Have you ever landed your first data job, only to realize it’s not what you expected? I think many of us can relate to this feeling. After months of learning SQL, building dashboards, and perfecting our resumes, we finally get the job offer. But then, reality sets in. The onboarding process is a mess, with broken PDFs and delayed access to essential tools. Your manager seems MIA, and you’re left to figure things out on your own.
I’ve been there too. My first data job three years ago was a similar experience. I spent weeks digging through old SQL code and trying to make sense of metrics that seemed undefined. It was overwhelming, to say the least. But here’s the thing: nobody prepares you for this part of the journey. We’re led to believe that getting the job is the hardest part, but in reality, it’s just the beginning.
What helped me was connecting with others who had gone through similar experiences. Asking questions, even if they felt silly, and slowly realizing that feeling lost didn’t mean I was behind. If you’re struggling in your first data role, know that you’re not alone. Keep learning, keep building, and remember that it does get better.
I’m part of a growing data community that supports each other through these challenges. If you’re looking for people to talk to about your experiences, I’m happy to chat.