Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Data Analysts at Warner Bros Discover
Gideon, a Manager of Business Intelligence & Analytics at Warner Bros. Discovery, suggests entry-level data analyst roles as the most accessible entry point, also mentioning analytics engineering and data engineering as more technical options. He advises seeking a company of "between two hundred and a thousand people" to balance impactful work with mentorship opportunities, avoiding the potential pitfalls of being "lost in kind of like, you know, the Facebook's or the Google's" or lacking mentorship in smaller firms.
Data Analysis, Business Intelligence, Analytics Engineering, Consulting, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Gideon Rosenthal
Manager, Business Intelligence & Analytics
Warner Bros. Discover
Duke, 2013
UCLA Anderson
Computer Science
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level data analyst positions are widely available and a good starting point for students interested in business intelligence and analytics.
2. While data engineering and analytics engineering roles offer a more technical path, the definitions of these roles vary across companies, so exploring different opportunities is recommended.
3. A balance between large and small companies is suggested for early career. Companies with 200-1000 employees often provide real-world work experience and mentorship opportunities that larger corporations might lack while avoiding the potential lack of mentorship in smaller startups
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
There are a number of data analyst jobs, and they are probably the easiest to find. These are entry-level positions.
If you want to go a more technical route, there's analytics engineering and data engineering. However, because analytics is a new industry, the meanings of these terms can vary between companies.
I recommend applying broadly and casting a wide net. Also, try to connect with a recruiter to clarify if a role involves more SQL, Excel, or presentations.
In terms of data strategy and similar areas, I would almost always recommend consulting. Consulting roles are a good starting point. Many companies look for people with management consulting experience.
This is why those types of jobs are highly sought after, especially for undergraduates. It sets you up for future success and exposes you to various industries. If you don't want to go the full consulting route, data analysis is the most straightforward option.
What's your opinion on getting a data analyst role at a large company versus a smaller company right out of school?
It really depends on the specific large or small company. I personally think it's best to find a middle ground. My number one recommendation is to try to go somewhere that's not too small and not too big.
You don't want to get lost in very large companies like Facebook or Google early in your career. Sometimes, you may not be given much responsibility.
Conversely, if you go to a very small startup, there might not be mentors in place to learn from. I would suggest a company with between 200 and 1,000 employees.
This size allows you to work on meaningful projects while also learning from experienced professionals. The goal is to find a balance between doing real work and positioning yourself to find mentors and learn from experienced people.
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