Lisa Hitch, MPH’s Post

Still beaming from connecting with so many amazing potential The Data School New York applicants at our Meet & Greet last night! I got a question that didn’t leave me all evening long. A participant asked whether we Data Schoolers really answer you and give feedback on your dashboard if you as a potential applicant reach out to us or whether we are simply too busy. I had several thoughts on this question after I left (I don‘t want to speak for other people, but I know that a lot of us Data Schoolers feel similar) 1. Yes, we will definitely respond to you! At least for me, I get so much joy out of helping applicants improve and submit the best application possible. When I was applying I received so much outpouring support and feedback from Data Schoolers that I now want to „give back“. So yes, I will make time and prioritize messages I receive through LinkedIn and be happy to give you feedback. 2. This question (unfortunately) shows how many workplaces operate and that volunteering your time or general kindness is met with skepticism. Hey! I get it! I was in academia before joining the Data School where it felt like everyone always had an agenda or only did things that would serve themselves. But luckily, The Information Lab is different. People (whether that is within the team or when interacting with applicants) genuinely are interested in your success and helping you kickstart your career in #datanalytics and #dataconsultancy. There is always someone who you can reach out to for help and you won‘t be on your own! 3. It is as helpful for you as it is for us. As new Data Consultants it is crucial for us to practice our skills. And what better way than to give feedback on Dashboards? That way we practice our #datavisualization practices, we learn how to communicate effectively, how to give constructive feedback, and we practice how to consult you to make a great end product. These are all skills that will help us as much as they help you. So don‘t feel intimidated to reach out and see if you can get feedback or help. If one of us is overwhelmed with work, we will find someone else who can help you. Ready to meet some of our team? Check out all of our diverse backgrounds and reach out!