Recently, I’ve had too many people ask about my transition into Data Analytics, prompting me to pen down this blog to chronicle my journey. In this inaugural post, I’ll delve into the reasons behind my decision to delve into Data Analytics and shed light on the process of pivoting from Web Development. Subsequently, in a follow-up post, I’ll walk you through the beginnings of my journey, the challenges encountered, recommended learning resources to kickstart your own path, and share insights on how to elevate your expertise and skills in the field of data analytics. Stay tuned for a comprehensive exploration of my experiences and valuable insights for those considering a similar transition.
How it started
My academic journey led me to study Computer Science at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and later at the University of Jos, Nigeria, where I specialized in Web Development. Throughout my education, I had a keen interest in working with databases. The notion of creating a robust system capable of storing, retrieving, and manipulating data fascinated me.
It wasn’t until the end of 2016 that I started contemplating the buzz surrounding big data and data analytics. The surge in data generation, coupled with the increasing importance of extracting actionable insights from this vast amount of information, captured my attention. This realization marked the beginning of my venture into the dynamic and evolving field of data analytics.
Having worked a lot as a freelancer helping many local entrepreneurs transcend from analog to digital ways of doing business and also helping modern entrepreneurs launch their personal brands so that they can grow income and create a bigger impact with their work, I’ve seen the wonders of data and how valuable insights from it can drastically change the trajectory of any business.
I build most Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) websites on WordPress followed by an immediate integration of site analytics and search engine optimization. I like the data gathered from the first week of the website launch to the progress reached by the sixth month. The insights from these data always help a great deal in maintaining and scaling the website. And that was partly my motivation into becoming a Data Analyst.
Factors such as website traffic and user behavior while on-site were very important to me as a web developer – whether it’s measuring the search volume of keywords, examining reasons behind the bounce rate, or analyzing the number of website visits in a given month.
I enjoy working with numbers and statistics which makes it fun for me to identify trends and patterns in data. I work with tools such as Tableau, SQL, Microsoft Excel, Google Analytics, and Python to do this.
My approach involves condensing vast amounts of information into bite-sized chunks that stakeholders can quickly digest. Whether it’s unraveling complex datasets or distilling intricate insights, I take pride in presenting information in a format that not only facilitates understanding but also empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the trends and patterns revealed in the data.
Leveraging my background as a web developer, I bring a unique perspective to my role as a data analyst, understanding the specific needs of developers. In collaborative projects, I work closely with web developers and other team members, offering insights, addressing complex analytical queries, and presenting reports in a concise manner to streamline the requirements for the entire team.
A crucial aspect of my role is helping developers gauge whether their goals are being met. For instance, if a business sets a target to increase traffic by 30% quarter over quarter, it falls upon me as an analyst to report on the figures. This information becomes invaluable to developers, working in tandem with UX designers, business managers, and other team members. By understanding the overall performance metrics, we collectively ensure the growth and success of any website or app. This collaborative approach is integral to achieving and exceeding the set targets.
The Advantage
My proficiency in SQL and other programming skills provides me with a distinct advantage over many other analysts. I’ve recognized a consistent demand from organizations for individuals who can rapidly develop technical solutions, especially when traditional IT support faces limitations in meeting the needs of specific projects. This capability allows me to bridge the gap and provide valuable technical support to ensure that business projects move forward seamlessly.
Conclusion
Overall, data work or tech, maybe even life itself if we’re being philosophical, is definitely about constant learning. There will always be new tools and new novel algorithms to learn about and study, but the biggest thing that everyone needs to figure out early on is how to learn and to be bold enough to move when the time is right.
Are you interested in learning more about Data Analytics?
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