What type of analyst are you?

Image Source

Quiz Questions

1.
You have been given all the raw data from the UK census and told to "do something with it" by your manager. What is your first thought?
Image Source
- A.
  "Good heavens this is a lot of data of interest to a lot of people - I need to set up a user-friendly accessible environment so others can access easily"
- B.
  "Good heavens this is a lot of data - but what is actually relevant to us and our priorities"
- C.
  "Good heavens. Think what I can do with all this information..." [instantly & recklessly jumps into raw data]
- D.
  "Good heavens. This is all too much. I must strategize. Bring me a wad of post-it notes stat!"
2.
Which of these languages are you most fluent in?
Image Source
- A.
  R, Stata, Python
- B.
  JavaScript, SQL
- C.
  Plain English
- D.
  Corporate Jargon
3.
How many monitors do you need to do your job to the best of your ability?
Image Source
- A.
  None. I operate best when speaking face-to-face with people
- B.
  2 minimum [ideally in sound proof environment]
- C.
  2 minimum - one for data, one for outputs
- D.
  A whole wall of screens (or post-it notes)
4.
How would you best convey the message below?
Image Source
- A.
  65% of females are satisfied with their local area, 78% of males are satisfied with their local area
- B.
  Males are 1.2 times more likely to be satisfied with their local area than females, which is probably a reflection of our patriarchal society
- C.
  What was the sample size for this survey? Has anyone ran a chi squared test? What's the profile of respondents?
- D.
  A combination of all the above!
5.
You have secured 10 minutes with the city mayor to convince him that your neighbourhood needs a child's swimming pool built. What's your plan of attack?
Image Source
- A.
  Emotive story telling. You're going to turn up in Speedo's and a rubber ring evoking their childhood memories [and show pictures of local children sadly splashing in puddles & dreaming of a pool]
- B.
  Cold hard facts. The nearest swimming pool is 24.7 miles away. There are 4,582 children between the age of 4-11 within a 5 mile radius of the proposed site.
- C.
  Evidence based Statistical Modelling. Given the catchment we believe the site would generate £15,000 per week and increase satisfaction in adults of voting age by 3%
- D.
  Its time to bring out the big guns with a three pronged attack. A seamless blend of facts, forecasts, and fiction paint a persuasive picture. You can almost taste the swimming pool chlorine...
6.
What one piece of advice would you give to people about to embark on a data project?
Image Source
- A.
  Start with the end in mind - what action do you want to be taken from the work.
- B.
  Understand the customer and their priorities - bring them along the journey with you
- C.
  Investing time in exploratory data analysis can focus work
- D.
  Understand the raw data. This underpins everything that follows.
7.
What is the best font?
Image Source
- A.
  Bahnschrift
- B.
  Consolas
- C.
  Lexend
- D.
  Ariel Black [Bold]
8.
In order to do your desk work efficiently, how powerful does your computer need to be?
Image Source
- A.
  A: A Hamster Wheel would probably suffice - my days of desk work are behind me
- B.
  B: Several powerplants would be ideal for some of the reports I run
- C.
  C: There's nothing you cant do with a regular computer
- D.
  D: Its not the hardware its the software that counts
9.
When you're at a party and a stranger asks you 'what do you do for a living' - how do you respond?
Image Source
- A.
  "I'm a data analyst... wait, dont go, please... I have some interesting observations about global beer consumption vs life satisfaction..."
- B.
  "I synthesize intel with dissected data to revolutionise policy. But enough about me, lets talk about you..."
- C.
  "I am the music maker, I am the dreamer of dreams"
- D.
  I don't go to parties
10.
Which of these 'Friends' do you most affiliate with?
Image Source
- A.
  A: Ross ("In this briefcase, I carry actual scientific facts")
- B.
  B: Chandler ("He's a...a...Transpondster!")
- C.
  C: Monica ("Rules control the fun")
- D.
  D: Joey ("Its like a cow's opinion, it doesn't matter, its moo")

