Podcast Summary: The Analytics Power Hour – Episode #255: Dear APH-y: Career Inflection Points

Introduction

In Episode #255 of The Analytics Power Hour, titled "Dear APH-y: Career Inflection Points," hosts Michael Helbling, Moe Kiss, Tim Wilson, Val Croll, and Julie Hoyer delve into crucial moments that define and shape careers in analytics. Drawing from listener questions submitted through a survey, the team provides insightful advice on navigating career transitions, leadership roles, skill development, and more. This episode serves as a valuable guide for analytics professionals at various stages of their careers.

1. Transitioning to an Analytics Lead Role

Listener Question: "I'm a software developer with strong SQL, but I have very little stats background and I'm about to be named analytics lead for a large team. What should I learn first?"

The hosts discuss the dual challenges of technical proficiency and managerial responsibilities that come with leading a large analytics team.

• Tim Wilson emphasizes the importance of resisting the urge to solely focus on technical problem-solving:

  "How do I get the data? Where do I get it? What are the caveats? ... build relationships and ... figure out what problems the business is expecting you to solve."
  (03:06)

• Mo Kiss highlights the significance of soft skills and understanding team dynamics:

  "Really understanding that niche role that data plays in being a business partner... It's all the soft skills."
  (04:35)

• Val Croll advises focusing on business problem-solving and team advocacy:

  "Advocate for your team ... speak to the capabilities in the way that your team can be most valuably serving the organization."
  (08:10)

• Julie Hoyer suggests engaging directly with team members to understand their roles and needs:

  "Talk to everyone on your team... ask what their day-to-day looks like and what their big pain points are."
  (05:15)

Key Takeaways:

• Balance technical skills with leadership and relationship-building.
• Focus on understanding and addressing business needs.
• Leverage team members' strengths without micromanaging.
• Prioritize soft skills to effectively manage and support your team.

2. Maintaining and Growing Skills While Out of the Workforce

Listener Question: "I'm currently out of the workforce. What can I do to maintain or grow my skills?"

The conversation shifts to strategies for professionals taking a hiatus from their careers, emphasizing the importance of networking and practical skill application over merely accumulating certifications.

• Mo Kiss underscores the value of maintaining professional relationships:

  "Don't underestimate your network... keep going to meetup and have coffees with people."
  (10:35)

• Val Croll warns against over-relying on certifications without practical engagement:

  "Keep your network alive... listen to podcasts to stay across changes."
  (10:48)

• Michael Helbling encourages contributing to non-profits or local businesses to apply skills:

  "Great places to contribute... it's both personally rewarding and adds to your resume."
  (12:16)

• Tim Wilson shares personal anecdotes about balancing personal responsibilities with skill maintenance:

  "Do a data project with your personal life, like tracking your day-to-day activities."
  (14:11)

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize networking and maintaining professional connections.
• Engage in practical projects, possibly for non-profits or personal interests.
• Balance skill development with personal responsibilities to avoid burnout.
• Use downtime to stay informed through podcasts and industry interactions.

3. Pivoting Mid-Career into Analytics

Listener Question: "I'm mid-career and pivoting into analytics. What skills do I need to focus on most?"

The hosts explore essential skills and strategic approaches for professionals shifting into analytics roles, highlighting both technical and interpersonal competencies.

• Mo Kiss asserts the primacy of SQL in analytics:

  "SQL's number one."
  (15:36)

• Julie Hoyer emphasizes communication and documentation skills:

  "Own the process of pulling data... communicate assumptions and pivots clearly."
  (16:56)

• Tim Wilson advocates for strong data visualization and documentation practices:

  "Learn data visualization principles... document your process and assumptions."
  (18:09)

• Mo Kiss introduces the concept of "McKinsey headlines" for effective communication:

  "Make your title a declarative statement... it simplifies how others understand your work."
  (21:35)*

Key Takeaways:

• Master SQL as a foundational technical skill.
• Develop strong communication and documentation practices.
• Learn effective data visualization techniques to present insights clearly.
• Adopt strategic communication methods, such as McKinsey-style headlines, to enhance clarity and impact.

4. Transitioning from Data Analyst to Data Scientist

Listener Question: "I've been a data analyst, but now I'm trying to move into data science. How can I best do that?"

This segment examines the blurred lines between data analyst and data scientist roles, advising caution and clarity in pursuing such transitions.

