

Data Career Podcast: Helping You Land a Data Analyst Job FAST
Avery Smith - Data Career Coach
The Data Career Podcast: helping you break into data analytics, build your data career, and develop a personal brand
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 14min
196: I wish I knew this before I learned SQL
A practical tour of SQL myths and shortcuts. Listens cover which commands actually matter and why many beginner tutorials waste time. Tools and workflows that let you work without memorizing syntax get highlighted. Tips on safer testing, using cloud editors, and why SQL alone will not land you a job.

18 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 12min
195: If I Wanted To Become a Data Analyst in 2026, This Is What I'd Do
A practical roadmap for breaking into data analysis in 2026. Clear advice on which core tools to learn first and why projects beat certificates. Ways to develop analytical thinking with realistic project work. Tips for widening job search, building a portfolio, and earning recruiter trust through targeted outreach.

26 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 42min
194: I Asked 3 Data Analysts How They ACTUALLY Got Hired
Kadisha Bryant, a former calibration technician and Navy veteran, details her transition into senior data roles through intense self-study and relentless networking. She underscores the importance of coffee chats and building meaningful connections that led to job referrals. Rachel Finch shares her journey from night shift worker to business intelligence analyst at Optum, highlighting the role of a data bootcamp and her healthcare background in aligning with her new role. Both guests emphasize networking, portfolio visibility, and applying bravely to roles that stretch their skills.

4 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 12min
193: My HONEST Thoughts on The Data Job Market in 2026
Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! Breaking into data feels harder than ever right now. I break down the real trends shaping the data job market in 2026 and what they mean for your career.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulatorSpecial thanks to Live Data Technologies for the data.Learn more about them: https://www.livedatatechnologies.com⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The real state of the data job market in 202602:18 – Why data engineering keeps growing while other roles slow down05:41 – Who is actually hiring data analysts right now07:56 – Why big tech layoffs don’t tell the full story🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:💙 Thank you for subscribingYouTube Channel🚀 April Cohort — Data Analyst Bootcamp (Starts April 13th)Ready to break into data analytics? Our April cohort kicks off with a live call on April 13th at 7pm ET where you'll meet your peers and mentors on day one. Save 20% when you enroll now, plus get LIFETIME access to our premium data job board.
Join Today → https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daahttps://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa

Jan 6, 2026 • 16min
192: Will Data Analysts Survive 2026? 3 Major Predictions
Explore predictions about the future of data analytics by 2026. Fewer applicants are expected, making entry-level roles easier to secure. Discover how AI will enhance, not replace, analysts, and why domain expertise will be crucial. Enterprises are predicted to adopt AI slowly due to security and rollout concerns. The conversation emphasizes that analytics remains a solid career choice, encouraging those with domain experience to pivot towards this promising field.

Dec 22, 2025 • 31min
191: I helped this beginner become a data analyst (Jordan Temple)
In this episode, Jordan Temple, a former construction cost estimator turned senior financial analyst, shares his unique journey into data analytics. He reveals how his background actually gave him an edge in the field. Jordan discusses essential tools he uses daily, including Excel and Power BI, and emphasizes the importance of building a strong portfolio to attract recruiters. He shares valuable insights on leveraging LinkedIn for job offers and highlights his interview process, focusing more on cultural fit than just technical skills.

Dec 16, 2025 • 14min
190: How I Went From Ignored to In-Demand as a Data Analyst
The host shares a personal journey from being overlooked to becoming a sought-after data analyst. Key strategies include leveraging domain experience to tailor resumes and enhancing skills. Networking is emphasized as essential, with techniques like cold messaging and event attendance highlighted. The importance of building both physical and digital portfolios to showcase skills in analysis, statistics, and machine learning is also discussed. These simple yet effective fixes can transform a job search into a success story.

4 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 36min
189: Why Your Data Analyst Resume Gets Rejected (Resume Expert Explains)
Andre Curti, cofounder of NovoResume and a resume expert who has reviewed thousands, shares invaluable insights into data analyst resumes. He reveals the biggest mistake job seekers make: listing tasks instead of impactful achievements. Andre emphasizes crafting bullet points using the context-action-impact formula and offers practical ATS optimization tips. He highlights the importance of storytelling in resumes and advises career changers to adopt skill-based formats. Authenticity, he argues, is key in a world increasingly influenced by AI.

Dec 2, 2025 • 16min
188: 7 Brutal Myths About Landing a Data Job That Are Keeping You Stuck
Help us become the #1 Data Podcast by leaving a rating & review! We are 67 reviews away! I unpacked the 7 biggest myths circulating in the data career space and reveal what actually matters when trying to land your first role.💌 Join 30k+ aspiring data analysts & get my tips in your inbox weekly 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/newsletter 🆘 Feeling stuck in your data journey? Come to my next free "How to Land Your First Data Job" training 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/training👩💻 Want to land a data job in less than 90 days? 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa👔 Ace The Interview with Confidence 👉 https://datacareerjumpstart.com/interviewsimulator⌚ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Myth #1: “Data Analyst is the only title”02:00 – Myth #2: “You have zero data experience”04:23– Myth #3: “You need to learn ALL the data skills”06:03 – Myth #4: “You need a degree or certificate”07:40 – Myth #5: “Data jobs are easy to land”09:14– Myth #6: “Most data jobs are remote”11:08 – Myth #7: “AI is going to take your data job”🔗 CONNECT WITH AVERY 🎥 YouTube Channel 🤝 LinkedIn 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 💻 Website Mentioned in this episode:🚀 April Cohort — Data Analyst Bootcamp (Starts April 13th)Ready to break into data analytics? Our April cohort kicks off with a live call on April 13th at 7pm ET where you'll meet your peers and mentors on day one. Save 20% when you enroll now, plus get LIFETIME access to our premium data job board.
Join Today → https://datacareerjumpstart.com/daahttps://datacareerjumpstart.com/daa💙 Thank you for subscribingYouTube Channel

Nov 25, 2025 • 13min
187: Would You Survive This Data Analyst Interview?
Dive into the essentials of acing data analyst interviews, starting with the classic 'Tell me about yourself' question. Discover key distinctions between 'WHERE' and 'HAVING' in SQL with practical examples. Explore troubleshooting techniques for analyzing user signup drops, ensuring you're prepared for real-world scenarios. Get insights into building innovative applications using Replit, where you'll find exciting free access opportunities. Plus, don't miss the special end-of-year sale for enrolling in the Data Analytics Accelerator!


