Exposing How Alex The Analyst Became a Data Analyst

Hear the story of @AlexTheAnalyst like you've never heard it before. In this episode, Avery Smith sits down with Alex Freberg, more commonly known as Alex the Analyst to discuss his journey from no technical background to data analyst superstar.

They talk about Alex's journey from a recreational therapy degree to learning what data analytics is. They also cover what matters most when getting hired as a data analyst. Is it technical skills like SQL and Python? Or is it something much simpler?

Timestamps:
6:01 - Alex's Data Career Journey
11:50 - Alex's First Portfolio
17:53 - Alex's Advice on Getting Hired & Interviews
27:10 - How to Become an Analyst in 7 Days

Connect with Alex the Analyst :

Connect with Avery:

[sammiesmith]

once you make it to an interview, being liked is what will get you the job. getting the interview is the hardest part honestly.

[carlostakashima]

I’ve been applying for Data jobs for over 6 months now, and not one interview. I actually worked as a data analyst for an organization within a detention facility for a year, 3 years back. Got let go because of COVID restrictions for civilians inside the facility. Been working on gaining certifications, learning SQL and Tableau, but no luck. I’ve recently signed up for Alex’s analyst builder, it’s a really cool platform and much more practical than other courses I’ve paid for. It’s a great field, but there’s so much competition out there and a bit disheartening 😔. Alex’s story gives me hope.

[andyn]

I started as a data analyst at H&M. But the career opportunities here are terrible. It's more difficult to move to a Data Scientist role internally than leaving and get a Data Scientist role externally. Whatever u do, stay away from H&M!

[Qristin]

I loved this video so much because it is a true unconventional career story. Most times I watch such videos its something like "How I got a job without a computer science degree" then they mention they have a degree in aeronautical engineering or something.

[aurygabrielasuarez]

Very interesting! Loved this conversation 🙌🏼

[YerBoyTroy]

Alex is going to become a legend in the industry down the road. I can see it. The guy does such important work for the field

[future_teknokrat]

Most tech channels focus on skills gap. Truth is, 50-75% of the decision is subjective and is not made by the person interviewing you, but their input is heavily weighed. Being percoe5as being liked, a sense of a team player, and able to learn quickly on the job will get you over the hump more than skills.

[Aftab_Ahmad_ajk]

Very informative podcast. Sql and excel two most important tech. Skills are discussed.

[PPCCO.]

If you only hire people that you like, there's no way you can create the best team possible. It relies too much on your personal experience, and unless you are well traveled, it would become a fallacy due to the limited data set known as a bias. There has to be a balance: You need extroverts, introverts (who are typically numbers driven), and in between. Problem solving as a team is about the ability to tackle problems from different angles, that the next person may not be able to see. There are prerequisites such as math, SQL, python, advanced math etc. Then there is the critical thinking aspect of problem solving, the ability to connect dots from different points of references. Great interview so far.

[nunya]

Being an introvert is not something you have to work through and doesn’t inherently mean you are nervous in interviews. What does being outgoing even mean in the context of work as a Data Analyst? Instead of assuming introverts don’t have a place on your team maybe consider how the traits of an introvert can bring value to a team.

[PowerGurhl]

I almost did this for a data engineering role but I didn’t want to have to deal with lack of knowledge so I didn’t 😢 even though the recruiter called me and all and they really needed someone. I only knew the basics from software engineering

[manfred]

This is gold... I thought he had a degree in social science but nope.... Pff the Goat for sure 🐐🐐

[codeintherough]

The good ol days when you just needed 1 or 2 skills and they would hire you and teach you the rest

Anyone aware of an emerging field thats similar where the demand is so high thats in tech not construction trade please?

[adekoyasamuel]

Great content as always👏🏼! Still watching though. I might just stick to video content rather than Spotify.

[andyn]

I lied an got a job as Data analyst without ever used SQL and power bi.

[apamwamba]

Hiring process is not 100% super!! I like that

[SanguinariVampire]

I learned SQL, Xcel, and Tableau but I still didn't apply for a job I was scared because I didn't know Python. So now I'm doing a 14-month Python course. Hope after this to find a job...

[MS-wysb]

Hahaha. I Iaughed in understanding at the part of meeting a girl, need to make money. That's what happened to me. Also, realized the current industry I'm in (contract manufacturing) is a bad fit for me. Not enough pay, too stressful, burns people out. I'd rather have more control over my time, make more, and be able to spend my time with my girlfriend. This pivot is proving to be difficult, and it will be worth it.

[recalc]

Really inspiring conversation! thank you Avery -- but really SQL is boring? Come on!