloway@theinformationlab.co.uk