Advice from WeCloudData Instructors

Our program design is based on BI / Data Analyst roles in various industries. Here’s the advice for anyone who wants to become a BI professional: take only role-based training – role-based, not skill-based. You can only learn a skill in the context of work and work environment. There is no other way. Plus role-based training gives you context to tell stories. It gives the interviewer context to understand and believe your stories.

At WeCloudData, we always emphasize on the importance of practical skills gained with context. Regardless of how many times you have reread the definitions and syntaxes of SQL or Python, nothing beats a good hour or two of practice on your favorite project or dataset that you find interesting. Research shows that you retain 75% of what you learn through practice, 50% of what you learn through discussion with others, 30% of what you learn through a demonstration, 10% of what you learn from reading and 5% of what you learn from a lecture.

1. Learn as much as you can: BI is a constantly evolving field, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, tools, and best practices. Consider taking courses, attending industry events and conferences, and staying current with industry news.
2. Learn a programming language: BI professionals often work with large datasets and may need to use programming languages, such as Python or R, to manipulate and analyze data. It is a good idea to learn at least one programming language as part of your BI education.
3. Improve online research capabilities (Google everything): The incredibly vast amount of information available on the internet is staggering and powerful. With the right combination of keywords in search engines and patience, you will be able to find answers to almost all of your technical questions on popular community websites such as StackOverflow or Reddit.
4. Get hands-on experience: In addition to learning BI concepts and techniques in the classroom, it is important to get hands-on experience working with real-world data. This can be through internships, projects, or other opportunities to apply your skills in a practical setting.
5. Build a strong portfolio: A strong portfolio of BI-related projects and data visualizations can help you to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Consider completing projects on your own or as part of a class to build your portfolio.
6. Stay up to date with industry trends: The BI field is constantly evolving, with new tools and technologies emerging all the time. It is important to stay up to date with industry trends and be willing to learn and adapt as needed.
7. Network: Attend industry events and conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with other BI professionals on LinkedIn to build your network and expand your opportunities.
8. Be open to new opportunities: The BI field is diverse and dynamic, and there may be many different career paths available to you. Be open to exploring new opportunities and consider expanding your skillset to increase your options.
9. Take advantage of mentorship: Mentorship can be a valuable resource for professionals in the BI field. Consider finding a mentor who can offer guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your career.