Thoughts After Completing the Data Analytics Specialism
For my final year, I opted for data analytics as my specialism. I previously enjoyed the module “Business Analytics” in my second year and was interested in coding outside of school, which is why I made this decision. In the first semester, we had the module “Data Visualisation and Programming,” where we worked with three tools heavily discussed in the data analytics world: SQL, Python, and Power BI. Of course, it was challenging, but it was exhilarating when I could finally get a block of code to work or convey my exact thoughts through a visualisation, which is not easy.
Fast-forward to the second semester, I am building a website (something I never imagined I could do) and have built machine learning algorithms to train a dataset. The specialism was incredibly useful and allowed me to test and become proficient in most fields required of me after graduation. I will be able to walk into the industry with experience, rather than arriving empty-handed, making me a promising candidate willing to progress further.
Data Analytics and its importance (CareerFoundry)
I have embedded a video below about data analytics and its importance in today’s world. This excites me to join the industry and know that I will be making an impact no matter what. After Candidly Vivian’s day in the life of a data scientist video, this was the introductory video to ensure I fully knew what to expect.
Building a website: code with me (Steph Ran)
My site and other videos show that making something aesthetically pleasing is important to me. As I previously used the code editor “Spyder” in my first semester, I worried that switching to VS Code may have disadvantaged me. Especially when I heard others around me who had more experience with it. Now I have created my website (which you are currently on), which shows how far I’ve come. This was a nice introductory video for me to get excited about website building, from seeing the VS Code in the video to seeing her thoughtfulness in the web design. I started to get better encouraged. Motivation is motivation, whilst the video is not too overly informative, it was an ice breaker!
The video I watched before the VS Code Lecture (Visual Studio Code)
Eager to ensure I was not left behind and could follow the lecture, I watched this video to get started. Luckily, the slide content for the next class was available beforehand, so I did look over those slides too! Here, I finally understood how incredible Git was and made me connect the dots regarding how this would play into my assignment.
SQL focus (Adam Finer)
I watched this video after our initial SQL lecture in our first semester to help with notetaking. Although we used Postgresql, it helped me understand the overall concept.
Articles on Data & Tools
Below are a few links to blogs and articles which discuss more about data analytics.
Business Analytics: What It Is & Why It’s Important
by Matt Gavin
Along with motivational videos I watched, there was also articles which inspired me. Starting off with a general article on the topic of data analytics.
My Takeaway: Data Analytics requires people who are inquisitive and ready to make a difference. I’d like to think I am one of those people and that my studies and working experience presents me in that light.
Unleashing the Power of SQL for Data Analysis in Business
by Aakash Joshi
Explains and dives into what SQL is and why it’s important for business. Thus, it motivates me to know more about myself and my technical abilities.
My Takeaway: SQL extraction is and can be a powerful tool for businesses. This ensures they understand their customers and hold something distinct by identifying specific customers. This is something that I can and will bring to my professional life.
What is Python Used For? A Guide for Business Owners
by Gaper.io
Python is of course the main programming language which I have sufficient experience with. It begs the question, what exactly does programming and business have in common and why does this make me unique?
My Takeaway: During my time in this specialism, there has been an emphasis placed on Python. Whether that be for data cleaning, calling particular functions etc. The article explains Python’s variability. Visualisations, machine learning and positively contributing to artificial intelligence.