Discuss your challenges with our solutions experts

For details on how your data is used and stored, see our Privacy Notice.
Editorial

Tena Kozic, Senior Data Manager, Edinburgh, UK

1 minute read

My role

I am a Senior Data Manager in the Data Assets Team at Wood Mackenzie. My team manages different datasets within Upstream space: Exploration, Upstream Supply Chain and Corporate. I work with a talented group of people with diverse backgrounds and skillsets, who I learn from every day. The data and projects we work on are linked to the most pressing environmental issues of today, which helps me define purpose in what I do.

More...

What is your background?

I don’t have an academic background in tech or energy. My career path was not the most straightforward, but I am happy with where it has led me.

I studied Politics at University, followed by an MA in International Development Management. My career aspiration was to be in the non-profit sector and I volunteered and worked in operations and data support for infrastructure projects at different NGOs.

One thing I struggled with at times was the long decision making process and the remoteness of projects I worked on. I quickly realised that a faster pace of work and more competitive environment would suit me better.

I then took on a job at Bloomberg’s Global Data department as an Equity Data Analyst. I  enjoyed working on real life projects and developing data products that fuel investment decisions across the markets. I soon stepped into a leadership role and this is where I discovered my true passion – people development.

 

What drew you to Wood Mackenzie, and what do you enjoy about the role?

I love working with people, while also being exposed to cutting edge technology. The thing that drew me to Wood Mackenzie was the company purpose to transform the way we power our planet. I knew that the learning curve would be steep, due to my lack of industry exposure, but I trusted that my experience with data would allow me to contribute to processes and workflows whilst I learned about the industry on the job.  And indeed, in my day to day I am surrounded by a team of subject matter experts, research analysts and data analysts all united in the same goal - to leverage the powerful datasets we handle into meaningful insight.

During my career I have had the opportunity to hire, train and manage some talented individuals at early stages of their career paths. I really feel privileged to have had an impact on people growing their skills, discover their strengths and passions and pave their career paths.

I enjoy every part of the process of finding and growing talent – from defining role requirements, recruitment and candidate assessment, onboarding to aligning them with the right opportunities to grow their skills and progress in their careers.

What makes a good Data Analyst? Searching for Data Unicorns

The requirements for data professionals has evolved. Long gone are the days when having a technical degree was the only prerequisite to have a successful career in data. We now need data analysts to demonstrate adaptability, stakeholder management and leadership skills. We want them to exemplify emotional intelligence in their communication and creativity in decision making.

At Wood Mackenzie, our Data Analysts sit on the crossroads between the Data Processing, Research, Product and Technology, all across different global office locations. It is important to understand the stakeholder and adjust the communication style accordingly.

In such a competitive market and with all companies looking for the best talent, it’s important to be open to as many avenues as possible. Some of the best data analysts I worked with didn’t come with a technical degree, but they were able to demonstrate technical savvy and curiosity for solving problems.

I like to call them Data Unicorns as they might not be your typical data analysts on paper, but with their diverse experience and adaptability to different technologies they can contribute to an organisation in many different ways.

My role models?

One of my leadership role models is Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. I admire her style which based on kindness, agility and direct communication. The other one is Simon Sinek, his book Start with Why is one of the first leadership books I ever read. I also like his podcast A bit of Optimism where he talks to guests from different spheres of corporate and public world about their challenges, failures and successes.