Data Analyst Spotlight: Moyinoluwa Anoma

Please introduce yourself, what you do, and your current role.
My name is Moyinoluwa Anoma, and I’m currently a Data Analyst at Bloomberg L.P. In addition to my role at Bloomberg, I am the founder of Women in Data Africa (WiDA), an organisation dedicated to empowering women in their pursuit of a career in technology, specifically in the field of data. Beyond my professional endeavours, I have a strong passion for literature, enjoy immersing myself in the world of anime and animations, actively engage in hosting tech talks, and actively participate in volunteer work.

Tell us about your path into data. What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?
My journey into the realm of data started during my penultimate year at university, when I had the opportunity to collaborate on a mini-project with a lecturer. Working with numbers and deriving insightful solutions from data ignited my love for data analysis. The initial stages of my data journey were challenging due to the fact that I had limited access to online study resources, however, I persevered and steadily progressed.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced on your career journey, and how have you overcome them?
Throughout my career trajectory, not having a technical background or formal degree has been a significant challenge. I missed out on a number of promising job prospects and educational opportunities. To surmount this obstacle, I have diligently sought out practical work experiences to augment my skill set while continually pursuing avenues for personal growth and development.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting out in data?
Allow yourself ample time to cultivate your abilities, embrace failures as valuable learning experiences, and rebound with resilience. It is crucial to avoid comparing yourself to others you see on social media. Each individual’s journey is distinct, and appearances can be deceiving. If you are seeking comprehensive guidance on commencing a successful data career, I encourage you to follow our community @WomenInDataAfri on Twitter.