Navigating New Skills: Jane Nyawira’s Story of Becoming a Data Analyst

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Jane Nyawira took the initiative to enroll in online classes to gain the skills necessary for a career as a data analyst. This decision followed a conversation with a friend who highlighted the global demand for data analytics skills. Although she holds a degree in community development from Chuka University, Nyawira aspired to challenge herself and expand her knowledge.
In her quest for educational opportunities, she discovered Rlabs, a South African non-profit organization that offers scholarships for aspiring data analysts worldwide. With a course fee of $39 per month, Nyawira quickly decided to apply. “My mind was already made up; I pursue what I am passionate about,” she stated.
After a successful application, she began a six-month training program that included Google Data Analytics and Google Advanced Analytics. Nyawira dedicated five hours each day to her studies, balancing part-time commitments with her coursework. The program featured pre-recorded lectures, hands-on activities, assignments, and exams, allowing her to absorb the material effectively.
To excel as a data analyst, one needs the right tools, software, and processes for data gathering, cleaning, mining, and visualization. Proficiency in Excel and the R programming language, along with skills in data visualization using Tableau, is essential. Nyawira aims to be an effective communicator and storyteller, simplifying complex data for broader understanding.
Her long-term goal includes transitioning into business intelligence (BI) analysis, using data to inform business decisions. She maintains a portfolio and blog to showcase her projects, which is crucial for job applications in this field.
While studying online, Nyawira faced challenges, including distractions from family and feelings of isolation. “I had to set boundaries and communicate that my studies were a priority,” she noted. She also sought support from friends when feeling demotivated. Platforms like Coursera facilitated interaction with fellow learners.
Her advice to aspiring data analysts is straightforward: take the first step. “There are numerous resources and mentors available. What’s important is the drive to solve problems and a genuine interest in the field,” Nyawira concluded.