A little over halfway through training and my cohort and I have completed a few external client projects. They have been stressful yet exciting because we’ve been applying what we’ve learned in training to help solve real-world problems. Here’s a reflection on what I have learned and experienced the past few weeks.
- Prioritize asking the right questions during the kickoff call. As a trainee, you will be given sample questions as a guide. While they are useful, it is very easy to box yourself in if you rely too heavily on them. Instead, listen carefully to the client’s ask, understand the problem, and then think of questions that will give you the information needed to develop a solution.
- If possible, spend the first hours of the week looking at the data. Everyone on the team should understand what the data is showing and its limitations. I understand that you won’t always have access to the data on the first day, but as soon as you do, spend time reviewing it as a team. Determine what information is needed from your data, how can it be cleaned, and what deliverables can be achieved with the data available..
- Sometimes you may finish a kickoff call not knowing how to solve the clients problem. If it happens, that’s okay. Spend the next few hours reviewing your notes, exploring the data (if it’s available at the time), and thinking of detailed follow-up questions to ask during the next client check-in meeting.
- Every hour counts. Waiting for data isn’t fun, but it’s important to remain productive. Use that time to refine the client’s ask, sketch your deliverables, build charts using mock data, or document the process.
- Know when to down scope, and if you do, know what to prioritize. A lot can happen in a week, but regardless of what happens, on Friday you’re still expected to stand in front of your client and present your project. I’m sure we all want to deliver everything we discussed during our client catch-up calls. However, that is not always realistic. Most of the time, you’ll have to down scope and inform your client of any changes done to the project. When that happens, you and your team will have to discuss what information matters the most. You will have to consider what deliverables can be done within your time frame and what will ultimately help your client with their problem. It is a difficult situation to navigate, but with experience, it is one of the most valuable skills to develop.