If someone were to ask “who is Rahela?” how would you describe yourself?

I would like to be described as a humble, spiritual, friendly and caring individual.

You’re a Data Analytics Specialist. Why did you choose a career in Analytics and can you talk us through your journey to date?

I fell into my analytics career but I have always loved numbers and using data to understand why things happened.

My degree prepared me to be analytical and always look at the data behind all statements and facts. After graduating, I worked in sales than I studied accountancy and realised that it was the financial reporting parts of accountancy which interested me more than preparing balance sheets. I found it more enjoyable providing information behind the numbers than just preparing the numbers. After having completed an internship in finance, I worked as a data analyst for a publishing company and it was here that I found my passion for combining my love of numbers and providing reasons as to why things happened. From there I returned to accountancy as a financial analyst — the role confirmed that it was the analysis part of the role where my true calling lay and from there my career in analytics really started.

Can you explain Analytics as a profession and a typical day in your life?

Analytics is about using data to help customers make informed decisions.

A typical day is reviewing my to-do list, attending meetings with customers and analysing data to provide insights & recommendations to customers.

Do people have to be qualified in anything specific to get into an analytics role?

Not qualifications per se and skills and technology experiences vary dependent on role level-entry roles require those who are curious about data and want to learn how to use data to make decisions.

At mid to senior roles, you need to have experience of digital technologies and coding language i.e. Adobe Analytics or Google Analytics, SAS or SQL.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your career?

That its ok to negotiate for your worth-that you don’t have to accept the first offer that comes your way.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?

Analytics is always about using data to craft your viewpoint but that there are lots of ways to view data so always be open to different interpretations and accept that your recommendations will not always be listened to but that’s ok. Also that its making mistakes is human nature, especially in analytics where the volumes of data is massive- the key is to learn from your mistakes and not repeat them.

What is the one common myth about your profession or field that you want to debunk?

That’s it really technical or too hard — — you can learn the software and everyone works with numbers & data -from your personal life where you manage your personal budget or you are calorie counting — you are using data to make informed decisions and that’s what analytics is in my view.

Who are the three most influential people to you?

My mum, my husband and my family.

What does empowerment look and feel like to Rahela? And have you had any empowering moments you’d like to share?

From a professional point of view, its being able to make recommendations and believing in them — ie I led on a project whereby I made recommendations on an outcome knowing that the business had a preferred option but using data and experience I delivered a balanced overview. Being able to go into the leadership forum and challenge an accepted view felt empowering to me.

If you could turn back the time and talk to your 18-year old self, what would you tell her?

That finding a career you love is not a linear journey and to embrace change as it opens up opportunities you didn’t know existed.

With iEMPOW3R what’s the one thing you’d like to see from us (this can be anything, big or small)?

Continue with what you are doing.

Final gems?

Everything happens for a reason and all experiences are learning opportunities so be open to them and always focus on the positives rather than negatives.

What does Rahela do for fun?

Anything crafting related ie handmade Eid cards, personalised gifts etc.