How can you make yourself more marketable as a data visualization professional?

Design for the user, not for the beautiful picture. Design thinking approach can be used as a solid framework for data visualization development. 1. Begin with a customer, empathize with their motivations, understand the context they exist in. 2. Define the problem you are trying to solve. Focus on identifying the true purpose of the project. 3. Ideate on multiple potential solutions, don't just settle for the first solution that comes to mind or rehash what's been done before. 4. Don't work alone. Test your prototypes with both users and fellow data professionals. 5. Iterate until you find the optimal solution. This approach ensures that data visualizations are not just aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and impactful.

Good listening skills are key at the start of a data visualization project. Understanding your client or audience is crucial, so make sure to tune in and ask lots of questions. This not only helps you get a clear idea of their needs but also shows you're committed to creating something that really works for them.

Start by thoroughly understanding the foundational principles of data visualization. Familiarize yourself with key concepts like data types, chart types, color theory, and effective storytelling. Invest time in online courses, tutorials, or books that cover the fundamentals, ensuring a solid understanding of the underlying principles. You can start with books like Tableau Pocket Reference and Practical Tableau both by Ryan Sleepe

To become proficient in Tableau, start by familiarizing yourself with the software's interface and basic functionalities. Explore introductory tutorials provided by Tableau or other online platforms to grasp fundamental concepts such as connecting to data sources, creating basic visualizations, and understanding the different chart types available. As you advance, work on real-world projects to apply your skills. Import diverse datasets into Tableau and practice creating a variety of visualizations, from simple bar charts to more complex dashboards. Utilize features like calculated fields and parameters to enhance your analyses and create dynamic visualizations that tell a compelling story.

I would definitely recommend Tableau Public. It gives you the option to download a free version of Tableau or even build within the website and then you can showcase all your dashboards within your Public page. It is also a fantastic way to get inspiration and data for your next ideas and also includes a 'Hire Me' option to show that you are open for work and/or commissions. In addition to this, I would say take part in competitions that will provide you with a platform at the same time that you are building your Portfolio. For example, my Iron Viz entry is the most popular visualisation in my profile.

Create a well-rounded portfolio that showcases your data visualization skills showcasing your Tableau expertise using platforms like Wix or GitHub Pages to create a visually appealing and accessible web presence. Include diverse projects that demonstrate your ability to work with various datasets, industry domains, and visualization techniques. Provide context for each project, explaining the problem, your approach, and the impact of your visualizations on decision-making.

Actively seek feedback on your visualizations from peers, mentors, or online communities. Embrace constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to refine your work. Demonstrate a commitment to improvement by iteratively updating and enhancing your visualizations based on the feedback received.

Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to network with professionals in the data visualization community. Engage in online forums, social media groups, and collaborative platforms to connect with like-minded individuals. Actively participate in discussions especially here on LinkedIn, share your insights, and consider collaborating on projects to expand your network. You can also create short courses to show your expertise and sell on platforms like Udemy

Remember that accessibility and inclusion are no longer just an added feature within data visualization; they are, in fact, an obligation that every professional should adhere to. Although there isn't a specific accessibility guideline, we have the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While not exclusively designed for data visualization, they can guide us on how to ensure people with disabilities have a better experience with graphical content. This includes guidelines on font type, colors used, contrast, spacing, text positioning, among other aspects.

Usage usage usage then value value value. Did the solutions yield increased usage? Then likely they increased value to the firm. Visualize and share that story…