• Mo Kiss discusses the ambiguity in defining data science roles within organizations:

  "Data science roles are not consistently defined, leading to role conflicts."
  (24:28)

• Michael Helbling points out economic factors affecting data science job markets:

  "Data science as a profession is more impacted by economic cycles than analysts."
  (25:31)*

• Val Croll recommends broadening the scope within analytics to tackle more complex business questions:

  "Broaden your definition of analytics and the data sets you work with to answer more complex questions."
  (27:09)*

• Tim Wilson shares his personal journey of expanding skills without fully transitioning to data science:

  "Expand your perspective and skills as an analyst to incorporate data science methodologies."
  (28:09)*

Key Takeaways:

• Recognize the fluid and often unclear distinction between data analyst and data scientist roles.
• Understand that economic conditions can significantly impact data science opportunities.
• Enhance analytics roles by tackling more complex and varied business questions.
• Continuously expand technical skills while maintaining a strong foundation in analytics.

5. Choosing Between Individual Contributor and Management Roles

Listener Question: "I'm at a point where I need to choose whether to pivot from being an individual contributor to a management role. What should I do?"

The hosts provide guidance on evaluating personal preferences and the distinct skill sets required for management versus individual contributor positions.

• Mo Kiss stresses the importance of passion for either doing the work or developing others:

  "Do you want to be the one doing the work or helping your team achieve their goals?"
  (34:37)*

• Tim Wilson encourages trial periods and setting timelines to assess fit:

  "Consider a 12-month timeline to evaluate if a management role suits you."
  (36:45)*

• Val Croll highlights alternative career paths, such as senior individual contributor roles:

  "Many organizations offer senior IC paths that allow for career advancement without managing teams."
  (39:04)*

• Julie Hoyer advises understanding the value you add as a manager versus an individual contributor:

  "As a manager, your value comes from influencing others and supporting your team's success."
  (43:15)*

Key Takeaways:

• Reflect on whether you derive more satisfaction from hands-on work or from coaching and supporting a team.
• Explore opportunities to lead on projects without fully committing to a managerial role.
• Consider senior individual contributor paths as viable alternatives to management.
• Understand the distinct responsibilities and expectations inherent in management roles.

6. Evaluating Analytics Positions During Interviews

Listener Question: "When I'm interviewing for an analytics position, what are some of the questions I should be asking the interviewer that will help me determine if the position is one that I should take if I get offered it?"

The discussion offers strategies for assessing company culture, management support, and the alignment of the role with personal career goals through targeted interview questions.

• Mo Kiss recommends inquiring about decision-making processes:

  "How are decisions made at this company?"
  (45:55)*

• Val Croll suggests asking about managerial support and handling of challenging situations:

  "How will our manager support us during budget cuts or difficult times?"
  (47:00)*

• Julie Hoyer advises understanding team dynamics and collaboration opportunities:

  "Does your team partner with other teams in the organization?"
  (49:36)*

• Michael Helbling humorously adds to the importance of workplace amenities as indicators of company investment:

  "Determine what the coffee situation is... it indicates the level of investment in the workplace."
  (51:53)*

• Val Croll emphasizes evaluating the analytics organization's trust and integration within the broader company structure:

  "Ensure the analytics team is trusted and not siloed or undermined by other departments."
  (53:49)*

Key Takeaways:

• Ask open-ended questions to understand how decisions are made and who influences them.
• Assess the level of managerial support and advocacy for the analytics team.
• Determine the extent of collaboration and integration with other teams.
• Gauge the company's investment in employee well-being and resources as indicators of overall culture.
• Ensure the analytics function is trusted and effectively integrated within the organization.

Conclusion

Episode #255 of The Analytics Power Hour offers comprehensive advice on navigating pivotal career moments in the analytics field. From stepping into leadership roles and maintaining skills during career breaks to transitioning between analyst and data science positions, and choosing between individual contributor and managerial paths, the hosts provide thoughtful and practical guidance. Additionally, they equip listeners with strategies to evaluate potential job opportunities effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Wilson: "How do I get the data? Where do I get it? What are the caveats? ... build relationships and ... figure out what problems the business is expecting you to solve." (03:06)
• Mo Kiss: "Really understanding that niche role that data plays in being a business partner... It's all the soft skills." (04:35)
• Val Croll: "Advocate for your team ... speak to the capabilities in the way that your team can be most valuably serving the organization." (08:10)
• Julie Hoyer: "Talk to everyone on your team... ask what their day-to-day looks like and what their big pain points are." (05:15)

For more insights and discussions, listeners are encouraged to engage with the hosts through their LinkedIn group, YouTube channel, and the MeasuredChat Slack group.

Stay Connected:

• Twitter: @analyticshour
• Website: analyticshour.io

Credits: Special thanks to Josh Cohurst, the producer, and Ken Riverside and the Fourth Floor Production team for supporting the show.

This summary captures the essence of Episode #255, providing a detailed overview of the discussions and key insights shared by the hosts. Whether you're an aspiring analytics leader, a mid-career pivoter, or evaluating new job opportunities, this episode offers valuable guidance to navigate your career inflection points effectively.