ZOD: 1000 job applications MINIMUM

Zen of Data Science #9

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The Big Idea

I recently watched a video from a Youtuber called “Mad Hat” (linked below), on how to land a job in 2024.

He’s in the IT field, but his experience was very close to mine when I was applying for jobs.

Specifically, that it took hundreds, if not over 1000 job applications to land interviews and offers…

You have to go into it with that mindset.

You have to be willing to apply to 1000 jobs before you even think of quitting or slowing down.

And you have to apply to everything you’re even remotely qualified for.

Not just data analyst, but financial analyst, sports analyst, BI analyst, Business analyst, etc.

Once you’re in the industry, you can specialize and pivot. But right now experience is the name of the game.

The job market is rough, yet almost every time I log on to LinkedIn, I see somebody just landed a new role.

That could be you.

So apply, apply, apply, and keep improving your skills in the meantime.

What I’m Reading

I’m reading Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Do yourself a favor and go grab a copy of this book.

I wish I read it before I even became an analyst.

It covers the why of data, how to think like a data analyst in terms of providing value to a business (which is what really matters), and gives a ton of real world case studies on how companies have used data to solve business problems.

I’ll be making a YouTube video and newsletter based off what I’m learning in this book.

I can’t recommend it enough.

Quote of the Week

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”

― Albert Einstein

We’re in an interesting time with the tech job market. Uncertainty, a recession here in the US, lots of unknowns…

But in the middle of this challenge, lies a huge opportunity to set yourself apart.

It used to be anyone who took a bootcamp could turn around and land a job… not so much the case anymore.

But this means there is less competition for the few people who really work hard to set themselves apart.

It’s not fair that we have to work harder, but it’s the reality.

True talent is always in demand, so let’s be the best we can be, and become undeniable.

Something Interesting

The Mad Hat video I mentioned earlier:

A freaking hilarious, very well made video about the struggles of finding a job. He tells his story, but also gives great tips throughout.

Anyone in the tech industry can relate to this video.

Feel-Good Finds

If you know… you know.

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Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

– Josh