Happy Monday!
I had a realization last week while staring at a SQL query that was 400 lines long:
Being a "Senior" analyst doesn't mean you work harder. It means you build systems so you can work less.
If you’re still spending 3 days a week manually cleaning data in Excel or explaining the same bar chart to the same stakeholder for the 10th time, you aren't a Senior Analyst yet.
You're a high-paid data janitor.
The gap between where you are and that next $20k–$40k salary bump isn't "more Python."
It’s Architectural Thinking.
If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, let me put it like this...
Most analysts can write a JOIN. But not all of them can write a query that doesn't cost the company $50 in compute power every time it runs.
That is, query performance matters when you want to move up the data ladder.
Don’t just take every request at face value. Make things better. Be proactive.
And if you want to be the person leadership trusts with the "big" data, you need to get really good at:
Window Functions (for complex trends)
CTEs (for readability/sanity)
Optimization (so your dashboards don't lag)
The Fix: I’m currently recommending DataCamp. It’s an awesome platform to get you to that senior level. Plus, their Annual Plans are 50% OFF right now. It’s the best ROI you’ll get this year.
A new blog post is coming this week, so keep an eye on your inbox!
DISCOUNT: 20% off MAVEN ANALYTICS Plans
Use the code DATAWITHSARAH at checkout, and you can get 20% off all plans.
Appreciate you being on this list!
Till next time,
Sarah
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