Quiz Outcomes

1.
You're a... Data Scientist
Image Source
You are adept at analysing and interpreting complex data. Your skills and interests make you well suited to this profession. You turn data into evidence and insight."Data Scientist is the sexiest job of the 21st century" (Harvard Business Review)Levels of Data Scientist...1. The InterrogatorUnderstands what can be done with data. Explores data to nth degree to find hidden patterns to help tackle business priorities.2. The ScientistUses data & statistical tests to find empirical evidence and inference to make robust, actionable recommendations that improve services, residents lives, and outcomes3. The ArtistSees data as the most important asset available, embraces variety of analytical methodologies to find most impactful outputsWhat next!Hi, I’m Stephen Simpkin Data Science Fellow at Essex County Council. My goal is to bring best practice analytics to the public sector, and use data science for social good.Best practice analytics in any organisation requires many complimentary components and skillsets. These fall into the categories identified in this quiz. Most public sector organisations tend to have many skilled and knowledgeable employees, but perhaps without the benefit of any formal analytical training. Many employees will probably identify with the description in the 'Data Proficient' row. This is fantastic. And for a lot of organisations this is where their staff need to be for their business needs.At the Essex County Council (Data & Analytics team) we are keen to support organisations and their staff that wish to climb these 'profession ladders' through a combination of training, sharing our work, and simply talking to one anotherIf you want to ‘be part of the equation’, access training, find inspiration and generally feel better connected with other data people in Essex get in touch stephen.simpkin@essex.gov.ukVisit our blog insight.blog.essex.gov.uk to access useful resources, find out what we’re working on and get involved
2.
You’re a... Data Engineer
Image Source
You take responsibility for the architecting, building, testing and maintenance of data systems and infrastructures. There's nothing you don't know about your organisations data. Your skills and interests make you a perfect candidate for this profession"Data is a precious thing that will last longer than the systems themselves"(Tim Berners - Inventor of the world wide web)Levels of Data Engineer...1. The GuruKnows internal data inside out, what it means, how to retrieve, manipulate, interpret, etc2. The TechnicianMakes internal data accessible to others, raises understanding in others and appropriate use of data.3. The ArchitectCreates end-to-end reliable, real-time automated data products from internal data for others to access key insightsWhat next!Hi, I’m Stephen Simpkin Data Science Fellow at Essex County Council. My goal is to bring best practice analytics to the public sector, and use data science for social good.Best practice analytics in any organisation requires many complimentary components and skillsets. These fall into the categories identified in this quiz. Most public sector organisations tend to have many skilled and knowledgeable employees, but perhaps without the benefit of any formal analytical training. Many employees will probably identify with the description in the 'Data Proficient' row. This is fantastic. And for a lot of organisations this is where their staff need to be for their business needs.At the Essex County Council (Data & Analytics team) we are keen to support organisations and their staff that wish to climb these 'profession ladders' through a combination of training, sharing our work, and simply talking to one anotherIf you want to ‘be part of the equation’, access training, find inspiration and generally feel better connected with other data people in Essex get in touch stephen.simpkin@essex.gov.ukVisit our blog insight.blog.essex.gov.uk to access useful resources, find out what we’re working on and get involved
3.
You’re a... Data Journalist
Image Source
You can distill complex information and outputs into influential messages. You wade through the noise to pick out what's important, and present data and analytics in engaging and innovative ways. Your skills and interests are perfect for this profession"People take action when they interact with a data-evidenced proof of the story"(Monika Piekarska - SAC Developer)Levels of Data Journalist...1. The BroadcasterRecognises importance of data, advocates use of data, inteprets outputs and provides recommendations2. The SalesmanUses data and analysis outputs to engage and excite customers, clearly articulates value of analytics3. The EvangelistData-by-default -uses data for impact and to influence, etc. Helps build understanding in othersWhat next!Hi, I’m Stephen Simpkin Data Science Fellow at Essex County Council. My goal is to bring best practice analytics to the public sector, and use data science for social good.Best practice analytics in any organisation requires many complimentary components and skillsets. These fall into the categories identified in this quiz. Most public sector organisations tend to have many skilled and knowledgeable employees, but perhaps without the benefit of any formal analytical training. Many employees will probably identify with the description in the 'Data Proficient' row. This is fantastic. And for a lot of organisations this is where their staff need to be for their business needs.At the Essex County Council (Data & Analytics team) we are keen to support organisations and their staff that wish to climb these 'profession ladders' through a combination of training, sharing our work, and simply talking to one anotherIf you want to ‘be part of the equation’, access training, find inspiration and generally feel better connected with other data people in Essex get in touch stephen.simpkin@essex.gov.ukVisit our blog insight.blog.essex.gov.uk to access useful resources, find out what we’re working on and get involved
4.
You’re a... Data Strategist
Image Source
You are the master of solving real world problems with data.You make data interesting, analytics insightful, and outputs impactful. You will drive forward the data revolution"Those who rule data will rule the entire world"Masayoshi Son (Founder/Owner SoftBank)Levels of Data Strategist...Level Infinity. The Omnipotent"There can only be one"Someone that has an understanding of all the attributes and possibilities with data, and acts as a conductor bringing together all components harmoniouslyWhat next!Hi, I’m Stephen Simpkin Data Science Fellow at Essex County Council. My goal is to bring best practice analytics to the public sector, and use data science for social good.Best practice analytics in any organisation requires many complimentary components and skillsets. These fall into the categories identified in this quiz. Most public sector organisations tend to have many skilled and knowledgeable employees, but perhaps without the benefit of any formal analytical training. Many employees will probably identify with the description in the 'Data Proficient' row. This is fantastic. And for a lot of organisations this is where their staff need to be for their business needs.At the Essex County Council (Data & Analytics team) we are keen to support organisations and their staff that wish to climb these 'profession ladders' through a combination of training, sharing our work, and simply talking to one anotherIf you want to ‘be part of the equation’, access training, find inspiration and generally feel better connected with other data people in Essex get in touch stephen.simpkin@essex.gov.ukVisit our blog insight.blog.essex.gov.uk to access useful resources, find out what we’re working on and get involved

What type of analyst are you?

Take this two-minute quiz to find out what type of professional analyst pathway you are on: the Data Engineer; the Data Scientist or; the Data Journalist (plus how to advance your skills)

Quiz Questions

Quiz Outcomes