The Data School - My First Week


So I've never been someone to write blogs - I keep a journal so I guess it's kind of similar, just less private? But I like the idea of being able to look back at my journey at The Data School and also I found the blogs really helpful during my application and I'm sure I will throughout my time here... so here goes!

If anyone that's reading this is thinking of, or currently going through the application process for The Data School, the first thing I'll say is - KEEP GOING! If you're like me and had no previous Tableau experience, then yes it can feel overwhelming and you'll probably have regular meetings with the little voice in your head saying 'you're not cut out for this'. Don't get me wrong, I also really enjoyed the application process and learning what I could in Tableau, but I really wanted this job, so as expected there was of course the added pressure I'd put on myself throughout the application process. (I think I cried when I was offered the role and many times during the application stages)

Although I'd read quite a few blogs about data schoolers first weeks, I still had the usual anxieties about a new job - I'm not a shy person, but after being in my previous job for 5 years, the thought of a new job, new people, a new city, just new everything was pretty daunting. As soon as I arrived at The Information Lab (45 minutes early, so I hung around outside for a little while...) I was instantly put at ease, you have to remember most of the people at TIL have been in your position - I could be there welcoming you in a few months time.

The first day is a lot of introductions, meeting your cohort, the coaches and whoever else is at TIL that day. Setting up your laptop - all the admin bits. Be prepared to introduce yourself a lot - I think we all got to the point that we could have introduced each other... maybe an idea for future cohorts?

Day 2 & 3 we were introduced to Alteryx - well for me it was brand new, I'd seen Alteryx before but had no idea how it all worked. Yes it's pretty intense, asking loads of questions, anything and everything, is the way to go - you won't be the only one confused or a little lost I'm sure. This was the first time I welcomed back the little voice in my head - also known as 'the imposter syndrome' - during the first day of Alteryx this seemed to be present most of the day, I tried to do a bit of recapping at home, but after 2 months off work before this my brain was pretty fried. Day 3, things started clicking (a little like learning Tableau during the application process), and then the day ended by a complete switch back to my brain melting again - but it's only day 2 of learning something completely new - I was assured that it would click in the future...

Now the end of the week ended a little differently for me. After 2 of my flat mates testing positive for our good old friend Covid, I was back to communicating with people through zoom and to top it off I missed the Christmas party and Andy's dog Maggie being in the office (please bring her when we're back in Andy) - yes I'm still feeling bitter about this, but it definitely wouldn't be a great first impression if I'd given everyone covid on my first week.
But back to the day - we were introduced to Tableau prep, again something that I haven't seen or used before. We were taught some data prep techniques and spent a good chunk of the day applying what we'd learnt to different challenges - this was much more enjoyable as it made a lot more sense to me and I ended the day feeling a little more confident in myself again (phew).

Friday is project day. Unfortunately, I can't say much about this - after never having a sick day before (in my 13 years of working), covid hit me pretty hard and I had to spend my first presentation day sleeping it off! Not the best end to my first week, but I have every Friday for the next 4 months to make up for it!

So overall, the first week I think I'd experienced every emotion. You will probably be faced with some self doubt but also it's pretty fun to be back learning, and I also remind myself of this amazing opportunity that I have - nobody said it was going to be easy and I'm excited to see myself and others around me grow!

Author:
Katie Matkin
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