By Catherine Parker, adjunct instructor, Data Analysis
Working in the field as a data analyst and California Community Colleges instructor for almost 20 years, I have observed and learned a lot! I began my data analysis career at a California Community College analyzing student level data, such as course success rates, course taking patterns, and student satisfaction surveys. Today, in addition to my teaching data analysis at Calbright, I am currently a Senior Human Resources Data Analyst for the California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office Systemwide Human Resources. In this role, I manage and analyze human resource level data for the CSU system. I also pick up contract data analysis work here and there.
My path to being a data analyst was not straightforward and was unexpected. I didn’t set out to be a data analyst, however, I developed a skill set through my educational and work experiences that landed me my first job as a data analyst. After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (I wanted to be a therapist), I completed my Master’s Degree in General Experimental Psychology (to prepare me for a Doctorate in Psychology), which had an emphasis in research methods and statistics. I burned myself out and decided to apply to teach psychology courses at my local community college. After I landed that position, I began to participate in professional development opportunities conducting student success research projects in my classes. As a result of doing this, I was recruited by the Office of Institutional Research at that college and became a data analyst for them.
When I began my career as a data analyst, I had a lot to learn (still do) before I could analyze and manage projects on my own. I also had to face my battle with imposter syndrome. I felt as if I was unqualified and doubted myself. Now as a Senior Data Analyst, I am discovering even more aspects of the job that I need and want to learn and become more proficient in. There is always something to learn in this field, especially with the rapid pace technology evolves at. Students I speak with often feel as if they need to have the skill sets mastered before they can get a job as a data analyst, but they don’t. They need a foundational skill set, an analytical mind, interpersonal skills, and the motivation to learn and succeed. Also, analyzing data can look like many things we are already doing at work. For example, taking inventory at a job, double checking an order, assessing the progress of a project, creating a spreadsheet, and managing a budget.
The answer to the question “who can be a data analyst?” is “you!” If you like working with data, the skills you need are attainable, and the opportunities are here.
So, in preparing for a career in data analysis, take advantage of the resources Calbright offers and the knowledge of the data analysis instructors. We can help you assess if data analysis is a good fit for you and what current skill sets you have that will translate into data analysis. I am happy to share my experiences with students. I want to help students be successful in anything that they set out to do!
