Fangirling My Way to Success: My Journey in Data Analytics
I never anticipated that my seemingly inconsequential comment on LinkedIn would change the trajectory of my career.
I had just accepted an offer for my first job as a business intelligence analyst at a health insurance company when I came across this LinkedIn post:
I remember thinking to myself, “It would be so cool to work for the company that I learned most of my own data skills from!” But I didn’t actually think about it seriously. I was too fresh, too inexperienced, and too early on in my brand-new career to start helping other people learn data skills…right?
Regardless of my certainty that I wouldn’t even be considered (imposter syndrome, man!) I decided it couldn’t hurt to shoot my shot. What’s the worst that could happen, after all?
And that’s it. That simple interaction is what got me on my current path.
But that’s not the whole story.
As you may have guessed, I filled out the application and took the SQL assessment…
…And then I put it aside.
I was getting into the swing of things with my new job and figured, maybe I’d hear back and maybe I wouldn’t.
And lo and behold, I did! I quickly received a response with a request to set up some time to meet and talk through the position.
Making a good impression
I was nervous. This was a company that I never dreamed I would work for and I wanted to make a good impression. So, of course, I researched. I found plenty of articles, how-tos, and listicles online about how to prepare for an interview.
They all contain similar tips and tricks:
- Practice your interview answers; don’t forget the STAR method.
- Prepare questions to ask your interviewers.
- Be ready to show examples of your work.
- Research the company.
- Dress professionally.
- Arrive on time.
…the list goes on.
And believe me, I did all of that! I was thrilled to even get the opportunity to interview for this job and I prepared accordingly.
But that wasn’t all.
My secret weapons
I knew I had to go beyond the typical interview preparation checklist if I really wanted to make an impression. While the basics like STAR method responses and punctuality are undoubtedly crucial, I needed to stand out from the crowd.
Here’s how I did it…
Name recognition
My first secret weapon wasn’t even one I was aware of. I had begun writing about my own journey to data analytics on LinkedIn about five months prior to this and had built a community of people online.
Why did that matter?
One of the first topics of conversation in my interview was this: when my application came in, the team already recognized my name from my contributions to the data community. Mind. Blown. 🤯
I didn’t get on LinkedIn with the intention of building that name recognition but, accidental or not, it gave me a boost of confidence.
Enthusiasm and passion
This is the big one!
I’m not kidding when I say I fangirled my way into a job.
The position was originally meant to be a part-time job — answering student questions about the Maven SQL courses. Even before the interview, though, I was told that my application responses and engagement in the data community made the team think there might be a bigger role for me.
I was SO excited. This was the platform on which I learned the majority of my own data skills, and now I had the opportunity to get more involved?!
Throughout the process, I repeatedly reinforced how thrilled I was to even be interviewing for the position. Positive energy and genuine interest were two of my greatest strengths.
The moral of the story
Looking back, that “throwaway” LinkedIn comment became the catalyst for an entirely new and unexpected chapter in my career. And now, almost a year into that role, I couldn’t be happier. My enthusiasm and passion for Maven and our mission turned out to be my secret weapons.
So my advice is simple: embrace your journey, celebrate your unique qualities, prepare for your interviews, take chances, and, most importantly, don’t underestimate the impact of genuine enthusiasm.
Who knows; your next career-defining moment might be a LinkedIn comment away, just waiting for you to seize it!
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