My career path into Data and Analytics is a non traditional route, I attribute my career trajectory to a combination of; taking on projects and stretch roles as well as taking the risk in moving sideways from a finance into a technology discipline. 9 years ago I was working in an APAC role for a Global organisation as a Director of Billing and Credit. I knew that the Billing role was very niche and was not a career that would grow beyond that role. I moved into a project role for VHA and then onto Optus. Within Optus I focussed on delivering Data projects and worked on transformational programs and also took up the role of Delivery Manager – managing the Data Project Team.
My current role has enabled me to cross the threshold of project delivery to Solution Delivery in Data. As the Head of Data at TAL I manage a team of designers, developers and am starting the implementation of Data Governance at TAL. I also took on board the role of chairing the ‘Analytics at TAL’ community. This group brings technology and business analysts together to collaborate and remove silos across the enterprise.
During the Data Girls workshops, I have the opportunity to talk with women embarking on the journey of tech and data. In many cases, I have heard that women have a perception that Data and Analytics is better suited for men. There are few mentors and role models in their own workplace or networks that demystify this belief.
The partnership we (TAL)have with Keboola and Yellowfin BI enables these free workshops to encourage women to enter into the industry of D&A. I love that Keboola and Yellowfin BI share the passion we have at TAL. We believe in building the data and analytics industry by using our resources, our shared knowledge and growing more talent because it is the right thing to do! If by chance we get candidates from the workshop or help someone move into Data/Tech then the workshops are proving to be successful.
University students that complete their studies have a good start, they have the technical skill coupled with the sound academia but they lack some of the soft skills or experience that many organisations seek in their candidates. Employers are also looking for candidates that have a commitment to life long learning to keep their skills up to date. Therefore I would recommend the following steps to ensure you are the stand out candidate when applying for roles in industry;
Seeking out women to join your organisation in D&A requires executive and management support. Women will move to an organisation if they feel they will be supported and have an opportunity to grow. Organisations should;
Author:
Louise Barber, Head of Data, TAL Life