Let me introduce you to Sandy Wente! 

Sandy joined her first Immersive in the February 2024 Excel Cohort and brought an energy of collaboration and a learning mindset into each and every live session. 

A Financial Services Coordinator for her local county, Sandy was generous in sharing her technical skills in Excel and inspiring others in the cohort by sharing the journey as she prepared her guided project. And what an outstanding project! 

Sandy leveraged impressive technical and design skills to create a sleek and interactive dashboard that delivers on the promise of top-notch data-driven and actionable insights. This is a powerful combination that exemplifies Sandy’s approach to analysis paired with some enviable skills in Excel as a tool.

Sandy recently reflected on her experience in the Immersive program. Check out what she had to say about it:

What type of data tools were you using or familiar with coming into the Immersive?

I have experience in Microsoft Access, Excel, and various administrative and HRIS platforms.

How did you first discover Maven Analytics, and what made you excited to learn more?

At a previous employer, I had access to Udemy for professional development and skill enhancement. While in that role, I encountered a challenge that demanded a deeper understanding of Excel beyond my previous experience. 

I found Power Query, Power Pivot, & DAX by Chris Dutton on Udemy and was impressed with the instructional methodology. In just over a week, I completed the course, applied the newfound knowledge to address the issue, and presented my solution to my manager, receiving enthusiastic feedback.

The demise of my last company made me realize it was time to prioritize my commitment to the field of data analysis. I discovered Maven Analytics through a Google search for Chris Dutton and participated in their complimentary webinars earlier this year. This experience solidified my decision to fully immerse myself in the cohort learning experiences they offer.

What were your personal goals coming into the Immersive program?

My primary objective was twofold: 

First, to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the best practices around building an impactful portfolio. 

Second, to develop a network within the data analysis community and make connections with mentors and potential collaborators.

What’s your overall impression of the Immersive program? What do you think sets the Maven Analytics Immersive experience apart from others?

I was thoroughly impressed with my experience in the Immersive program. 

While I can’t compare it to others firsthand, extensive research led me to choose Maven Analytics due to its live sessions, which sets it apart from only having online access to courses. The discussions around the Thinking Like An Analyst course and the project portfolio provided valuable insight that I couldn’t have achieved on my own.

Do you feel being part of the cohort experience helped you stay on track with your learning goals? How so?

Being part of the cohort experience greatly assisted me in staying on track with my learning goals. The aspect of accountability was instrumental in ensuring I stayed committed to completing the assignments on time. 

Equally important was the support provided by all the team members throughout the experience. The sense of camaraderie helped enhance the overall learning experience.

Were there any meaningful or memorable aspects of the live sessions that you can share?

One of the most impactful aspects of the live sessions was the review of the different dashboards. 

It was educational to see varied approaches to the same projects, which prompted me to consider analysis from a broader perspective rather than relying solely on my personal intuition. I feel it helped enhance my analytical skills with exposure to different perspectives.

What benefit do you think having the opportunity to do project work added to your Immersive experience?

Having the opportunity to complete project work offered several advantages, including the chance for hands-on skills application and receiving expert feedback, both of which enriched the Immersive experience.

If you could give just one piece of advice to folks who are considering the Immersive program, what would you tell them?

If I could offer just one piece of advice to individuals considering the Immersive program, it would be to fully embrace the collaborative and interactive aspects of the experience. 

Actively engage in the live sessions, discussions, and project work. This involvement will maximize your learning outcomes and enrich the overall experience.

What has your journey into data been like? What advice would you give others looking to launch a data career or make a transition into data?

My journey into the world of data has been filled with twists and turns. While it’s possible to incorporate data into daily work without extensive knowledge, wanting to dive deeper into it requires dedication. 

I would encourage anyone passionate about data to utilize all available resources to become proficient in their areas of interest. Keep moving forward and don’t hesitate to explore new opportunities in the field. 

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about your cohort experience that was important to you? 

Reflecting on my cohort experience, I found the information on dashboard design to be particularly significant. The collaborative sessions and project work provided valuable insights into creating visually compelling and intuitive dashboards. 

This emphasis not only improved my technical skills but also emphasized the importance of effective data presentation and storytelling. Overall, the focus on dashboard design was instrumental in shaping my understanding of data presentation and communication. 

Would you recommend Maven Analytics to other aspiring data professionals?

I would recommend Maven Analytics wholeheartedly because I think anyone would benefit due to the structured resources suitable for all skill levels, the interactive sessions to encourage collaboration, and the use of practical projects that translate into real-world skills. 

Overall, Maven Analytics offers a valuable opportunity for skill enhancement, which could then lead to potential career advancement.

If you’re interested in exploring Sandy’s work, you can check out her portfolio here, and you can learn more about our Cohort Learning Immersives (and sign up for future cohorts!) here.