I’ve spent the last 10 years working as a data analyst, data scientist, and data engineer for some pretty cool companies like ExxonMobil, MIT, the Utah Jazz, and others. And the last 4, I’ve spent them teaching others how to land their first data job. My students now work at Apple, Amazon, Rivian, Tesla, and other cool companies.

Let me share the 13 things I wish I knew when I was getting started.

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🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/training

👩‍💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator

⌚ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:28 - 1. Your Skills Aren't Holding You Back

01:56 - 2. You Will Get Paid to Learn on the Job

03:25 - 3. You Don't Have to Know Everything

04:27 - 4. Who You Know Matters More Than What You Do

07:08 - 5. Your Domain Expertise Matters

09:20 - 6. Don't Take Job Rejections Personally

12:07 - 7. Data Job Titles Are Confusing

13:29 - 8. Data Tools Matter Less Than You Think

14:38 - 9. The Bookends of Analysis Are Most Important

16:14 - 10. How You Present Your Digital Self Is Important

17:42 - 11. All Industries Experience Cycles

20:11 - 12. Mentorship is the Shortcut to Results

22:11 - 13. You'll Never Stop Learning

🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY

🎥 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@averysmith

🤝 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyjsmith/

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/datacareerjumpstart

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@verydata

💻 Website: https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

⚡️Discover top data analyst roles from leading companies

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⚡️Discover top data analyst roles from leading companies

Episode ID: 1000718681261

GUID: 46afb288-c9d4-42f8-bae7-6e3a0c8b14cb

Release Date: 23/07/2025, 19:00:00