I help people land their first data job within 90 days

Hey! I'm Avery! 👋🏻   My mission is to help working professionals break into data science. Let's connect!

🚀 Creator of Data Career Jumpstart; the data bootcamp that helps you start your data career by building an online portfolio full of projects!
Course includes: 
1) Data Skills (Python, R, SQL, Data Viz, ect)
2) How To Do Projects & Build A Data Portfolio 
3) How To Build Your Personal Brand 
4) How To Land Your Dream Job That Is Remote, High-Paying, and Fun 👩‍💻👨‍💻

📧  Sign Up To Get Updates: DataCareerJumpstart.com!

⛰ Running an analytics firm called Snow Data Science where we take on all sorts of data projects. From building custom dashboards, to predictions via machine learning, we are helping organizations utilize the power of their data. Have a project in mind? Send me a DM. Or visit, SnowDataScience.org. 

🏀   Landed a project with the Utah Jazz via LinkedIn post

⛽   Ex-ExxonMobil Data Scientist: solved complex supply chain problems, made beautiful data visuals, and taught data science to 300+ engineers! 2x company wide analytics champion. 

🔬 I fell in love with data at Vaporsens. I was hooked on finding meaning and insight from their chemical sensor data. The feeling was addicting. I felt like a super hero. I've never looked back.

📕 First author published as undergrad in IFAC. Novel research on anomaly detection in manufacturing data using machine learning. Feel free to read: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405896319309073

📊 I am obsessed with data. Don't believe me? My dog has her own fitbit 🐶 My iPhone app usage has a dashboard 📱 My Chick-Fil-A visits are already predicted for next month 🐥  I run, breath, and sleep data 📊 What more proof can I give? 🤪

💬 Message me to talk about: How to break into data science, how to build a data science portfolio, and how to build a personal brand. 

Find me on:
🌐  DataCareerJumpstart.com
💻  GitHub: https://github.com/AveryData
🎥  YouTube: AVery Data
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datacareerjumpstart/
✏️  Medium: https://medium.com/@averyjs
🎉 TikTok: @verydata

📧  Sign Up To Get Updates On My Latest Course: DataCareerJumpstart.com!

Avery Smith

If I wanted to become a Data Analyst in 2026, here's what I would do personally... 

Really, there's only two steps:
1. What to learn? And how to learn it?
2. How to stand out?

That's really it. 

When it comes to what to learn, I think less is more personally.
Otherwise, you spread yourself too thin and burn out. 

Focus on The Big 3:
1) Excel
2) SQL
3) Tableau

How to best learn them?
Build projects with them.  You'll learn incredible quickly.

That's it skill wise. The rest is about standing out.
Which is harder IMO... 

To stand out, you have to do things people don't do
Often times, that means doing uncomfortable things
And that sucks (because who likes doing hard things).

BUT do these awkward things now...
And you'll live comfortably after! 

Those things are:
• network
• do projects
• send cold messages
• talk to friends and family
• post on linkedin
• build a portfolio
• update your linkedin
• optimize your resume 
• share your portfolio
• talk to people

Not fun - but they pay off

That's the short version of what I'd do. 
Long version: https://lnkd.in/e5szGmXT

Hope it helps!

Founder @ Data Analytics Accelerator - I help people land their first data job (even with no prior experience)

If I wanted to become a data analyst in 2026

WHAT COMPANIES ARE HIRING DATA ANALYSTS IN 2026? 

If you're looking to get hired as a data analyst this year, you NEED to save this company list. These are the company job boards you should be monitoring like a hawk.

 1. Accenture
 2. Amazon 
 3. McKinsey
 4. Deloitte
 5. Citi
 6. American Express
 7. Capital One
 8. Tata Consultancy
 9. Cognizant
10. TD
... see full list below 


Data Analyst jobs aren't disappearing - you just have to know where to look!


🔖 Save this post for reference
♻️ Please repost this so others can become aware!
🎧 Listen to my full job market breakdown: https://lnkd.in/eg_9WkSh

🥳 I moved to Spain! Surprise! 

Over the next 3 months, my family and I are having the experience of a lifetime living "la buena vida" in Spain. 

I'm excited to live by a beach, try some delicious tapas, walk everywhere, improve my Spanish, appreciate the Moorish architecture, and just enjoy living somewhere completely new. 

Now, I know many of you may be thinking...

 "Avery's on vacation for 3 months?!? Oh, no! Where will I get all my data content from?" 

Have no fears - I'll still be working. 

