The first day of anything is almost always a little nerve-wracking, whether it’s your first day of school, your first day in a new country, or like me, your first day at the Data School.
Naturally, in the days prior to starting, I trawled the Data School blog for any posts related to the first day or the first week in order to glean any amount of information that might help me prepare for the first day. And so here I am, having completed my very own first day, hoping to add to the advice so that it might be able to help some future Data Schooler the same way the blog helped me.
Getting to the office & getting there on time
As far as locations go, the Data School has a pretty ideal spot and is within easy distance of a number of tube stops. Not a London native myself, I found my way to the Data School easily enough - with some assistance from Google Maps of course! Although I would say to leave some buffer time if you aren’t used to taking the tube (like me), in case you do need a few extra minutes to check your route or convince yourself that yes, you definitely are on the right tube.
Meeting everybody
In the Data School, and the Information Lab on a broader basis, there are lots of people to meet but it’s definitely more on a friendly, casual level and not an incredibly formal, excessive amount of hand-shaking, scenario. It also helps that everyone is very welcoming, especially as a lot of people will also have been through the Data School and will have been in your shoes at some point too.
Additionally, as a Data Schooler, you are placed in a cohort with other DSers, probably the first and best place to start befriending people, as you will all be training together for the first few months.
What to wear & what to bring
Prior to our first day we were sent an email outlining a couple of things like dress code - so I would definitely refer to that - but again definitely not something to worry about. Although I will say, my cohort dressed a little more smart on the first day compared to our second day, as we were still getting a general feel for the office and also wanted to make a good impression on the first day!
Essentially all you need to bring is yourself (and obviously life essentials like your house key!), as you will be provided with pretty much everything you need to get started on your first day including things like a laptop, notebook, and bag. Also, if you want, you can also bring your lunch, although lunch time on your first day is always a good opportunity to venture out with your cohort for the first time in search of some good food!
Getting started with Tableau & Alteryx
In the first few days, you are definitely not thrown into the deep end with regards to Tableau and Alteryx. Whatever you do do, you will be guided and able to ask questions. There are absolutely no silly questions and no one will think you’re silly for asking questions. Like with my cohort for example, at the end of our first day, we did an exploratory analysis of that weeks #MakeoverMonday as a group that we all talked through together.
Being an “imposter”
It’s often easy to fall victim to the age-old ‘imposter syndrome”, but it’s important to remember you are not one and that you were chosen to join the Data School for a reason. Everyone in your cohort will have different skillsets and talents, so it won’t be useful to you if you feel yourself constantly comparing yourself to other people and their thought processes - which will always be different to yours anyway. On my first day, when there was no keycard ready for me at reception, I can’t deny there was the tiny thought in the back of my head that went - “See, you’re not meant to be here.” - but please if you get a little thought like that, ignore it! You are meant to be here!