Where did you grow up? Important stages of your life
I was born and raised in Dunedin, where I completed my first year of study. I strayed from the usual trajectory, opting to put my studies on hold to get some work and life experience before committing to a career path. Although this decision felt tough to defend at the time, it was ultimately one of the best decision’s I’ve made. I moved to the capital, worked various jobs, and was able to fully immerse myself in my studies when I enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington in 2015. Education is such a privilege and I didn’t want to waste a moment of it.
How did you get to your current job position? For how long have you had it?
I began as a Graduate Analyst at Stats NZ in April 2018. I quickly developed both subject matter knowledge and analytical skills on the job, which led to my progression to a Statistical and Data Analyst, and then most recently to a Design Analyst in late 2019.
How did you choose your specialisation?
A major theme that I encountered during my studies was the disconnect between research and public policy. This can lead to ineffective, intuition-based policies, instead of evidence-based policies that address real issues facing New Zealanders. I was drawn to Stats NZ because it plays an important role in collating the data we need to produce insights into the world around us. This is what we need to challenge the status quo and improve the lives of Kiwis.
What was your interview process like?
The interview process was extremely thorough! I applied during a wide recruitment round. This meant applicants weren’t interviewing for a specific area but were instead assigned to areas based on their study background and preferences. As well as the usual CV and cover letter combo, we submitted a five-minute video, responding to a few questions about our suitability for the role. I was then called in for an interview, which began with a ten-minute presentation (for which the presentation topic was assigned about 48 hours earlier), and then behavioural-based questions for the remainder of the interview. Stats NZ has a refreshing focus on social aspects of the job, such as your communication style, and whether you’ll be a good team player.
What are your areas of responsibility?
I work in the government area and am currently the lead Government Finance Statistics analyst. This involves producing internationally comparable, macro-economic statistics for New Zealand on an annual basis. Keeping up-to-date with what’s going on in both central and local government is, therefore, a huge part of my role. I also help with other statistical collections in my team, as well as various projects throughout the year.
Can you describe a typical workday?
A good part of the year involves project-based work. My wider unit within Stats NZ, National Accounts, is currently developing various quarterly datasets to accompany our annual collections, so there’s never a shortage of things to do! I normally have at least five excel spreadsheets open at a time, quality-checking data and seeing what stories can be found in the numbers. I also frequently attend meetings on how we can best improve, innovate, and measure new and existing aspects of the New Zealand economy.
What are the career prospects with your job?
Statistical analysts are generally in good stead to pursue a career in data science, which is increasingly in demand these days! Anywhere with a strong research focus is ideal, really. Those in my position generally either move to senior roles, different areas of the organisation or to other government departments. Even international organisations, like other National Statistics offices or the OECD, are within the realm of possibility.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
You definitely need some statistical knowledge, but even so, it’s not a deal-breaker if you’re not a statistics major. Psychology incorporates a lot of statistics, so, fortunately, that was enough to get my foot in the door.
What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?
Most likely project management, as it includes all the things I love: research, design, statistical analyses, and writing.
What do you love the most about your job?
The data science is great! It’s satisfying running a statistical production from start to finish; from survey responses or large, complex datasets to actual concepts and messages that anyone can understand.
What’s the biggest limitation of your job?
I fully acknowledge that statistical analysis isn’t for everyone! It requires a lot of attention to detail, knowledge of data infrastructure, and problem-solving. There are a lot of moving parts in the area that I work in, looking at the New Zealand economy from all angles, with countless data sources. So, communication is particularly important. The lead-up to our annual statistical releases can be especially busy, but it’s manageable so long as you’re organised and communicate well.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?