So you can expect my usual content cadence:
• LI posts (daily)
• YT vid + Podcast (Tuesday's)
• Newsletter (Wednesday's) 

I'll be sharing some pics, my musings on Euro life, and other such things on my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eEkD3CsA

🇪🇸 Hasta luego!

Here are my predictions for Data Analysts in 2026:

𝟭) 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿 
I think it will actually become easier to land a data analyst job compared to 2025. The number of data analyst roles is expected to stay the same, but competition will decrease as the hype shifts toward AI and automation jobs. This means fewer applicants for traditional data analyst positions, making it less competitive. Thus, easier to break in and actually land a job. Simple economics. 

𝟮) 𝗔𝗜 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 (𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁𝘀)
Companies will start to adopt AI tools more widely for analytics, but I don't think this won’t lead to fewer jobs or mass layoffs for data analysts. Instead, AI will become an additional tool for analysts to use. Large enterprises are slow to fully roll out new technologies, so adoption will be gradual and ultimately take years. The role of the data analyst will shift, focusing more on the ability to connect analysis to actionable business decisions and results, rather than being purely technical.

LESS important: 
→ How to do the analysis

MORE important: 
→ What analysis to do 
→ When to do it 
→ Translating results to business

𝟯) 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 
In 2026, your industry or domain expertise will be a bigger differentiator in landing a job and getting promoted. With “how” to do analysis becoming easier and easier and easier to do (mostly thanks to AI and data tools), “what” to do, "when to do it" and “why” becomes key. Understanding business context and industry-specific knowledge will matter waaaaaay more than your technical skills. Career pivoters with DEEP subject-matter knowledge from other fields can use that as an advantage in analytics.

What do you think? Am I wrong? What did I miss?

2026 Data Predictions

There's an infinite number of data tools you could possibly be learning. 

My advice? Don't get distracted - focus on The Big 3: SQL, BI Tool, Excel.
Nothing else.

Why? These are the lowest hanging fruits. 
They're EXTREMELY in demand, and not that hard to learn.

Study them & in a few weeks you'd be able to:
- upload data
- explore data
- clean data
- visualize data
- analyze data
- query data
- report data

That's more than enough to get started.
Don't burn out trying to learn 238 new tools at once.

Just stick to The Big 3. 


ps - i'm launching a new cohort of my data analyst bootcamp on Monday where I teach these big 3 by doing projects: https://lnkd.in/eYZh7_-U

--------------------------------------------------
♻ If you found this helpful, reshare it so others can find it!

my request to all the recruiters & hiring managers out there 👇

My Advice to Aspiring Analysts...

Your job as a data analyst is actually pretty simple 👇

Want to learn how to do this with me? https://lnkd.in/eYZh7_-U

Your Job as a Data Analyst

You can be a Top 1% Data Analyst candidate by:

- Having a project portfolio
- Being able to communicate your findings
- Sending cold messages
- Attending data meetups 
- Documenting your learning
- Having an ATS friendly resume
- Posting on Linkedin 3x/week
- Asking your network for help 
- Practicing interviews beforehand
- Having an optimized LinkedIn profile
- Building projects 

Skills don't differentiate you 
How you present yourself does

want a step-by-step guide to doing all this? 
we start tomorrow https://lnkd.in/eYZh7_-U

----
Found this helpful? Please hit the repost button so others can benefit!

Fresh data roles that are hiring right now!
(Apply before the roles close)

Data Analyst (Litera)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eiRRa8ij

Performance Marketing Analyst (Stouffer Legal)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eHJXJc2T

Senior Financial Analyst (Stryker)
Link: https://lnkd.in/ee6BERQ5

Associate, AI Data Specialist (Walmart/VIZIO)
Link: https://lnkd.in/e2pp-EqH

Cvent and Data Specialist (Amex GBT)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eUfTgZA2

Principal Financial Analyst (Westlake)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eRzU25ge

Business Intelligence Engineer Intern (New York City Football Club)
Link: https://lnkd.in/ep5JnQkw

Digital Marketing Analyst (Brunswick)
Link: https://lnkd.in/evAHjYDK

Data Specialist (Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities)
Link: https://lnkd.in/e2TKqFDn

Lead Healthcare Analyst (Cohere Health)
Link: https://lnkd.in/euZPMGRp

Data Specialist (Commercial Real Estate) (Northmarq)
Link: https://lnkd.in/e5GM4NWt

Oncology Data Specialist (Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eMDqTQEX

Senior Data Analyst, Strategy & Insights (Success Academy)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eZJVeCtp

