We recently interviewed Talia Morchi, Wawiwa’s Head of Data Analysis Programs, to gain valuable insights on the field of Data Analytics and what makes our program special in the data landscape. With over a decade of experience in the IT industry and lecturing about data analysis, Talia is the absolute expert in data analysis and tech training for data professions.
Meet Talia
Talia has over 10 years of experience in the IT industry, having held the roles of Product Manager, Project Manager, and Data Solutions Manager, where she specialized in data analysis in addition to her other responsibilities. Talia is an expert in various development and analysis tools, including SQL, Python, Excel, and uniPaaS.
She is a lecturer at Bar Ilan University, serving as the director of the BI Developer course and also teaching in the Data Science course. In addition, she is a lecturer at the Ono Academic College and the Academic Director and leading lecturer of the Data Analyst track at the G-Academy.
Talia holds a B.A. in Computer Science with Economics and Management from the Academic College of Tel Aviv
Q: Hi Talia, to start off, tell us – why is Data Analysis so important?
Talia: “I always say that data analysis is like having a superpower in the business world! It’s crucial because it transforms raw data into meaningful insights that drive smart decision-making. Imagine businesses generating mountains of data every day – without analysis, it’s just a big pile of numbers. As the saying goes, ‘Data Analysis is the New Oil,’ and just like oil, data must be refined to extract its true value. Data analysts are creating immense value for organizations by uncovering trends, optimizing operations, and predicting future outcomes. At Wawiwa, we analyze data to understand student behavior and improve our programs. The same applies to various industries: in retail, data analysis helps optimize inventory and forecast demand; in healthcare, it aids in predicting patient outcomes and improving treatment plans; in finance, it helps detect fraud and manage risk. The bottom line is, harnessing the power of data analysis is essential for any organization!”
Q: What are the latest trends in Data Analysis?
Talia: “Where do I start… The latest trends in data analysis are incredibly exciting! We’re seeing a big push towards integrating AI and machine learning, which allows for more advanced predictive analytics and automation of data processes. Real-time data analysis is also gaining traction, enabling businesses to make instant decisions based on live data. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on data visualization tools that make it easier to interpret complex data through interactive dashboards and visual reports. Another hot trend is the focus on big data analytics, where companies are leveraging massive datasets to uncover deeper insights.”
Q: There’s a huge demand for Data Analysts, with less than 10,000 data professionals entering the workforce annually, while 178,000 data job openings await talent. Can anyone become a Data Analyst?
Talia: “Absolutely, anyone can become a Data Analyst! What’s great about data analysis is that it doesn’t require a traditional tech background to get started. However, you can’t become a Data Analyst in a few days just by watching videos; it requires structured training and a lot of practice. With the right training and dedication, you can learn the necessary skills and develop a strong analytical mindset. Wawiwa’s Data Analyst Program is designed to make this transition smooth and accessible for everyone, regardless of their previous experience. It’s all about having the curiosity to uncover insights from data and the willingness to learn.”
Q: Is Data Analysis a profession or a skill?
Talia: “Data Analysis is both a profession and a crucial skill! On one hand, it’s a specialized profession with roles like Data Analyst and Business Analyst, where individuals focus entirely on analyzing data to drive business decisions. On the other hand, data analysis skills are essential for virtually any job today. Marketing, finance, healthcare, product management—you name it, being able to interpret data and make informed decisions is invaluable. Knowing data analysis opens up numerous opportunities and benefits across all fields.”
Q: As the Head of Wawiwa’s Data Analysis Programs, can you tell us about the reskilling program and upskilling courses?
Talia: “Our Data Analyst Program, launched in 2021, is built on years of refining courses. We’ve always focused on practical training, blending technical skills in MSSQL, Excel, PowerBI, and Python with analytical thinking and business acumen. Our reskilling program is designed for driven and motivated individuals, with or without a tech background, who wish to launch a highly sought-after career as a Data Analyst. In just 6-9 months, participants can become job-ready! Plus, we’ve taken the main modules of our reskilling program and turned them into shorter upskilling courses in Excel, SQL, Python, and Power BI for those with some prior knowledge who want to boost their skills and apply them into their current jobs.”
Q: How has the Data Analyst Program evolved since it started?
Talia: “Over time, we’ve continuously updated the curriculum with the latest industry tools and methodologies to prepare our graduates for the ever-evolving demands of the data analytics field. Recently, we’ve incorporated generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. These tools are taught in dedicated classes where students learn how to use them effectively, understand their benefits and limitations, and incorporate them into their data analysis tasks. This integration has significantly enhanced our program by preparing students to leverage AI tools in real-world scenarios. We’ve also added a theoretical lesson on machine learning to familiarize students with key concepts. Finally, we now introduce students to the concept of big data, giving them a foundational understanding. These updates keep our students up-to-date with current trends and technologies.”
Q: What has been the experience of Wawiwa partners around the world when offering this program?
Talia: “Our Wawiwa partners have experienced incredible success with our Data Analyst Program. Many partners already offer the program, each tailoring it to fit their unique business models and audiences. In Romania, we’ve launched six cohorts in just over a year, helping individuals become Data or Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts. Ecuador and Portugal are reskilling individuals for these high-demand jobs. The UK offers it as an apprenticeship, combining classroom theory with practical internships. In Canada, it’s a college diploma, preparing students for tech and business roles. Japan targets businesses, upskilling employees in finance, marketing, and product management. The Philippines also has a strong B2B focus, with local companies sending employees to boost their data analysis skills. This local demand shows the program’s versatility and also opens new B2B opportunities for B2C training centers.”
Q: What feedback have you received from employers and students, and how has it shaped the program?
Talia: “Students have given very positive feedback about our study materials, structured content delivery, and hands-on teaching approach. When students request more practice on certain topics or expansion of others, we take these suggestions seriously and refine the program accordingly. We’ve also established Advisory Committees and work closely with our local partners and representatives from the industry to ensure we address local needs and adapt the program accordingly. Our partners have also provided positive feedback, highlighting our program’s effectiveness and relevance. Continuous feedback from both students and partners helps us improve and better meet our students’ needs.”
Q: Wawiwa focuses all of its programs on hands-on practice and real-world projects. What types of projects do students work on in the Data Analyst program and how do these projects develop their skills?
Talia: “Our students tackle real-world business problems, such as optimizing inventory management for retail companies, setting pricing strategies for Airbnb rentals, improving route efficiency for New York yellow taxis, enhancing customer experience for e-commerce platforms, and managing supply chains for LEGO inventory. We use public datasets from these various sources to help students understand different business questions and develop critical and analytical thinking. They learn to present results visually, enhance their presentation skills, distinguish between main and secondary issues, and acquire technical skills with various tools. By working on these real-world projects, students become job-ready, gaining the practical experience and confidence needed to excel in the data analysis field from day one.”
Q: Any last words? What would you recommend to a potential student considering going for Data Analysis?
Talia: “If you’re considering a career in data analysis, my advice is to jump in and start exploring. The field is growing rapidly, and there’s so much opportunity out there. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tech background; with the right training, anyone can become a data analyst. And remember, the only bad data is no data! You’ll find it incredibly rewarding to uncover stories hidden in the data. Plus, you’ll have a superpower that can drive smart decisions and innovations. Network with professionals in the field and stay updated on the latest trends and tools. Go for it!”
With Talia’s passion and expertise driving our program, we are confident that our students are well-prepared and excited to enter the world of data analytics.
