

Data Career Podcast: Helping You Land a Data Analyst Job FAST
Avery Smith - Data Career Coach
The Data Career Podcast: helping you break into data analytics, build your data career, and develop a personal brand
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2025 • 14min
188: 7 Brutal Myths About Landing a Data Job That Are Keeping You Stuck
Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! I unpacked the 7 biggest myths circulating in the data career space and reveal what actually matters when trying to land your first role.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Myth #1: “Data Analyst is the only title”02:00 – Myth #2: “You have zero data experience”04:23– Myth #3: “You need to learn ALL the data skills”06:03 – Myth #4: “You need a degree or certificate”07:40 – Myth #5: “Data jobs are easy to land”09:14– Myth #6: “Most data jobs are remote”11:08 – Myth #7: “AI is going to take your data job”🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website

Nov 25, 2025 • 13min
187: Would You Survive This Data Analyst Interview?
Dive into the essentials of acing data analyst interviews, starting with the classic 'Tell me about yourself' question. Discover key distinctions between 'WHERE' and 'HAVING' in SQL with practical examples. Explore troubleshooting techniques for analyzing user signup drops, ensuring you're prepared for real-world scenarios. Get insights into building innovative applications using Replit, where you'll find exciting free access opportunities. Plus, don't miss the special end-of-year sale for enrolling in the Data Analytics Accelerator!

Nov 18, 2025 • 12min
186: I analyzed 6,512 data analytics jobs – here’s where you’re most likely to get hired
Curious about the data job market? Discover the worst and best states for data analysts, including a dive into why places like Alaska and Vermont rank low. Learn how to fairly compare opportunities by examining job counts per capita. The conversation spotlights Georgia and D.C. as top contenders for data jobs, thanks to supportive job markets and unique demographics. With insights from aspiring data analysts, you'll get practical advice for navigating the landscape and landing your dream role in less than 90 days!

Nov 11, 2025 • 26min
185: How I Would Become a Data Analyst in 2026 (if I had to start over again)
Discover the essential skills needed to break into data analysis, including the importance of Excel, Tableau, and SQL. Learn why Python can wait while you master quicker-to-learn tools. Explore various analyst roles and how to circumvent the experience barrier through personal projects. Find out where to source data for these projects and tips for showcasing your work effectively. Plus, get insider advice on optimizing resume and LinkedIn profiles for better job applications and interview prep strategies.

Nov 4, 2025 • 15min
184: What I’d Learn Instead of Data Science in 2026
Explore why aspiring data professionals might want to skip the lengthy path to data science. The discussion highlights the skills and time required for data science versus the increasing opportunities in data analyst and engineer roles. Learn how starting as an analyst can provide valuable on-the-job experience, quicker entry into the field, and a clearer route to future data scientist positions. Best of all, analysts can make an immediate business impact with a lower barrier to entry!