Marketing Analyst (Renewal by Andersen)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eUKDcFnh

Happy applying and good luck!
Find more roles here: https://lnkd.in/e4HAmxxQ

I'm tired of people falling for these data myths... 👇

7 Big Myths About Data Analytics - Avery Smith

Dear Aspiring Data Analysts,

Here are 7 important lessons I think you should know 👇

Data Analyst Roles in 2026 - Avery Smiths

Fresh data roles that are hiring right now!
(Apply before the roles close)

Data Analyst (FNIC)
Link: https://lnkd.in/ewW39Mhm

Principal Data Analyst (Navigator Platform) (Capital One)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eJbhhDwW

Data Analyst, Summer 2026 (Co-op/Internship) (BMO)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eGqCTrfB

Search Marketing Analyst (PVH/Calvin Klein)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eb2Cp4Ra

Enrollment Data Analyst Intern (Chubb)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eHGzJRS6

Philanthropy Associate Data Analyst (Rocket Companies)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eFZWTt8R

Senior Data Analyst (International Rescue Committee)
Link: https://lnkd.in/ehZwzpUR

Financial Analyst (KLA)
Link: https://lnkd.in/ek7sazh5

Legal & Business Operations Data Analyst (Kahana Feld)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eSp6YUeK

Marketing Analyst (T Bar M Camps)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eEJ7FPYh

HIM System Data Analyst (Presbyterian)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eee38HHQ

Healthcare Analyst (EXL Health)
Link: https://lnkd.in/eC_gfyfp

Happy applying and good luck!
Find more roles here: https://lnkd.in/e4HAmxxQ

Everyone keeps asking me if data analyst jobs are dying. I think 2026 might actually surprise you. 

I've been watching this field since 2018, and something interesting is happening right now. 

My third prediction should get you most excited if you're switching careers.

In this issue, I'll:
🔮 Share 3 bold predictions about data jobs in 2026
🚀 Explain the AI shift everyone's getting wrong
💼 Show you 5 real jobs you can apply to this week

View newsletter: 🚀 Data Career Newsletter

What’s 2026 going to look like for Data Analysts? I’ve been thinking about this for awhile… And while, I'm not a fortune teller, I have been watching 

Open article: Will Data Analysts Survive 2026? 3 Major Predictions by Avery Smith • 5 min read

Will Data Analysts Survive 2026? 3 Major Predictions

You don't need a computer science degree to work in data.

I recently spoke to a former teacher, a pizza delivery driver, and a night shift worker. They are all data analysts now.

If they can do it, you can do it too.

In this issue, I’ll:
🔑 Walk you through what all three did to stand out
👀 Show you how to stop being invisible to hiring managers
💼 List a few data roles to explore this week

Read the full story here 👇

This issue is brought to you by Premium Data Jobs. Ever wish you could find a data job that didn’t have 100+ applicants? Ever wish you could find a da

Open article: How to land a data job when you have no experience by Avery Smith • 5 min read

How to land a data job when you have no experience

For a long time, data was the "sexiest" job in the world. Now, the hype has settled down, and reality has set in. 

If you are trying to break in now, you probably feel late. You feel like the easy days are gone. And you are right, but that is actually good news. 

In this issue, I’ll:
🏦 Reveal the top 3 industries hiring analysts (it’s not Tech)
📉 Share why "Big Tech" layoffs don't matter for you
🚫 Bust a common myth about AI taking your seat

Read the full issue to see what is really happening.

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Here's the link to the training replay 👉 https://event.webinarjam.com/login/xo273b5hvof6va9s9

Live SQL Workshop

Want free SQL training? Come to my FREE live SQL workshops 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/sql-workshop

Podcast Plug

Want to hear all the podcast episodes? Listen on any of the following:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1nfBfEtCmuvJkPQgR3bS5a
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/data-career-podcast/id1547386535
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@averysmith/videos

Job Hunt Shortcut

Learn how to job hunt the easy way 👉 https://www.datacareerjumpstart.com/jobwebinar

Random

datacareerjumpstart

snow-datascience

This issue is brought to you by: FindADataJob.com. This is my 100% free data job board. 30+ new jobs posted every day. Bookmark it for later! If you’r

The state of data jobs in 2026

Ken C.

