Some years before now, Odutayo knew nothing about Data Analytics. He was previously working at the Customer Service Department of a commercial bank before venturing into the world of Analytics. Today, he is not only one of our knowledgeable facilitators at Dataleum who has trained hundreds of people but he is also a Transaction Monitoring Analyst in one of Africa’s Biggest Fintechs. Let’s learn from his story as he shares his career journey with us.
Can you tell us more about yourself?
Alright, sure! My name is Odutayo Odufuwa. I work with Flutterwave Inc. as a Transaction Monitoring Analyst. I love playing football and I am a huge fan of the “Red Devils”, the best football club in the world today (laughs). I enjoy soft life, I hate too much stress, and a fun fact about me is that I picked my academics over the chance of being a professional footballer.
Hmmmm…interesting. So why did you decide to take Data Analytics as a career path?
Uhmmm….well, I have always loved Mathematics and this is one reason why I decided to go into Data Analytics. Mathematics has been one of my favourite subjects and it has a connection with Data Analytics. I also enjoy providing solutions to problems at any point. Data Analytics involves problem-solving, and my passion for problem-solving also gave me an additional push to learn Data Analytics.
What was your job role before your Data Analytics Training?
Before my first training (Data Analytics Beginners Course) with Dataleum, I was working with the Customer Service team at First Bank, FUTA Branch.
How did the training help with your career plans?
The training with Dataleum helped me stand out in my next role as a Relationship Manager. Although the role wasn’t a data-related one, I was able to apply the skills learnt in my job. Eventually, I landed a data-related role having improved the skills and knowledge gained so far.
What skills have you developed over the course of your career that you believe are essential for success as a Data Analyst?
To be a successful Data Analyst, you should know how to use your tools well. I am proficient with tools like Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python where I have developed tech skills like data cleaning, data visualization, data wrangling, and so on. Also, soft skills shouldn’t be overlooked. I believe this is very important alongside technical skills. Being proficient in the different tools is great, however, I have been able to also develop soft skills like critical thinking, presentation, and effective communication; which I believe every Data Analyst must have.
What’s your favourite quote that keeps you going?
I have millions of quotes that keep me going and it’s really hard to have a favourite (laughs). But let me leave you with one of my shortest quotes, “This too shall pass”. To break it further, “when things are bad, remember it won’t always be this way. Take one day at a time”. Likewise, “when things are good, remember it won’t always be this way. Enjoy every great moment”.
Wow! That’s a really powerful quote! One last question – What will you advise someone looking to become successful in the tech space?
Embrace life-long learning. Don’t expect to be perfect from the get-go. Just like wine, it gets better with time. Learning doesn’t stop after your first training or certification. I learnt Data Analytics for the first time in 2019, and I am still pushing myself to continuously learn new trends in the space every day.
