I don’t really talk about my job much from the pure and simple fact that it is quite a dull subject to talk about. But today I wanted to share with you something that happened this week.
I was observing a student class who had a task to describe the ‘persona’ of an analyst. They had a template to fill out that included things like: name, role, tasks, products they produce, skills….their family and draw a picture of the analyst. Now considering this is meant to be a ‘typical analyst’….there was always going to be some stereotyping involved with this task.
And here is what the students came up with:
They filled in the box under ‘Family’ a big fat X…i.e. no children. They then discussed that in actual fact the analyst probably has a cat and some fish instead. Well, apart from getting the name DAVE wrong, if they put DANI in the name box they would have been pretty accurate and I would have given them full marks!
But I simply sat there in disbelief as the students discussed why they put a big fat X in that ‘family’ box.
So, today I decided to give up Trying To Conceive because I have a greater desire to fit the stereotypical childless analyst in the eyes of my peers. I haven’t discussed this with Chris yet, but I am sure he will be pleased that he can now get some fish again (he misses his fish)……
……….IN OPPOSITE LAND……..!!!!!!
The Great Pudding Club Hunt 
Ha! I’m an analyst, and my husband and I started out with 2 cats (no fish, though). We’ve worked our way up to 3 cats and 3 dogs (still no fish). I’m curious to know the reasoning behind analysts not having families, though.
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From their discussions it seems that they believe analysts are mostly loners!!!!
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At least your hubby will be happy that he can get some fish….haha. Crazy the sterotypes. xo
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Oh dear. I have cats and have had fish. These kids may be on to something. Although I hope not.
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I think that their view of what an analyst looks like, is a bit more like me than you Dave…. Sorry, Dani!!
As analysts, we have a greater desire to try and explain the outlier, rather than be part of the norm. You’ve been bucking the trend since the day I first met you at work – this is par for the course.
Keep smiling xx
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Bahaha….you crack me up 🙂 Just because you are a man, Dave is more like you? Well I have a boys name AND it begins with D…sooo actually I think your statement is incorrect…..We will never shake off our inner Daves if we like it or not 😉
Actually, they did a really good job of describing an analyst – I said that they need to give me a pay rise because of the long list of tasks and skills we have to do compared to ‘other’ team members 🙂
You do make me smile Alan! X
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Anything that can get you a pay raise is a good days work!! I like the thought that we’ve all got an inner Dave – whether we’re Dave or not!!
Hugs from across the pond xx
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