Mock Interview & Feedback: Data Analyst

The session begins with a welcoming introduction by the host, who sets the stage for a mock interview with Corey Hiramoto. The host, also a Santa Clara University alumnus, outlines the format of the webinar, which includes an interview with Armand, another Santa Clara graduate and a data analyst. The audience is encouraged to participate by offering feedback and asking questions. The host also mentions his role as a recruiter and his familiarity with the hiring process, particularly for analyst roles. He provides some background on the interviewee, Armand, and his career trajectory, highlighting his diverse experience in economics, data analysis, and public policy.

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to Armand's professional background. He discusses his progression from economic analyst to roles that increasingly involved data analysis and teamwork. Armand emphasizes his interest in complex data problems and his desire to work in collaborative environments. He also details his technical skills, particularly his experience with SQL, and provides context for his work in various roles, including his most recent position at Calvary College, which was affected by COVID-19 budget cuts.

Armand expresses his enthusiasm for the online technology space, particularly the payments industry, which he sees as the backbone of the digital economy. He explains his attraction to the fast-paced, data-driven decision-making process in the private sector, as opposed to the slower government processes he experienced in his previous roles. The conversation also touches on Armand's desire to work on challenging problems and his appreciation for the culture and mission of companies like Stripe.

The discussion delves into Armand's experience with data analytics, including his work with various technologies like Google Analytics, Facebook Ads data, and Tableau for data visualization. He also discusses his experience managing a team of five at Resistance Labs, outlining their roles and how he approached team management and project execution. Armand's proficiency in SQL is highlighted, with him rating his skills and explaining how he would approach learning and improving in this area.

Armand shares his aspirations for personal and professional growth, emphasizing his desire to join a company where he can learn rapidly and work on complex problems with talented individuals. He specifically mentions Stripe's culture and mission as aligning with his career goals. The conversation explores his motivations for seeking a role at Stripe and his interest in the impact that the company has on the global economy through its payment solutions.

Armand recounts a situation where he had to navigate conflicts between higher-ups in a previous role. He discusses his strategy for managing such situations, which includes documenting and clarifying stakeholder feedback, ensuring buy-in, and escalating issues when necessary. His approach focuses on understanding the root of conflicts and finding resolutions that don't involve exacerbating disagreements.

Armand reflects on his experience working remotely, which has been a significant part of his career. He addresses the challenges of isolation and the importance of feeling connected to a team. His strategies for overcoming these obstacles include organizing social events and fostering a sense of community, which he found beneficial during the pandemic when many people were working remotely.

In this segment, Armand describes his experience creating dashboards and reports used by numerous stakeholders. He discusses the process of building a dashboard for digital advertising at Calvary College, the importance of key performance indicators (KPIs), and how he used data to identify and address issues in the student recruitment pipeline.

Armand shares a detailed account of how he managed a challenging situation involving a disagreeable colleague. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the other person's perspective, documenting interactions, and building empathy. His approach led to a positive outcome where the initially difficult colleague became a valuable ally.

Armand envisions himself leading a team of analysts and data scientists at Stripe in the coming years. He expresses his interest in combining his technical skills with leadership capabilities to make a significant company-wide impact. His goal is to continue learning and growing within the role, taking on additional responsibilities as he advances in his career.

The conversation turns to Armand's process for convincing skeptics of the authenticity of the data he presents. He discusses the importance of establishing common ground, using internal data sets as a reference point, and having individual conversations to address doubts and recreate the evidence chain. His approach has been successful in gaining trust and support for his data-driven recommendations.

Armand outlines his process for starting new projects, whether they are his own initiative or assigned by others. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the end goal, working backward to determine the necessary resources and timeline, and continuously communicating with stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in. His approach involves asking questions, setting expectations, and creating a feedback loop to adjust the project as needed.

The session concludes with a discussion about resources for learning Tableau, the value of Google's career certificate program for data analysts, and the importance of reporting and analytics in the field. The host and Armand address questions from the audience about transitioning into data analytics roles, the difficulty of moving from software engineering to data analysis, and common interview pitfalls. The host also shares information about upcoming events and resources available to the community.