Building Data Skills That Matter in Data

Building Data Skills That Matter in Data

For Chong Yang, the path into data analytics started with something simple: curiosity.

After working with data in a previous role, he realized he enjoyed the process and wanted to turn that interest into a career. That decision led him to the IT-Data & Analytics program at Western Technical College. “I wanted to build on that experience and take it further,” Chong says.

One of the most important lessons he’s learned so far is something that often happens behind the scenes. “Data quality is everything,” he says. “Before you can analyze anything, you have to make sure the data is accurate and complete.” It’s a detail that makes a big difference—and one that shapes how he approaches his work.

Through hands-on classes, Chong has gained experience using tools like Power BI to create reports and dashboards similar to those used in professional settings. “That’s when it started to feel real,” he says. “You’re not just learning concepts—you’re doing the kind of work you’d be expected to do on the job.”

Chong says the program has helped him feel more confident about his future by giving him practical skills he can apply right away. He also values the way instructors approach teaching. “They focus on hands-on learning instead of just lectures,” he says. “Working through real examples made it easier to understand the material.”

As he prepares to graduate in Spring 2026, Chong is continuing to apply for opportunities and take the next steps toward a career in data analytics. For him, it comes back to building something steady—skills, experience, and a clear path forward.