If you're just starting out with SQL, here are 7 things you NEED to know (from a Senior Data Analyst w/ 10+ years experience) 👇 

- SQL is an iceberg. It looks simple at first, but gets deep fast but...
- As a Data Analyst, you only need ~17 commands to solve like 90% of real data problems. 
- You don't need to have it all memorized. IDEs + Google + ChatGPT exist. 
- Skip database admin stuff. Most of that is data engineer problems, not analyst problems.
- SQL isn’t the only path. Excel pivots, Python, Tableau, Power BI can do similar things.
- You need to use an IDE when starting. It's just way easier.
- Always use LIMIT. Your future self (and your computer) will thank you.
- SQL won’t get you hired by itself. Jobs come from the combo: Skills + Portfolio + Network.

SQL is awesome. 
You should learn it. 

If you want to learn it the fun way (and land a data job)...
Join The Accelerator: https://lnkd.in/e3Y2SsC3
Next cohort starts on Feb 9.

SQL 101 - Avery Smith

It's never been harder to land a data job. I'm trying to help. I just dropped a new podcast episode with 3 real-world stories of people that actually pivoted into data analytics. 

Through their stories, you'll learn:
1. How to upskill quickly
2. Where to apply for jobs
3. What skills to learn them
4. Why portfolios truly matter
5. Some practical ways to network
6. How to get paid to learn the rest
7. How to stay motivated & not give up

Full 40-minute guide: https://lnkd.in/eRbrX2yK

Hope it's helpful,
Avery


--- 
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🔖 Save to revisit down the road

I have zero data certificates to my name. It sounds crazy, but it is true.

And I've landed every data job I've ever had without one.

Everyone thinks you need a fancy paper from Google or IBM to get hired. But actually, those just make you look like everyone else.

There is a better way to show your value that actually works.

In this issue, I'll:
🧠 Break down the 3 things that actually build trust with hiring managers
📁 Walk you through building a portfolio that actually gets noticed
📊 Show you how to escape the "no experience" trap for good

This may be a surprise to you, but I have zero data certificates. Not one. And I've landed every data job I've ever had without one. It’s the truth! I

Open article: If I Wanted To Become a Data Analyst in 2026, I'd Follow This Plan by Avery Smith • 5 min read

If I Wanted To Become a Data Analyst in 2026, I'd Follow This Plan

Today is National Quitter's Day.
It's the day where we all abandon our New Year's resolutions. 

You celebrating?
Personally, I am. 

Unfortunately, I quit a lot.
 Like all the time.
Like way more than I care to admit. 

Sometimes I just give up
But often, I just get distracted. 
Shiny goal syndrome, you know? 

But this year, I'm trying something different...
(and maybe you should too?) 

Instead of huge, year-long goals...
I'm running "tiny experiments"
Think microscope goals

I don't even like using the word goals
More scientific hypothesis 
Not desired result - just curiosity

I will [BLANK] for [BLANK] days

Write down how I feel
Write down what happens

Then choose one of these options:
A) keep doing it
B) edit the experiment
C) kill the project 

I stole this framework from Anne-Laure Le Cunff, PhD 
I'll keep you updated on how it goes

Would love to hear what you think about it? 



---
p.s. if you thought this was interesting, hit reshare so others can learn!

NWEA

Assessment Scorer

Proximity Learning, Inc.

*Leveraged virtual learning environment for 100+ students 
*Utilized and enhanced slide decks for curriculum delivery 
*Cross-collaborated with data team, sales team, curriculum design team, adult training team, and co-teachers and facilitators to ensure educator preparedness, learner preparedness, and desirable learner outcomes. 
*Check-ins daily with learners to ensure success in a virtual/ remote learning environment. 
*Developed skills in Canvas LMS, Google Suite, and Nearpod as crucial technology components for learner success and cross-team collaboration methods.

Virtual Teacher

University of Central Arkansas

Research Project Assistant

Scale AI

*Provided grammatically accurate information in accordance with rubric specifications, consistently rating 4/5 or higher on projects. 
*Participated in virtual training and adult learning opportunities to ensure response success and accuracy. 
*Recorded and tracked sources and data for reviewers to ensure accuracy and reliability in responses. 
*Rated and reviewed responses, providing coaching, guidance, and suggestions for improvement.

AI Trainer/ Tasker (Remotasks)

Make Today Count

*Listened to client and student needs, responding with empathy for educational history and background, while designing plans to move forward. 
*Developed systematic templates for tutoring sessions, ensuring growth points and strategies for families’ use beyond classroom. 
*Analyzed and reported student growth data, resulting in one students growth in the 99th percentile on two subsequent assessments!
*Provided adult learners with constant check-in and coaching support via text, phone call, and in-person, ensuring ability to explain concepts to their children.

