Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I’ve spent the last 10 years working as a data analyst, data scientist, and data engineer for some pretty cool companies like ExxonMobil, MIT, the Utah Jazz, and others. And the last 4, I’ve spent them teaching others how to land their first data job. My students now work at Apple, Amazon, Rivian, Tesla, and other cool companies.
Let me share the 13 things I wish I knew when I was getting started.
💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://dcj.app/newsletter-YwFNNp?video=YwFNNpeV7EM
🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/training
👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/daa?video=YwFNNpeV7EM
👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator
⌚ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:28 - 1. Your Skills Aren't Holding You Back
01:56 - 2. You Will Get Paid to Learn on the Job
03:25 - 3. You Don't Have to Know Everything
04:27 - 4. Who You Know Matters More Than What You Do
07:08 - 5. Your Domain Expertise Matters
09:20 - 6. Don't Take Job Rejections Personally
12:07 - 7. Data Job Titles Are Confusing
13:29 - 8. Data Tools Matter Less Than You Think
14:38 - 9. The Bookends of Analysis Are Most Important
16:14 - 10. How You Present Your Digital Self Is Important
17:42 - 11. All Industries Experience Cycles
20:11 - 12. Mentorship is the Shortcut to Results
22:11 - 13. You'll Never Stop Learning
🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY
🎥 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@averysmith
🤝 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/averyjsmith
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/datacareerjumpstart
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@verydata
💻 Website: datacareerjumpstart.com
I’ve spent the last 10 years working as a data analyst, data scientist, and data engineer for some pretty cool companies like ExxonMobil, MIT, the Utah Jazz, and others. And the last 4, I’ve spent them teaching others how to land their first data job. My students now work at Apple, Amazon, Rivian, Tesla, and other cool companies.
Let me share the 13 things I wish I knew when I was getting started.
💌 Join 10k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://dcj.app/newsletter-YwFNNp?video=YwFNNpeV7EM
🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/training
👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/daa?video=YwFNNpeV7EM
👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator
⌚ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:28 - 1. Your Skills Aren't Holding You Back
01:56 - 2. You Will Get Paid to Learn on the Job
03:25 - 3. You Don't Have to Know Everything
04:27 - 4. Who You Know Matters More Than What You Do
07:08 - 5. Your Domain Expertise Matters
09:20 - 6. Don't Take Job Rejections Personally
12:07 - 7. Data Job Titles Are Confusing
13:29 - 8. Data Tools Matter Less Than You Think
14:38 - 9. The Bookends of Analysis Are Most Important
16:14 - 10. How You Present Your Digital Self Is Important
17:42 - 11. All Industries Experience Cycles
20:11 - 12. Mentorship is the Shortcut to Results
22:11 - 13. You'll Never Stop Learning
🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY
🎥 YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@averysmith
🤝 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/averyjsmith
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/datacareerjumpstart
🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@verydata
💻 Website: datacareerjumpstart.com
