A Day in the life of a Data Analyst in New York City

Introduction

Working remotely for over a year has granted me the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time. This week, I'm in the New York area, spending time with my future in-laws and friends. I'm Justin, a data analyst and cinematographer, and I'm excited to share a day in my life.

Morning Routine

I start my day in a WeWork, a popular co-working space provider with over 756 locations worldwide. Since I don’t have a designated office, I opt for a single-day pass to utilize meeting rooms and workspaces instead of a noisy café. This particular WeWork boasts six floors of office options, allowing me a change of scenery when needed. The amenities include free coffee, kombucha on tap, and Wi-Fi, which I take advantage of during my workday.

As I settle in, I review my calendar and emails, checking for immediate tasks that need attention before my daily stand-up meeting at 9:30 AM. This meeting is part of an agile framework where each team member shares their current projects and any roadblocks they’re facing. It typically lasts no longer than 30 minutes.

Dashboard Development

Post-meeting, I dive into developing dashboards required by business stakeholders. This involves reviewing the requirements, understanding the datasets, and defining the visuals such as bar charts and line charts. I utilize Power BI for this process, employing SQL scripts to pull the necessary data into my visualizations.

For instance, if stakeholders want to view values across different categories, I create bar charts. For trends over time, I incorporate line charts, helping stakeholders easily visualize increasing salaries over specific periods.

Once completed, I publish the dashboards for stakeholder review, gathering feedback for any adjustments.

Lunchtime Reflections

After a productive morning, I step out for lunch and aim for healthy options. I enjoy a bowl from Cava, as I’ve been focusing on maintaining a Mediterranean diet lately. Back at the workspace, I take time to review my side projects.

As a budding cinematographer, I've recently shot two weddings that allowed me to enhance my skills and expand my portfolio. I spend time tweaking my website to showcase my work, respond to client inquiries, and sustain my creative outlet.

Afternoon Meetings and Projects

Post-lunch, I attend my second meeting of the day in a WeWork meeting room. This mentoring session is particularly rewarding, as I connect with a colleague from another team who offers career advice. He emphasizes the importance of exceeding stakeholder expectations on any project, regardless of its priority. This strategy not only builds trust but opens doors for future opportunities.

I also learned that networking is crucial in this industry, as personal connections often lead to new openings and collaborations.

In the later afternoon, I pivot to managing metadata and data lineage using a tool called Calibra. Given the vast amounts of data our company stores, it’s crucial to accurately map and define each data field, enhancing overall data comprehension.

Wrapping Up the Day

As my workday concludes, I check my emails one last time to understand what tasks await me after the holiday break. I pack my things and head to my friend's place in Upper Manhattan. Living at home makes meeting friends challenging, so I cherish these visits whenever possible.

One of my close friends, Daniel, is an incredible source of support and encouragement. Our friendship blossomed from a simple act of kindness during our college course, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have him by my side as one of my groomsmen.

Evening Reflections

After an enjoyable hangout session, I catch a subway and a bus back home. Once I return, I make some tea on this chilly New York evening and wrap up my day. I appreciate you joining me on this journey as a data analyst in NYC. As I settle in to unwind with dinner and a Netflix show, I reflect on how rewarding it has been to balance remote work with my other creative passions.

Keywords

• Data Analyst
• Remote Work
• New York City
• WeWork
• Dashboard Development
• Power BI
• SQL
• Cinematography
• Mentor
• Networking

FAQ

Q: What is a typical workday like for a data analyst?
A: A typical workday involves reviewing emails, attending stand-up meetings, developing dashboards, analyzing data, and collaborating with stakeholders.

Q: How do you manage meetings when working remotely?
A: I often utilize co-working spaces like WeWork for meetings to maintain a professional environment and reduce distractions compared to cafes.

Q: What tools do data analysts use for visualization?
A: Many data analysts use tools like Power BI or Tableau for visualization, along with SQL for data manipulation.

Q: Can a data analyst pursue creative interests as well?
A: Absolutely! Many data analysts, like myself, engage in creative outlets outside of work, such as photography or videography, which can complement analytical skills.

Q: What is the importance of networking in data analysis?
A: Networking is crucial as it can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and helps build professional relationships that enhance career growth.