Congratulations to the new co-chairs of the Graduate Data Network – Zeke Coady and Glend Isaraj!
Glend and Zeke are well-versed in the operations of the network, having both participated in the 2020 working groups. They bring knowledge, experience and most importantly passion for all things about data!
Zeke Coady
Zeke is working on data policy for the freight sector at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. He’s interested in building connections between graduates across Australia who are interested in data. Out of the office Zeke spends his time waiting for borders to reopen so he can start travelling again.
What did you study and how have you built your analytical skills since?
I studied Chemistry at the Australian National University (ANU). Since graduation, I’ve built my analytical skills through applied learning. University learning is great, but the best thing to properly understand a topic is to get stuck in, make plenty of mistakes, and discuss everything with the people you work with.
What tips do you have for data professionals looking to keep their skills up to date?
In my experience the best opportunities for learning come through your networks. Keep in touch with those you’ve worked with and check up on what they’re doing every now and then – that way you know what learning opportunities are out there. Often you’ll find a great course or resource that can expand your skills in a direction you’d never considered before.
Glend Isaraj
Glend normally works at the Australian Bureau of Statistics but is currently temporarily employed at the Parliamentary Budget Office to work on fiscal policy analysis. He’s interested in finding new ways to harness data for public good and in improving data capability across the Australian Public Service – particularly in data visualisation. Outside of work you can probably find him on his bike or cooking something questionable in his kitchen.
What did you study and how have you built your analytical skills since?
I studied epidemiology/pharmacology at the University of Melbourne. Similar to Zeke, I’ve found that the most effective way to build my analytical skills has been to immerse myself in real-world projects and datasets at work. It’s much easier to organically pick up and retain data skills when you’re working on actual problems and have team members to help you along the way.
What tips do you have for data professionals looking to keep their skills up to date?
There’s lots of avenues to upskill if you’re interested in doing so. I’m personally a fan of free and readily accessible resources, which is why I recommend asking around to see whether your agency offers training in the program you’re working with. Alternatively, there’s always a wealth of information available online. For example, I’ve found Microsoft’s free resources super useful in learning how to use Power BI.
If you are a graduate interested in participating on one of the Graduate Data Network’s 2021 projects, or if you are just curious about what the Graduate Data Network does, please get in touch with Zeke and Glend at zeke.coady@infrastructure.gov.au or glend.isaraj@pbo.gov.au.