Data Analytics is one of the courses that gives me the most anxiety because of the series of data analytics tools one is supposed to learn and understand, and these tools carry their various complexities. Our facilitator is unique in his own way. He says he is only there to point us in the right direction, and the rest of the work falls on us. I find this interesting because it gives me the opportunity to push myself outside my comfort zone. The world of data analytics is a whole new pedestal for me because I never wanted to be a “tech bro,” but here I am at LBS, where they say we should just know how.

Navigating these data analytics tools has been somewhat challenging, but with practice comes mastery or at least a way around it. Learning these tools such as Excel, Power BI, Python, SQL, and R Studio will actually help one, especially in the dynamic times we find ourselves in. The search for individuals with mastery of these tools is endless. In fact, one interesting thing our facilitator did at the beginning of the course was that he brought out a job advert with various job requirements and asked if anybody totally fulfills the whole requirement. Very few people indicated. However, he said we should look at it properly and make it a personal target to fulfill those requirements as we embark on the course. I took this as food for thought and pondered on how best to have a know-how of these tools, especially because they will be used to assess us and will be a determinant on whether we pass the course or not, and the data analytics course is not one to be taken lightly.

Learning these tools in class has actually not been bad because our facilitator felt if we teach ourselves, it will sink in better. So, he asked for volunteers among those who are good with these tools to teach during class sections so everybody is able to follow. This technique, I must confess, worked because people easily asked questions unashamedly and drew the presenters back anytime things got confusing. However, there are days where one is just completely lost and keeps floating till the end of the class.

One thing is certain: knowing one’s way around these tools is never a waste, because it’s part of those tools that make one indispensable. Even in organizations, these skills make a person stand out because in spaces where related conversations are held, one will be able to contribute and even guide people on how to navigate things. The knowledge of these tools can also be used to make extra money on the side. Many people and organizations have raw data that needs analysis and will pay a premium to get it done. This alone is motivation to learn these tools. The fear is still there because I am still far away from being independent with these tools, but like they say, a little drop of water makes a mighty ocean.

#MMBA5