Tips for Upskilling as a Working Professional

You can't get promoted in FP&A by just working longer hours FP&A people spend too much time on routine tasks during their standard work week. But the most successful ones find ways to level up their analytical skills and impact. It's about building up the value you deliver. How? Here are 5 key areas to focus on: 1. Data visualization: Start using charts like waterfalls to better visualize and explain your analysis. Move beyond just reporting the numbers to provide clear data storytelling. 2. Driver-based analysis: Don't just report revenues and costs. Dig deeper to identify and track the key drivers behind them, like units, prices, industry factors, etc. 3. Statistical analysis: Pull basic statistics like averages, distributions, etc. to summarize and interpret your data using Excel analysis tools. Compare across segments and time periods. 4. Forecasting techniques: For major forecasting items, apply data science methods like regression and time series analysis. Review historical forecasting errors to identify improvement opportunities. 5. Optimization modeling: Work with data scientists to build optimization models using linear programming for areas like marketing spend allocation that management needs decision support on. The bottom line? Actively upskilling in these areas shows you're going beyond reporting. Set weekly goals, find online courses & resources, and get hands-on practice. In that way, you can create more value than most FP&A professionals do in years. Greater impact leads to career growth.

Congratulations on landing an entry-level data analyst job! As you progress in your career, upskilling becomes crucial to stay competitive and advance. Here are some skills you may consider upskilling in after securing an entry-level data analyst position: SQL Mastery: Enhance your SQL skills, particularly in optimizing queries, working with complex joins, and understanding database performance tuning. Data Visualization: Master data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker to create compelling and interactive visualizations. Explore advanced charting techniques and effective data storytelling. Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics: Learn the fundamentals of machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling. Gain hands-on experience with popular machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn or TensorFlow. Statistical Analysis: Strengthen your statistical knowledge to perform more advanced statistical analyses. Explore concepts like hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and experimental design. Big Data Technologies: Familiarize yourself with big data technologies such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark. Learn how to process and analyze large datasets efficiently. Data Engineering: Understand the basics of data engineering, including data pipelines, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and data warehousing. Version Control: Learn version control systems like Git to manage code and collaborate effectively with team members. Programming Languages: Deepen your knowledge of programming languages beyond what you use in your daily work (e.g., Python or R). Explore languages such as Java, Scala, or Julia, depending on your specific needs. Cloud Computing: Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Learn how to deploy and manage data-related services in the cloud. Advanced Excel Skills: Continue improving your Excel skills, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. Database Administration: Gain an understanding of database administration principles to efficiently manage and optimize databases. Soft Skills: Develop soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and project management. Hone your ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Domain Knowledge: Acquire domain-specific knowledge related to the industry you are working in, whether it's finance, healthcare, marketing, etc. Remember that the specific skills you choose to upskill in may depend on your career goals, the industry you're in, and the evolving demands of the data analytics field. Regularly assess your skills and seek opportunities for continuous learning and improvement. Additionally, consider obtaining relevant certifications to showcase your expertise in specific areas. #upskill #SQL #dataanalysis

Yesterday we had a great session in the Talent Development Think Tank job search group on upskilling on a budget. It's critical to make sure you're skilling up and staying relevant in the marketplace so you're competitive with other jobseekers. 1️⃣ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧. To determine the skills you need most, identify 5-7 of your ideal roles. See what the most common skills are for each role, and focus on those. Some of these may be completely new skills to you, and others may be just sharpening the axe on skills you already have. 2️⃣ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝. When's the last time you've been to your local library? Beyond the standard checking out books for free, libraries have other resources that can help jobseekers. In many areas, your library card will get you access to LinkedIn Learning courses and Libby. LI Learning regularly adds new, relevant courses from industry experts. You can search by topic/skill to hone in on the courses you should be taking. Libby is an app that lets you download ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. So that giant book list you've been wanting to tackle is now doable for no cost. Bonus tip from a group member: Another great resource to get low cost ebooks and audio books is the Kindle Unlimited membership through Amazon which is $12/month, but has more and different offerings than the library or Libby. 3️⃣ 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭. Podcasts, e-conferences, webinars, articles, and more. There's no shortage of free content available. Focus on industry leaders or vendors, and see what content they have available. 4️⃣ 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. For many, the best way to learn, is by doing. Often times, non profits or trade organizations will let you volunteer and try your hand at something new, even if you have limited experience. All experience is relevant, regardless of whether it was paid or unpaid. Use volunteering as a way to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Register through Catchafire to be connected to nonprofits looking for volunteers or get involved with the local chapter of your professional trade organization. What other ways have you upskilled on a budget? #learninganddevelopment #upskilling #training #talentdevelopment