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Tarsha, Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank: Advize Career Interview
A career in data quality offers a fascinating blend of technical and interpersonal skills, as evidenced by Tarsha's journey.
Early internships and proactive job seeking, alongside a strong academic foundation in economics and mathematics, propelled Tarsha's career from asset management to business analytics, culminating in a Data Quality Data Steward role at a major international bank.
The work involves meticulous data profiling, troubleshooting complex issues across diverse teams, and fostering collaboration to ensure data integrity.
Success requires strong problem-solving abilities, detail-orientation, and exceptional communication skills—a combination of technical expertise and "people skills." Entry-level opportunities abound in data mining, visualization, and business analysis, paving the way for a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career where continuous learning and engagement are paramount.
Extracurricular activities and developing strong interpersonal skills are equally vital for success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tarsha Subramaniam
Data Quality Data Steward
International Bank
University of California, Los Angeles
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey M.S. Business Analytics
Economics, Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Data and Analytics
International Student, Immigrant
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Career path of a Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank
Tarsha's most impactful WP Carey experience involved a master's project with a company, allowing application of skills learned to "real life situations" and providing a "first step to understanding...what I [was] going to do next." The intensive nine-month program fostered collaboration with diverse classmates, accelerating learning through group problem-solving.
Main Responsibilities Of A Data Quality Data Steward At International Bank
Prior internships and work experience gave Tarsha a significant advantage, but equally important was actively applying for jobs during school, even part-time roles, to "get your foot in." Building communication skills through professor and classmate engagement helped Tarsha navigate the US work culture, highlighting the value of using college as "an introduction to the community."
A Day In The Life Of A Data Quality Data Steward At International Bank
Tarsha's career path began in asset management, leveraging an economic mathematics background before discovering data analytics while working in accounting. This led to a business analytics program, subsequent roles as a "business intelligence developer" and "Tableau developer," culminating in their current position as a Data Quality Data Steward at a bank, where they apply "basic skills learned in analytics into the field of governance."
Most Important Skills For A Data Quality Steward At International Bank
Tarsha's main responsibilities as a Data Quality Data Steward involve "monitoring the health of the system" through regular data profiling and checks, identifying and remediating issues through collaboration with various teams. This collaborative process includes root cause analysis, determining appropriate solutions (ranging from "a full-scale, huge project" to temporary patches), and engaging stakeholders to ensure data quality improvements.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Data Quality Data Steward At International Bank
Tarsha, a Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank, manages a team responsible for monitoring data system health and troubleshooting issues, ensuring adherence to governance policies and service level agreements (SLAs). A critical aspect of their role is overseeing in-depth analysis and troubleshooting to meet the bank's standards, "ensuring that we are meeting the SLAs and...meeting the standards of the work we do".
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Data Quality Data Steward at an International Bank
A Data Quality Data Steward at a large international bank requires meticulous "detail orientation" and organization to manage competing priorities. The ability to be "very inquisitive," learn diverse subject matter (such as loan or securities processes), and subsequently ask the right questions to drive effective solutions are also crucial for success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Banking Industry as a Data Quality Data Steward
Tarsha, a Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank, most enjoys the "problem-solving part" of her role, tackling "very complicated" or "super interesting" cross-functional issues. This involves collaborating with diverse teams across various domains within the large bank, leading to continuous learning and engagement with new people and perspectives almost monthly.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Data Quality Industry, According To A Data Quality Data Steward At An International Bank
Tarsha's biggest challenge as a Data Quality Data Steward is "convincing people to own a problem," a difficulty stemming from the lack of incentive to take on extra work and budget constraints, requiring strong people management skills. This highlights the crucial, yet often underestimated, soft skills necessary for success in data stewardship roles.
What a Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank wishes they had known before entering the banking industry
Tarsha's background in economics and mathematics fueled a lifelong interest in the finance industry, leading to a fulfilling career in data quality. The opportunity to work "on the technology side of the finance industry," leveraging data and technology to solve problems, is what Tarsha finds most fascinating about their role at the International Bank.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Data Quality Data Stewards
Data professionals who are "very determined," "organized," and "detail-oriented" thrive in the data governance and analytics fields. Success also hinges on strong communication skills, as the ability to articulate work effectively to diverse audiences is crucial for career advancement.
Significant Career Lesson From A Data Quality Data Steward At An International Bank
Tarsha, a Data Quality Data Steward, reveals a crucial lesson learned: the role heavily relies on "people skills and communication skills," far exceeding initial expectations of purely technical work. Successfully navigating this requires skillful communication with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including "business people" unfamiliar with technical details, demanding patience and respect for varying expertise.
College Experiences That Helped a Data Quality Data Steward at International Bank Succeed
Tarsha, a Data Quality Data Steward, suggests entry-level roles like "data mining" and "data visualization" as good starting points for undergraduates interested in the field. Additionally, the professional highlights "business analyst" as a "very popular and common" first step, emphasizing that most companies now use technology and therefore data, making operational and business analytics roles valuable initial positions.
How Identity Has Influenced A Data Quality Data Steward At International Bank's Career
Tarsha, a Data Quality Data Steward, reflects that a significant career lesson is "to be kind to myself and to be kind to others," acknowledging the extensive time spent at work and the inevitability of mistakes in a career spanning "mid twenties all the way until retirement." This self-compassion, Tarsha explains, fosters a more positive perspective and improves professional interactions.
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