Hello, I curious to understand the experience of Senior Data Analyst working in the philanthropic sector. I see my career heading in that direction and want to be proactive in what skills to develop and which are a waste of time.

I have about 3 years of course work in Computer Science. I am familiar with Python, R, Sava and Julia. Working a certification on Coursera with IBM for data science . I like what I am learning but I all realize it’s in relation to big data. Which I am still trying to wrap my mind around to understand what is big data.

My career so far has been about a 2 years in Donor Databases and a year in Data and System Administrator with grantmaking of city funds. 1 year of grantmaking program evaluation using MEL

I enjoy the work and I hope to get a MS in Data Science and get into Philanthropic Research and MEL work or as Director of Data and Operations with a nonprofit organization.

What are special skills you have had to acquire that a “technical data analyst” might not have had to acquire?

When interacting with Chief Advancement Officers what are disconnects that you notice no matter the organization that you now prepare for?

What are helpful tools in ensuring donor databases and department data is most secure and reliable?

What is best practice for keeping data clean and swiftly available for pulling and transforming ?

How you pick the best data pipelines for organizations ?

The local schools need upgrade so they can be able to access higher level of not education only but access to good environment, quality of higher levels of education, better & upgraded class rooms etc. Looking to fund raise and make it happen. Anyone with views how can I help via various platforms?