This post will look at what was covered in the first week. Hopefully this will give new Data Schoolers an idea of how there first week is ran.

The work environment is very relaxed so do not feel stressed. For what to wear- most people are in jeans and t-shirts/jumpers. We didn't bring lunch because we found it was nice to go out within the first week and get to know others in the cohort better. Be more adventurous then PRET. Your also more then welcome to bring your own lunch. Everyone is super friendly and you will realize this pretty much day one. They will be able to help you with any challenges. Remember we have all been in same place as you.

Why do we blog

This is a useful tool because it allows you to go over information and show your understanding of something you have learnt that day or week. This also useful as a personal diary to keep track of what you have done. Not only this it allows you to build a portfolio for yourself.

Week 1

Monday: Making the most of the data school

Monday was an introductory day we learnt more what we do as data consultants and a bit of background information round the company. We set up laptops with all the software's with Craig in the afternoon to start training on the Tuesday. Monday is your first chance to meet other cohorts and speak to members of the data school as well as people part of the core team.  If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Alteryx time

Training is immediately started with Alteryx. This is a new software to probably the majority and so the first couple days it was trying to understand what the tools do and why we might use this. Wednesday for me was more difficult as I was unsure of certain business terms so could not see how you got from A to B. To overcome this I asked lots of questions to make sure I knew exactly what I was doing. Turns out going backwards sometimes is the new forward. ( I have done a previous blog on this).

I also got an understanding of the following tools ( I have done some other blogs on specific tools):

• Input data: Bring data into workflow
• Browse: view connected data- if data is relatively large then browse will allow you to see the full data.
• Select: you can select, deselect, rename and reorder in this tool. For more information on this tool a blog from someone else in my cohort created a blog called The Joy of Select.

Because the example we were working with was to do with costs, sales, profit, distribution costs I learnt these equations (if you haven't come from a business background) which I knew would be helpful in my time here:

Revenue= units x total sales

Total costs= (unit cost + average distribution cost) x total/sum sales

Profit= Revenue- total costs

% of total= revenue/total

BUT ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK WITH A CLIENT AS THERE APPROACH MAY DIFFER.

Thursday: Tableau Prep

Tableau prep is very similar to Alteryx. However, had a lot less tools so made it feel much nicer and easier to work with. The reason they don't do prep first is because Alteryx will seem even more overwhelming. I had already learnt so much in my first week and can see that this is going to be at a quick pace.

Friday: Work event

I was unable to attend but this is for everyone in the company and many people would recommend. This event may not fall on your joining week and maybe at some point next year.

Though your learning you can still enjoy yourself within this work environment.