You’re Not Ready for the Next Phase of Data Analytics

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You probably aren't ready for the next phase of data analytics.

Heck, sometimes I look at the news and wonder if I'm even ready.

What’s the next phase of data?

I’m not even sure. Because it changes so quickly.

AI will be at the center for sure tho.

To be honest, I still think we are years away to things changing dramatically.

But I’m watching the market very closely & trying to see what may be next.

Right now, I think data is a bout 6-12 months behind the software development field in terms of AI.

So I’m watching that space very closely.

What’s the latest over there?

Claude Code.

The #1 AI coding tool right now, Claude Code, is being built by Claude Code itself.

Yeah, the AI is building the AI.

And if you’re a data analyst (or trying to be one), this should make you pause.

Because it raises a big question: What does this job look like in 5 years?

Knowing how to do Excel, SQL, or Python won’t be enough anymore.

The real change happening right now

For the last 10 years, we’ve focused on the HOW.

How to use Excel. How to write SQL queries. How to build dashboards in Power BI.

And don't get me wrong: those skills still matter. A lot.

But AI is getting really, really good at the HOW.

It can write your formulas. Clean your data. Build your charts.

What it can't do is decide:

• WHAT to analyze
• WHEN to use which method (correctly)
• WHY it matters to the business
• EXPLAIN everything to the stakeholders

That's still on you.

Your job is changing roles

Think of it like this:

You used to be the person playing the violin. Now you're becoming a mini-conductor of some strings players.

Your job isn't necessarily to play every note yourself anymore. It's to:

• Know what song to play (what analysis is needed)
• Decide when each instrument comes in (which tools and methods to use)
• Make sure everything sounds right at the end (check AI's work for accuracy)

We’re all becoming more of a manager now.

Here’s what I think that looks like:

At the beginning: You do a TON of work setting things up. Clear expectations. All the right resources. Detailed instructions.

In the middle: You check in. Make sure things stay on track. Answer questions.

At the end: You review everything. Make sure it's done right. Fix what's wrong.

You're not going away. You're just becoming the boss instead of the worker bee.

So should you panic?

Personally, I don’t think so. These effects are still 12-18 months from actually changing a corporate role.

You have plenty of time to prepare.

But what should you be doing now?

Still learn the HOW. You need to understand Excel, SQL, Tableau, Python, etc basics so you can tell when AI messes up (because it will - a lot).

But focus way more on the WHAT, WHY, and WHEN.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What type of analysis fits this business problem?
• When should I use a bar chart vs a line chart?
• Why would I choose this method over that one?
• What assumptions am I making with this data?

These are the questions AI can't answer for you. Only experience and good judgment can.

And that's the skill that makes you valuable in the age of AI.

This is exactly why I'm rebuilding my Data Analytics Accelerator bootcamp to focus more on the what and when; not just the how. If you want to not get left behind in The Great AI Shift and learn how to THINK like a real data analyst, check it out here.

Next cohort is March 9th.

👔 DATA JOBS OF THE WEEK

Research Data Analyst - Hematological Malignancies (Stanford Medicine) Link: https://www.findadatajob.com/jobs/research-data-analyst-hematological-malignancies-485d24bc

Associate, Network Data Specialist (MVP Health Care) Link: https://www.findadatajob.com/jobs/associate-network-data-specialist-cd9b0a9c

Growth Marketing Analyst (GeistM) Link: https://www.findadatajob.com/jobs/growth-marketing-analyst-5ef7e455

Data Analyst - 1 Year Contract (nesto) Link: https://www.findadatajob.com/jobs/data-analyst-1-year-contract-f5e5b6d3

Senior Data Analyst (TextNow) Link: https://www.findadatajob.com/jobs/senior-data-analyst-b36fed4a

Find more roles here: https://www.findadatajob.com/

📺 LATEST EPISODE

Or if you enjoy the audio version, you can listen to it here!

💭 WHAT IS ON MY MIND

Couple things for y’all this week:

1) The Future of Data + AI

I’m personally not worried about AI. I see it only as a tool to be used. If I tried to replace this entire newsletter with AI writing, you’d know right away. It would feel different - worse. I personally don’t want to live in a world full of AI slop. And I think most of what AI makes, is indeed slop. But I do think it’s important to know how to use it as a tool.

For the March Cohort of The Accelerator, you will be a bonus 8-week series of how to THINK like an analyst in the new era of AI. Next cohort starts on March 9th. It will be a great time to join.

2) Amplifying Data Voices

Hope you enjoyed messages from Trevor Maxwell and Cynthia Clifford the last two weeks. They’re awesome - super solid analysts. I’m going to continue to interweave some messages from them (and other awesome analysts in future issues).

3) The Future (and Past) of This Newsletter

I’m pretty proud of the content we are producing in this newsletter. I think today’s AI message is very important. Last week’s “How to Break into Sports Analytics” masterclass. And then next week will be all about how not to fall for job scams right now (very important). And after that, I’ll give a raw and honest update about the newsletter, my podcast, and my life in general.

Make sure you’re subscribed and even share with a friend. We’re working hard to make this so valuable you won’t want to miss it.

Best,

Avery