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Why did you choose data as a career?
I have always liked working with data. Before becoming a data analyst, I was as a reservoir geologist. Looking back, that job involved a lot of data analysis. I worked with large datasets, updated a database and created queries – as well as doing data visualisation and trend analysis.
How did you get started?
When I moved to the UK from Argentina, I saw that there were several opportunities to work as a data analyst here. I already knew how to use Excel and a create basic queries, so I decided to study on my own. I learned how to create complex queries, and macros in VBA.
My first role was in EY’s audit team. It was a big step - my first job in the UK was a new role, a new industry added to speaking another language in a new country. I worked there for a few months, until I got admitted for a MSc at Imperial College. When I finished, I joined Woodmac and I have been here since 2015.
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What was most interesting about your first roles at Wood Mackenzie?
My first two roles in Woodmac were in the Upstream team. I was already familiar with that type of data, but what surprised me was how much value you can extract from it. You can follow the data journey: from collection, through validation and on to how it’s presented to clients in different tools and reports.
What do you enjoy most now at Woodmac?
The company has grown and evolved so much since I joined. A good example is Lens, I remember when all the offices around the world were involved in the vote for which name to use for our new product. Now it’s well established in the market.
The growth of Woodmac means that there are more new and exciting projects to work on. I also like the cross-team collaboration, in Woodmac there are a lot of smart people and working with other teams helps to broaden your network and learn new things.
I recently moved from Upstream to cover Energy Transition data. In my current team, one of the things I like the most is that every quarter we address a different topic, having quarterly goals help us to organise our time and know what we want to achieve and then see the results – it’s quite dynamic. We recently retired an old solar data source and we are currently working with onshore wind data.
How did you overcome challenges?
My first and biggest challenge was in my mind, I think I had a bit of an imposter syndrome as some of my skills were self-taught and I was not sure if I was prepared for the career change. Over time, I got more confident because I was able to do my tasks and even to propose new things. I think that the team also help me a lot, I have always felt encouraged and supported since I started working in Wood Mackenzie.
What is your highlight from Woodmac so far?
One of the main messages from Woodmac is that it is a people’s company. And I believe that several actions have proven that. Through the pandemic, Woodmac has been supportive with their employees, showing flexibility about the working hours (which was very useful for working parents whose kids were home schooled) and taking different initiatives to help our wellbeing as wellbeing days, early closing days and virtual activities.
In addition, there are several learning platforms we can use and we can allocate some time to improve our skills.
Advice to other people?
Don’t be afraid of learning new skills if you want. Industries change over time and we should also be able to adapt with them.