Matters of Data Launches Game-Changing Soft Skills Program for Data Professionals

Amid a noticeable shift in the data industry, Matters of Data, a Halifax-based consultancy, has unveiled an innovative new program, Soft Skills for Data Professionals. While technical expertise is vital, it alone is not always sufficient, and recognizing a gap, this new course is designed to equip data teams with essential communication and collaboration skills. This course is set to redefine how data professionals operate, ensuring they can effectively convey their insights and maximize their impact. It draws on the extensive experience of Kevin D’Aguiar, founder of Matters of Data. With 25 years in data analytics and five years at the helm of his consulting business, D’Aguiar understands the critical role soft skills play in the data field.“Businesses often need to guide clients, leadership, or investors to invest time, money, or resources, and showing them data without a narrative or supporting context will rarely deliver on those objectives,” he said, adding data storytelling is vital for deriving the most value from data.This course, launched just last month, has already garnered praise not just from data professionals, but also from marketing team members who frequently collaborate with data teams.“It's interesting because I targeted data professionals with this course, but I've found marketing team members have also benefited from it," D’Aguiar said. "This is because they often work with a data team to present findings and influence audiences. Knowing how to tell a story with the data provided from the analytics team can be a game changer."The company, founded in 2019, is committed to supporting the broader tech community, which aligns with their core value of uplifting the data ecosystem.“Giving back to the data community is paramount to us,” said D’Aguiar. “To support this value, we also offer a free video for students and career-pivoters who want to start their career in data but are not sure where to start. It offers tips and tricks on what to research, what to learn, and how to stand out when interviewing for a role.”D’Aguiar also gives back to the local tech scene through his work with Digital Nova Scotia. “I can't say enough about the Nova Scotia tech sector connections I've made over the years through Digital Nova Scotia,” he said. “I've been fortunate enough to offer Next Level Skills Programs, webinars, and attend Member Mixers, and I've learned so much about the growing tech sector in Nova Scotia. There is a ton of talent here and it makes me truly optimistic for the future.”While Matters of Data is the brainchild of D’Aguiar, he is joined by Head of Data Neta Maor, a seasoned professional who brings a technical depth that complements D’Aguiar’s focus areas.“I realized quickly that we would complement each other really well, since I focused more on data storytelling and using data to solve business problems while she excelled at building well-thought-out data infrastructure,” he said.Rounding out the team is Business Analyst Sarah Williams. A recent graduate of NSCC's IT Data Analytics program, Sarah brings a fresh perspective after pivoting her career from 20 years as a psychologist. "Her experience is always appreciated both internally and by our clients," D’Aguiar added.With a dedicated team and a commitment to uplifting the data community, Matters of Data is well-positioned to continue delivering comprehensive data solutions that pave the path to success for businesses in Nova Scotia.