
Hosted by Avery Smith - Data Career Coach · EN

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Breaking into data feels harder than ever right now. I break down the real trends shaping the data job market in 2026 and what they mean for your career.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulatorSpecial thanks to Live Data Technologies for the data.Learn more about them: https://www.livedatatechnologies.com⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The real state of the data job market in 202602:18 – Why data engineering keeps growing while other roles slow down05:41 – Who is actually hiring data analysts right now07:56 – Why big tech layoffs don’t tell the full story🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:🚀 March Cohort — Data Analyst Bootcamp (Starts March 9th)Ready to break into data analytics? Our March cohort kicks off with a live call on March 9th at 7pm ET where you'll meet your peers and mentors on day one. Save 20% when you enroll now, plus get two free bonuses: 6 months of Data Fairy (your AI co-pilot through the bootcamp) and a bonus course — "The AI-Proof Analyst: Why Thinking Still Wins." Claim Your Spot → https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daahttps://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Unsure if data analytics is still worth it in 2026? These 3 predictions explain what’s actually happening.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – 3 predictions for data analysts00:25 – Prediction #102:48 – Prediction #207:00 – The truth about AI replacing analysts09:24 – Prediction #3🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:🚀 March Cohort — Data Analyst Bootcamp (Starts March 9th)Ready to break into data analytics? Our March cohort kicks off with a live call on March 9th at 7pm ET where you'll meet your peers and mentors on day one. Save 20% when you enroll now, plus get two free bonuses: 6 months of Data Fairy (your AI co-pilot through the bootcamp) and a bonus course — "The AI-Proof Analyst: Why Thinking Still Wins." Claim Your Spot → https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daahttps://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Most aspiring data analysts struggle with knowing what projects to build. This list of 5 projects spans beginner to advanced levels and is designed to impress recruiters and hiring managers.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – From construction to Senior Financial Analyst (no applications)03:06 – Why his non-data background actually helped08:24 – The projects + portfolio that made recruiters reach out10:27– How LinkedIn led to a job offer23:03 – Biggest lessons for breaking into data🔗 CONNECT WITH JORDANhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jtemplemba/🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:🚀 March Cohort — Data Analyst Bootcamp (Starts March 9th)Ready to break into data analytics? Our March cohort kicks off with a live call on March 9th at 7pm ET where you'll meet your peers and mentors on day one. Save 20% when you enroll now, plus get two free bonuses: 6 months of Data Fairy (your AI co-pilot through the bootcamp) and a bonus course — "The AI-Proof Analyst: Why Thinking Still Wins." Claim Your Spot → https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daahttps://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Starting a career in data can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Learn how to combine skills, projects, and connections to create real opportunities.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:18 The SPN Method00:42 Understanding the Importance of Skills02:46 The Role of Projects in Landing a Data Job08:20 Networking: The Key to Success11:11 Final Thoughts and Resources🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Will AI replace data analysts? Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what’s next.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:47 The Reality of AI in the Data World01:47 AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement02:54 Adapting to AI06:26 Practical Tips for Using AI09:05 Conclusion and Career Advice🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! It’s not just about skills; find out what makes hiring managers say, “You’re the one we’ve been looking for.” Featuring hiring managers like Alex The Analyst, Megan McGuire, Jesse Morris, and Andrew Madson, the episode provides actionable tips and behind-the-scenes looks at what it takes to stand out in the data job market.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulatorSubscribe to Our Newsletter: Join the Data Career Jumpstart NewsletterPrepare for Interviews: Try the Interview Simulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:25 Alex The Analyst: The Importance of Personality in Hiring08:01 Megan McGuire: The Hiring Process from Start to Finish17:06 Jesse Morris: Storytelling and Tenacity in Data Roles23:21 Andrew Madson: The Value of Projects and Team Fit26:27 Conclusion and Additional Resources🔗 CONNECT WITH GUESTSAlex Freberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-frebergMegan McGuire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-s-mcguireJesse Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessemorris1Andrew Madson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-madson🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Steven Tran went from tech support to analytics pro in just three months, and he's spilling the tea on how he made it happen.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:37 Meet Steven Tran: From Tech Support to Data Analytics02:30 Steven's Career Transformation Timeline06:29 Financial and Career Growth07:52 The Importance of Projects and Passion16:57 The Importance of a Portfolio18:34 Growing Your LinkedIn Presence24:42 Interview Experiences and Job Success🔗 CONNECT WITH STEVEN TRANConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephentran96🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Why pay to learn data skills when you could get paid to learn instead? Let’s explore the options and find what works for you.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:21 Learning for Free01:13 Paid Learning02:53 Getting Paid to Learn04:58 Company-Sponsored Learning: Courses and Degrees🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! No fluff, no jargon; just the essentials to kick-start your data analyst career in 2025 with a strategy built for success.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:16 Understanding Different Data Roles01:48 Essential Data Skills and Tools04:36 Building Projects to Showcase Skills08:13 Creating a Portfolio for Your Projects09:06 Optimizing LinkedIn and Resume10:46 Applying for Jobs and Networking12:38 Preparing for Interviews14:25 Conclusion and Final TipsJoin the Bootcamp: Data Career JumpstartBrowse Data Jobs: Find a Data JobMust-Learn Skills for Aspiring Analysts: Watch on YouTubeFind Free Datasets for Practice: Watch on YouTubeStratascratch for SQL Practice: Visit StratascratchPrepare for Interviews: Interview Simulator🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! For anyone aiming to break into data analysis, Avery’s roadmap is the ultimate guide. With practical advice and clear steps, this episode sets you up for success in just 100 days.💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 01:06 AI Avatars Talk About the Plan02:04 Learning About Data Roles03:55 Getting Good at Excel04:55 Visualizing Data with Tableau05:54 Learning SQL Basics06:58 Starting Job Prep Early07:15 Applying for Jobs Smartly09:27 Capstone Project: Showing Off Your Skills11:22 Last Tips and Encouragement🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join The January Cohort of The Data Analytics AcceleratorHave a goal to become a data analyst in 2025? Let me help. We are launching a new cohort of my 10-week bootcamp on January 13th. We'll teach you the skills, the projects, and the job hunting skill necessary to become a data analyst. https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa