Breaking into Big Data: Founder of infoFluency Robin Sturgis Shares Top Tips for Rising Analysts
“I see a surge in interest in the world of data among females, especially recent college grads .My advice is to get as much variety in experience as possible.” Today’s woman dreamer, Robin Sturgis, is the founder of infoFluency, a data visualization and analytics company. She shares her journey as a woman in big data, and top tips for rising analysts and entrepreneurs. Enjoy her inspiring story!
1.You built your data Visualization company from the ground up, and are a mother, grandmother and a business leader. Tell us your journey. What inspired your interest in starting infofluency and in data analytics?
infoFluency started somewhat by chance. I was doing database freelancing work and a venture capital client became my sole focus. Their growth prompted me to hire a team and build analytics competency specifically for the VC industry. The timing of this business growth added additional income at a time when our family had 3 teenage girls and LOTS of related expenses!
2. Data visualization, big data, and analytical skills are becoming more and more crucial in the business world. What are some trends you are seeing in the industry?
I see several trends. One is in the broadening of the field and the specializations within. Another is the availability of education, not just at the university level, but in online learning, master classes, and even in high school curriculum. Not sure if that’s the chicken or the egg, but the interest in the field is growing as rapidly as the educational opportunities.
3. What are some key trends/skills you think young data analysts should focus on?
The most important area of focus is on answering the questions of the end-user of the analysis. If we lose sight of who we are serving and their specific needs, we are working in vain. The skill I often see lacking is listening. Lots of us in technical roles want to do work that is interesting to us or is cutting edge, which is fine, but we must listen to and serve the customer first and foremost.
4. You also have a predominantly female team. That is awesome. Are you seeing more women enter the data analytics field? What is your advice for them?
I do see a surge in interest in the world of data among females, especially recent college grads. My advice is to get as much variety in early work experience as possible and to continue to seek educational opportunities. The online courses and master classes are plentiful and it is an easy way to propel oneself into the field and show interest and diligence to employers and potential employers. Experience can be gained creatively by volunteering, taking an unpaid side-hustle internship, and joining online communities that all the major analytics vendors offer (examples are Tableau and Alteryx).
5. You are certainly a busy woman. How do you find your work life balance? What do you do to relax and unwind?
I don’t relax well but am working on intentionality in this area! I love to walk or run to clear my head and a good book or movie is great for escaping all the noise that swirls in my head all the time!
Thank you Robin for sharing your story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
Bio: Robin has built her Data Visualization company from the ground up. She is a mother, grandmother and business leader. Her team is somewhat accidentally made of all women! (and they are all great!) She is from Houston Texas - her customers range from midsize companies, startups to non-profits.