69: Skills, Networking, Portfolio: How Brad Yarbro Landed a Data Job
Aug 2, 2023
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Brad Yarbro, a senior data scientist at Protective Life, shares his inspiring journey from an economics student to a data professional. Topics discussed include gaining work experience as a student, transitioning into data analytics, analyzing pictures and predictive models in the life insurance industry, the value of a master's degree in applied statistics, and the crucial role of networking and continuous learning in a data career.
Networking and leveraging relationships is crucial for gaining opportunities and advancing in the data analytics field.
Being embedded in a business team as a data professional provides a unique perspective and the ability to impact decision-making, but effective communication and networking within the organization are key.
Deep dives
Brad Yarbrough's Transition from Economics to Data Science
Brad Yarbrough shares his journey from being an economics student to becoming a senior data scientist. He discusses the value of pursuing a master's in applied statistics and how it helped him land his first data analytics job. Brad emphasizes the importance of networking and leveraging relationships with professors and colleagues to gain opportunities and make career advancements. He also highlights the significance of having a portfolio of data analytics projects, which played a crucial role in securing his initial data job. Overall, Brad's story showcases the power of determination, continuous learning, and seizing every opportunity to advance in the data analytics field.
The Role of Business Teams in Data Analytics
Brad explains the value of being embedded in a business team while working as a data professional. He discusses how these roles bridge the gap between data and business, providing a unique perspective and the ability to impact decision-making. Brad talks about the importance of effectively communicating with business managers and colleagues, emphasizing the value of being a subject matter expert in both data analytics and the specific business domain. He highlights the opportunities and challenges of working in such role and underscores the importance of networking within the organization to seize growth opportunities.
Utilizing Tools and Tech Stack in Data Analytics
Brad shares insights into the tools and technologies he has utilized throughout his career. He mentions the significance of mastering one tool, whether it be Tableau or Power BI, as the skills can be transferable to other similar tools. Brad also discusses the importance of learning both R and Python, acknowledging the unique advantages each offers in the data analytics field. He highlights the value of being proficient in SQL and explains how it is extensively used in his work. Brad shares his preference for Python and Tableau, noting their versatility and intuitive interfaces.
The Impact of a Master's Degree in Applied Statistics
Brad discusses his experience pursuing a master's degree in applied statistics. He highlights the rigorous technical and mathematical aspects of the program, which provided him with a solid foundation in data analytics and machine learning. Brad reflects on the value of building a portfolio of data analytics projects during his master's program, which significantly contributed to landing his first data job. He mentions that while the program mainly focused on SAS, he wishes there had been more emphasis on R and Python. Brad also shares the time investment and cost associated with completing the degree, emphasizing the importance of carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing higher education in data analytics.
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