Khawlah Abdulaziz Alswailem

Well explanation. Data visualization is going to change the way our analysts work with data. They’re going to be expected to respond to issues more rapidly. And they’ll need to be able to dig for more insights – look at data differently, more imaginatively. Data visualization will promote that creative data exploration.
Comprehend information quickly: By using graphical representations of business information, businesses are able to see large amounts of data in clear, cohesive ways – and draw conclusions from that information. And since it’s significantly faster to analyze information in graphical format (as opposed to analyzing information in spreadsheets), businesses can address problems or answer questions in a more timely manner.

Great insight, Khawla ! Surprisingly, me and a few friends were just discussing about data visualization a few days back and I would have to agree with you that data visualization is a great way to put one’s point forth. It makes comparison and in turn decision making so much easier. For the same reason, infographics is great tool to make use of when one wants to cut out the clutter and present to-the-point information.

Khawlah,

This post reminds of the Ed Gelbstein article, Perspectives From a Seasoned Practitioner, that we read for IT Audit Process (The article can be found at https://www.isaca.org/Journal/archives/2015/Volume-1/Pages/Perspectives-From-a-Seasoned-Practitioner.aspx.) He said that auditor should be:

• A…..Analytical
• U…..Unbiased
• D…..Diplomatic
• I……Independent (and inquisitive)
• T …..Thorough
• O…..Objective
• R …..Reliable

I believe that an auditor also needs to have strong ethics. One example of this would be “If they don’t know something, then they be upfront and let their bosses know”. If their friend or relative works at a company, they need to be upfront about that as well.

I also believe that data analysts should have an idea of what the company does the data they are collecting.

Thank you Blake, I agree with your point about the strong ethics, Since the IT auditors are responsible for detecting and preventing frauds, it’s important to ensure that they have strong principles.

I really liked this post. I think often times knowing the audience is something that gets overlooked, especially at the entry level. You might want to impress a board room with how smart you are with the data, but if it goes over everyone’s head, you do more harm than good for yourself and the company.

Thank you for the reply, Darin.

In all honesty, I think all of these skills are applicable to any IT Field position. The skills that you have mentioned are all great skills to possess. However, I think that it sad, the most people often think of IT professionals as not knowing their audiences. Obviously, it various by certain individuals, but generally speaking if you know you are speaking to non-technical people, you should not use the uncommon jargon. Yet, someone people fall victim to being over technical with the wrong audience, which could downplay their overall presentation. I think these are all great skills people within our field should continue to grown in throughout their careers. My Intel mentor always tells me, “that you must treat your career like a baby, contiune to nourish it with skills and knowledge”

Nice post, I like you mentioned “knowing the audience”. The true value hides behind data is that data can be transferred to useful information for decision-making. As a Data Analyst, your job is to not only interpret the data but also to effectively communicate your findings to other stakeholders, so they can make data-informed decisions. Many stakeholders will not be interested in the technical details behind your analysis. That’s why it’s very important for you to be able to communicate and present your findings in a way that is easy to understand for your audience, both technical and non-technical.

I really like the “AUDITOR” you brought up. I can’t agree with you more that in order to become a successful auditor all of the characteristics must be meet. On top of being able to communicate with the clients and build up trust with them, it’s also important for the auditor to be independence. Auditor independence refers to the independence of the internal auditor or of the external auditor from parties that may have a financial interest in the business being audited. Independence requires integrity and an objective approach to the audit process.