Episode 173

full
Published on:

19th Aug 2025

173: 13 Signs You’re on the Right Track to Landing Your First Data Job

Feeling behind on your data journey? Don't worry. Today, I'll list down the 13 signs that prove you're actually ahead (even if you're actually doing just some of these).

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⌚ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:05 #1 You can analyze data in Excel without panicking

00:52 #2 You know how to write basic SQL queries

01:17 #3 You can build a bar chart and scatter plot in Tableau or Power BI

01:59 #4 You can Google (or ChatGPT) your way through any error

02:45 #5 You can send me one portfolio project right now

03:45 #6 You talk about your data journey with friends and family regularly

05:50 #7 You’re actually applying to jobs (not just watching tutorials)

07:03 #8 You’ve joined a data community

07:48 #9 Your resume now includes (lots of) the right keywords

10:11 #10 You’ve optimized your LinkedIn for data roles

10:45 #11 A recruiter reaches out to you on LinkedIn

11:58 #12 You’ve had at least one real interview

12:52 #13 You’re comfortable not knowing everything (yet)

🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY

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

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

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Transcript

13 Signs You’re on the Right Track to Landing Your First Data Job

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Show artwork for Data Career Podcast: Helping You Land a Data Analyst Job FAST

About the Podcast

Data Career Podcast: Helping You Land a Data Analyst Job FAST
The Data Career Podcast: helping you break into data analytics, build your data career, and develop a personal brand

About your host

Profile picture for Avery Smith

Avery Smith

Avery Smith is the host of The Data Career Podcast & founder of Data Career Jumpstart, an online platform dedicated to helping individuals transition into and advance within the data analytics field. After studying chemical engineering in college, Avery pivoted his career into data, and later earned a Masters in Data Analytics from Georgia Tech. He’s worked as a data analyst, data engineer, and data scientist for companies like Vaporsens, ExxonMobil, Harley Davidson, MIT, and the Utah Jazz. Avery lives in the mountains of Utah where he enjoys running, skiing, & hiking with his wife, dog, and new born baby.