SDS 411: Succeeding in Analytics by Thinking Outside the Data

One big thing we talked about today was a new type of analytics role—analytics support function, a role designed ad hoc business intelligence work. We talk about this role in depth during the podcast, as well as keys to success in these roles, how to locate a role like this, networking, continuous learning, virtual events, and a whole lot more.

Jennifer is a VP, Strategic Analytics within JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Risk function, responsible for supporting Chase Auto’s private label relationships which include Subaru, Jaguar Land Rover, Maserati, and Aston Martin. She conducts analysis and monitors key risk indicators to deepen the team’s understanding of business/risk strategy in order to recommend changes to policy, as appropriate, and prepare monthly customer presentations / reporting containing insights into the health of the portfolio. Previously, she served in a variety of marketing analytics roles for companies like McKesson and FedEx but worked predominantly in the subprime auto finance space, focused on supporting sales and identifying opportunities for growth. Prior to that, she spent 15 years in the telecommunications industry working for the likes of MCI (now Verizon) and Sprint, as well as several technology start-ups, consulting with companies large and small on their CRM, e-commerce and advanced data networking needs — first in a marketing capacity and later as a sales executive. Jennifer has an MBA and a BA with an emphasis on business and marketing and enjoys taking data science courses in her spare time. She is also an active contributor on social media and strives to help aspiring data scientists on everything from interview tips and resume advice to assistance on projects. Her proudest achievement has been raising her daughter on her own, while working full-time and remaining committed to continuous learning to advance in her career.

Jennifer has been working in data analytics for years, starting out in the auto finance industry. In 2016, she took the time to explore data science while her company underwent a period of transition. She found SDS and began taking courses. In 2018, she attended DataScienceGO and found ways to network and continued to study. She attributes her success in this field to her self-reflective nature and being extremely goal-oriented. 

In Jennifer’s current role, she considers herself a hybrid analyst, specifically as an analytics support function. She works with business problems and looks at existing business policies to develop a program for the specific problem at hand. It covers a wide area across sales, marketing, and other departments to achieve solutions through business intelligence. To have success in this role, Jennifer says business acumen, comfort in your role, and general experience is key to taking on the many facets of this role. The process can be iterative and require many restarts on the road to success. Other skills include continued learning, time management, and keeping track of code. Don’t wait for people to tell you what to do, if you see an opportunity, go for it. 

Jennifer found the role for herself via LinkedIn through a strategic job search. The goal is to understand what you bring to the table by thoroughly reading job descriptions. But you need to network or you’ll never know the job is available at all. You need to approach a potential relationship as an exchange of goods. What do you offer? What do they offer? What can you provide for each other? Ask advice on what you should be reading or studying or working on. You need to be flexible and adjust, especially now. A good indicator to highlight a role like this is less technical skills and more focus on cross-departmental skills. But, many times, Jennifer doesn’t accept job descriptions at face value but prefers to investigate the day-to-day from recruiters.

We shifted gears to discuss Jennifer’s experience at the virtual version of DSGO, as she has been to both the live event and the virtual version. Jennifer’s advice for those thinking about attending was to remember you don’t have to participate any more than you’re able and it’s a great networking opportunity. Reach out to people who have attended. Using that as a springboard, we discussed Jennifer’s common questions. She’s often asked about whether one should learn R or Python, which she stresses to not think of it as an either-or. Explore job descriptions of positions that interest you and do an audit of your skills.

• DataScienceGO Virtual
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
• Machine Learning Guide Podcast with Tyler Renelle
• The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization by Peter M. Senge
• The Model Thinker: What You Need to Know to Make Data Work for You by Scott E. Page

• LinkedIn

• Donwload The Transcript