February was on FIRE! ??

I started out this year by hitting the ground running, and I’m glad I prepared for it back in December because February has made me realize I'm in for a marathon. Lucky for me, I have somewhat learned to pull back and set realistic goals which are achievable, but also… that contribute to a higher goal.?

This month, I had 3 main goals…

1. Obtain Alteryx Designer Core Certification
2. Prepare for and Present at CactusCon
3. Solidify my next LinkedIn Learning Course topic

?? Achievements Unlocked! ??

Alteryx

I started my Alteryx goal at the very end of January, and obtained all 4 micro-certs within the month of February.? Honestly, I probably could have obtained them in only three weeks time, but with the preparation of CactusCon and the sprinkler system blowing up at my house, I lost two weeks.? I shared this before but I’ll share it again, Alteryx is one of the most well documented tools I have ever experienced, so studying and learning how to use the tool was a very pleasant experience.? It’s a tool that clearly didn’t try to over-engineer their product.? It’s very user friendly and if you already know the basics of how to work with data, it’s going to be almost second nature.? I recommend data analytics nerds to check it out, for sure!!?

I will continue to share learnings from working with this tool and will probably start working towards the advanced certification soon.? My ultimate goal with this is to hopefully work with Alteryx in the near future.??

Cactus Con

Preparing for Cactus Con was fun, I had a topic in mind already but I wanted to heavily focus on catering the talk to my audience.? I usually give presentations to audit or data professionals, but this time it was for a group of security professionals.? What does that mean?? I get to really lean into my cyber / hacker passion and not be afraid to talk about the ‘dark side’ of data.? My talk title: Machine Learning Models Gone Rogue - How to Reel Them Back In.??

I had a great time during the event, all the sessions were amazing!? I’m still waiting for the recording to be shared on their YouTube page, but I'll be sure to share when it’s available.? Before then, I will share a picture of a prize that I won… very appropriate for this conference!

LinkedIn Learning (Course 3!)

I had such a great time in January recording my second course that I wanted to start working on a third, right away!? I focused on brainstorming and solidifying a topic for this next one, and I think it fits very nicely with the others.

?? Resources For the Community ??

?? Courses

Protecting Data for Analysis and Machine Learning | LinkedIn Learning

My first LinkedIn Learning course is available now!? It’s for anyone that works with data for analysis and machine learning projects.? I teach you all about how to protect your data using various data anonymization techniques in Python.? Don’t worry, this is a beginner level course and you don’t have to be a Python expert to take it.

Also, if you have a professional certification that requires you to obtain Continuing Education Units, my course is now sponsored by NASBA!!? Taking my course not only gives you insight into the world of data security, but also 4.2 CPE credits!

??? Podcast Episodes

The Data Podcast for Nerds! is all about having fun and nerdy conversations about the latest tips and tricks to make you the best data professional you can be!

Why Starting Outside of Data Makes You a Better Data Professional | Tris J Burns ??

Beyond the Resume: How to Stand Out & Succeed in Cybersecurity | Rob Whetstine

You can check out all previous episodes on YouTube - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE ??

Also available on all your favorite streaming platforms… visit our podcast page

?? February AMA Event

Topic: Networking at In-Person Job Fairs

We talked about how to find job fairs, the best websites and approaches.? We covered the pros and cons of these types of events.? And what to do before, during, and after the event.

Here’s some takeaways from the session

?? Upcoming ??

???? AMA Event | Data Analyst Starter Pack: Skills You Need to Succeed

We host AMA events each month as a fun way to network with the data community, chat about all things data, and help each other learn and grow.

This month, we’re going to talk about why the role of a data analyst is valuable, the skills you need to succeed, and the skills you should avoid at all costs.

Come hang out with all the coolest data nerds on March 19th at 4:00pm MST!! ??

Bring your questions!

Register here

???? Audit Analytics & AI Conference

This month, Greenskies Analytics is hosting a Mini Conference to gather experts worldwide to delve into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in analytics and AI within the audit profession.?

This event is a great way to earn some CPE while also learning all about how internal audit teams are leveraging data, analytics, and AI to skyrocket into the future of auditing!

I went to the full event last year and I learned a TON!? You won’t want to miss out on this one.??

Register here

???? WeeklyWed Global Speaker Series

I met Sudha Jamthe when I was at the LinkedIn Learning studio in January and she invited me to speak at her WeeklyWed Global Speaker Series.??

This is a weekly speaker series hosted by Sudha Jamthe’s Learner Community Online at 9 AM PT every Wednesday! Tune in to learn the latest in AI, Autonomous Vehicles, IoT, and enjoy global guest speakers bringing innovation, insights and inspiration each week!

Register here ???? https://mailchi.mp/businessschoolofai/weeklywed-weekly-speaker-series?

???? INFORMS Insights

March Panel: Level Up Your Career: Elevate Your Professional Brand in Analytics

Hosted by INFORMS

Panel Guests: Monica Kay Royal and Nicole Janeway Bills

Register here ???? https://info.informs.org/informs-insights?

Free for INFORMS members; $19 per webinar for nonmembers.

?????? nerdnourishment Services ???????

?????? Data Career Strategy Program!!

There’s a LOT of advice and resources available out there for folks who want to get a data job. The bad thing about that is a lot of time and effort can be spent spinning your wheels trying to decide which advice or resource to follow.

I work with folks that feel stuck in their current jobs and want to explore what the data world has to offer.? I built my Data Career Strategy Program to help you get to where you want to go, without having to abandon where you came from and start from scratch.

The journey isn't as far as you think!

2 SPOTS LEFT - new cohorts starting each month

Book a strategy call with me to learn more about my 6-month program ??

I also offer stand-alone coaching sessions if you prefer to have a quick brainstorming session

?????? Audit Analytics & AI Consulting

I enjoy helping internal audit teams figure out ways to build data-driven audits so they can provide more value to their companies. By leveraging new technologies and techniques, internal audit teams are able to make planning, testing, and reporting way more efficient. No more spending days manually sorting the data to get to a population, selecting samples to perform tests, or perfecting report summaries. The real value comes when we can focus on the more important tasks as an auditor, like risk mitigation.

I’ve successfully guided other audit departments in adopting data-driven audit methodologies, and I’m eager to help more teams embrace this approach.

If you would like to provide more value for your company, book a call with me!

For folks that would like to support the work I provide to the community...

?? Buy me a broccoli (it fuels my creativity)

Thank you for reading, thank you for supporting

and as always…

Happy Learning!!