Oct 28, 2025 • 20min
183: Struggling To Find Data Jobs? Try This Free Tool I Built
Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! I built you a free tool that matches you to open data jobs! I built it using a low-code analytics tool called KNIME. Learn how I built it & how you can build your own!👔 Try the Resume to Job Match App: https://apps.hub.knime.com/d/AI_Job_Search~data-app:c0cff571-721d-4cd2-aca7-5f19505d7537/run?authToken=cVZoMmVVZmF3RkM4eG9HdXVDdWltWTlZbFJDdzRCTjc0TXBLaFIzY3JYSTpmT3FYZ3VWZ19OTHgwZExxMGZ1Ty1XMUxySFF0QmdYRXBOWllaSVVQRnZmbnRHdGlnWlJ1cS1lM2hlQk0tM3k0TE0taHk3b0ZyQTh2S0t2YWV4QkREdw==💻 Download KNIME: https://www.knime.com/start?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=influencer&utm_term=avery_smith&utm_content=video&utm_campaign=kapsquad📈 Download the KNIME Workflow: https://hub.knime.com/knime/spaces/Data%20Apps/AI_Job_Search~IkoQH5UBhidlxnEt/current-state?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=influencer&utm_term=avery_smith&utm_content=video&utm_campaign=kapsquad💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Avery's notes about episode (audio only) 7:33 - Use this free tool to find data jobs09:36 - What is low-code analytics & why is it important?13:20 - How I built this tool (& you can too) 16:47 - The future of low-code data tools 🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join the last cohort of 2025!The LAST cohort of The Data Analytics Accelerator for 2025 kicks off on Monday, December 8th and enrollment is officially open!
To celebrate the end of the year, we’re running a special End-of-Year Sale, where you’ll get:
✅ A discount on your enrollment
🎁 6 bonus gifts, including job listings, interview prep, AI tools + more
If your goal is to land a data job in 2026, this is your chance to get ahead of the competition and start strong.
👉 Join the December Cohort & Claim Your Bonuses:
https://DataCareerJumpstart.com/daahttps://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
182: This Data Analyst Has Analyzed 1M+ Songs (here’s everything he knows)
Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Data meets music 🎶 — Avery sits down with Chris Reba, a data analyst who’s studied over 1 million songs, to reveal what the numbers say about how hits are made. From uncovering Billboard chart fraud to exploring how TikTok reshaped music, this episode breaks down the art and science behind every beat.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com//interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro: How Chris analyzed 1M+ songs using data01:10 - What data reveals about hit songs and music trends03:30 - Combining qualitative and quantitative analysis07:00 - The 1970s Billboard chart fraud explained10:45 - Why key changes disappeared from modern pop13:30 - How hip-hop changed song structure and sound14:10 - TikTok’s influence on the music industry16:10 - Inside Chris’s open-source music dataset22:10 - Best tools for music data analysis (SQL, Python, Datawrapper)27:45 - Advice for aspiring music data analysts🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRIS📕 Order Chris's Book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/uncharted-territory-9798765149911📊 Check out Chris's Music Dataset: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j1AUgtMnjpFTz54UdXgCKZ1i4bNxFjf01ImJ-BqBEt0/edit?gid=1974823090#gid=1974823090💌 Subscribe to Chris's' Newsletter: https://www.cantgetmuchhigher.com📲 Follow Chris on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdallarivamusic🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:Join the last cohort of 2025!The LAST cohort of The Data Analytics Accelerator for 2025 kicks off on Monday, December 8th and enrollment is officially open!
To celebrate the end of the year, we’re running a special End-of-Year Sale, where you’ll get:
✅ A discount on your enrollment
🎁 6 bonus gifts, including job listings, interview prep, AI tools + more
If your goal is to land a data job in 2026, this is your chance to get ahead of the competition and start strong.
👉 Join the December Cohort & Claim Your Bonuses:
https://DataCareerJumpstart.com/daahttps://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Oct 14, 2025 • 14min
181: I Got 285 Data Analyst Applications. Here's Who I Hired.
Dive into the journey of hiring a data analyst from a pool of 285 applicants! Discover the secrets of a successful hiring funnel and learn why early applications make a difference. Uncover common resume pitfalls that could cost you the chance, and hear why rejections aren't personal. Hear insights on what recruiters look for in interviews, from authenticity to technical skills. Finally, find out how industry knowledge can tip the scales in your favor and encourage your career pivot.

Oct 9, 2025 • 17min
180: The 10 MOST CLUTCH Quarterbacks in NFL History (Backed by Data Science)
Who truly are the most clutch quarterbacks in NFL history? Using Python and advanced metrics, the discussion dives into what it means to be 'clutch.' With a clever analysis of 1.18 million NFL plays, surprising rankings emerge, leading to riveting insights about Tom Brady and his counterparts. The conversation further explores Win Probability Added (WPA) to gauge true impact in tense moments. Listeners are encouraged to try their own analyses with Sphinx, opening up a world of data exploration.

Oct 1, 2025 • 7min
179: How I Use PRIVATE Data ETHICALLY In the New Era of AI
Organizations face a tough choice in AI: compromise on privacy or performance. Discover a third option that balances both! Listen in as a staged leaked Zoom debate reveals the ethical dilemmas of using patient data. Learn about sensitive data discovery and how data synthesis can replace sensitive information with realistic, artificial data. Explore the power of Tonic Textual to efficiently process and anonymize doctor notes, enabling innovative uses without compromising privacy.