Private Tutor

Christ the King Catholic School

-Part of a team of 6 teachers with 120+ students and their parents.
-Designed a hybrid math course for 7th and 8th grade incorporating pre-algebra and algebra, including blended digital content via Google Classroom (IXL and Edpuzzle)
-Presented, recorded, edited, teaching math via video lesson software for asynchronous learning
-Delivered 150+ video lessons and embedded questions within videos to check for understanding and mastery of math standards.
-Analyzed qualitative and quantitative data, user interviews, and classrooms insights to uncover math educators needs and created professional development for elementary math teachers to impact 65+ students.
-Curated a library of resources for 16 mathematics units for 125 students in grades 7 & 8 and delivered via Google Classroom for students with a wide range of math abilities to locate what they need most to master a concept after meeting in small groups.
-Met 1-on-1 with students to pinpoint areas for growth after considering multiple data points: quiz and test results, MAP Growth Results (student averages were 18% above grade-level), and video lesson feedback.

Educator and Mathematics Specialist, 7th & 8th Grade

-Managed and led team to produce content for students with a wide range of abilities in mathematics.
-Engaged with external partners on a daily basis; promoting positive relationships for growth of program.
-Managed organizational efforts of interest, advertising, registration, payment including various payment methods, 10% tithe, profit payout, purchasing supplies and coordination of supplies for Math Camp for a combined total of 100+ family-clients.

Director, Summer Math Camp

-Part of a team of 3 teachers with 60+ students and their parents.
-Created timelines for weekly, monthly, and quarterly learning targets.
-Designed “Math Lab” and coordinated leveled instruction for targeted intervention based on student data
-Created integrated curriculum units- STREAM: Science, technology, religion/reading, engineering/English, arts, and math to design a cohesive unit of study for student success.

Lead Educator, 5th Grade

Assistant Director, Summer Care

-Part of a team of 4 teachers, including the director. 
-Learned early childhood education norms and professional communication skills.
-Conducted informal longitudinal research for students entrusted to my care in Pre-K, 5th, 7th and 8th grade. 
- Designed and curated activities to facilitate learning through play.

Educator, Early Childhood

DIOCESE OF LITTLE ROCK

-Collaborated with educators across the state to rewrite and develop the 445 mathematics standards  to be used at all Catholic Schools in Arkansas.
-Researched evidence-based curriculum replacements for 5000 students at 20+ schools 
-Presented findings to school colleagues to select appropriate curriculum for improved student outcomes

State Standards Committee

Tipton & Hurst

- Assisted with inventory collection, including cataloging quantity, size, style, and color on inventory sheets for 1000s of products in Heights store. 
- Assisted customers in selecting floral arrangements for momentous life occasions: birthday, celebration, funeral, wedding, cotilion, formals, etc. 
- Communicated and collaborated across various departments- sales, floral design, plant design, and delivery to ensure customer satisfaction and successful completion and execution of customer vision. 
- Used P.O.S software to quickly and efficiently complete transactions.
- Assisted in execution of floor set design for various holidays to ensure customer flow throughout store.

Retail Sales Associate

Pulaski Academy

Summer Camp Counselor

SPRINGDALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

TG Smith Elementary (Go Stallions!)
Taught and researched. 

Action-Research: “The Effect of Drama-Based Math Instruction on Geometric Thinking in one group of Fifth-Grade Students” (Gramlich, 2012). IRB approved- Action-Research project, revealing statistically significant differences in geometric thinking for one group of 5th grade students. Generated from lowest student assessment data with open-response Geometry questions. Utilized and adapted Van Heile’s “Levels of Geometric Thinking” to expand thinking past typical  grade-level expectations. Data collected included surveys, anecdotal, quantitative, and qualitative. 

Literacy Case Study- Assessments administers and analyzed: DIEBELS, Concepts about Print, Dolch-Fry Sight Words, Phonemic Awareness, Reading Attitude Survey. Resulting in 95% increases across assessments. 

UBD- Understanding by Design unit creation to align to CCSS.

Teacher Researcher Intern

Hi! 👋🏼 I’m Melissa! 

📊 Data-obsessed virtual teacher, creating awesome and impactful data visualizations to convey meaning and understanding. 

🤝My ability to simultaneously build relationships and teach complex topics causes me to constantly consider 🧐who is behind and in front of my data, and make it make sense to help drive success. 

🤓Math teacher turned data nerd: swapping expo markers for Python, Excel, and SQL.

✅What are your data needs? Connect with me and tell me all about it! 

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