In this blog, Olasoji gives an update on his “amazing year” working as a Data Analyst with Marks & Spencer.

The Diary of a Data Analyst

It’s been nine months since I graduated from RGU, and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind to be honest. Everything has seemed to fit together like some sort of life-puzzle, and it’s a bit strange to look back at my journey to now. Let me take you back to the start.

Before I moved over to the UK, I studied mathematics at Adekunle Ajasin University in Nigeria, where I was introduced to programming, which really got me thinking about a career in data. After a good bit of research, I found that if I did some further study in the UK, I could become more proficient as a Data Analyst.

It wasn’t long before I stumbled on RGU on LinkedIn and then the Business Analytics course. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the course and ready to start the next chapter—it was all very swift.

The course got me up close with key data languages like Python and SQL, which I had experience with before, but that was more on a surface level. Knowing how to work with Python is a huge advantage when pursuing a career as a Data Analyst, as it sets you apart from other candidates. Delving into its workings was extremely valuable.

And speaking of value, another crucial part of the course was working on live client projects, which allowed me to put my learnings into practice. I was fortunate enough to work on a project with the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, and it really set the pace for me. So not only did I get to put my skills to good use, but it gave me that real-life context of how analysis projects actually work and made a great addition to my CV.

That experience gave me so much confidence in my next career steps.

Graduation seemed to come out of nowhere, but luckily, I’d spent time working on my CV with the help of the RGU Careers Team and my personal mentor. Both helped me perfect my job application approach and interview skills to give me the best chance of getting that first job.

When I spotted the Data Analyst role with M&S, I thought it was a role made for me. The team were looking for someone with strong analytical thinking and commercial acumen—skills I had acquired through my studies. “Could this be it?” I thought as I read through the job spec.

Knowing that the role wouldn’t be short of applications, I applied with the confidence that I was a worthy candidate. You can imagine how I felt when the interview invitation came through—being my first ever job interview and with a brand like M&S, I was delighted.

Before I knew it, I had a job offer to join the company on a Skilled Workers Visa. After that, it all fell into place seamlessly.

Now, nearly a year into my role, I must say that it’s been a fantastic year. Being able to put my learnings into practice and build on my skillset is one thing, but working within an environment that empowers you to go above and beyond is hugely encouraging.

The role itself is fascinating and involves me in aspects of the business that I didn’t think it would. For example, site visits to our stores to get a close look at how they operate and use that knowledge to aid my role in analysing buying behaviours. It’s certainly made me think differently about the science behind my weekly food shop.

And a big part of my gratitude is, of course, the team. They are incredibly supportive and push me to keep growing my knowledge and make my output the best it can be.

As I approach the end of one amazing year at M&S, I’ll be blowing out the candles of a certain caterpillar cake and wishing for another exciting year in analytics.