Career Day at Toronto TUG or Is it Ever OK to Use a Pie Chart?

So here we are!  Two years into a pandemic that has been difficult and trying and at times unrelenting. We are lucky for the most part to be involved in technology and able to adapt to a virtual ‘work from home’ atmosphere. But even then we are tired of the Zoom calls.

In the environment, we decided at the Toronto TUG to get a little creative with our latest session. What we wanted was a more interactive environment so we could relax a moment and connect with our fellow Tabloids.

So on Feb 11th, we had a ‘data careers’ panel at Toronto TUG and we had some much fun! Our Data Career panelists shared their data career experiences and recommendations. I learned lots about their careers and how they have adapted not just to the pandemic but in general to life’s crazy circumstances.

We discussed career progressions and how to improve your portfolio. We also delved into some challenges and overcoming these obstacles. What an inspirational story of how Fuyo has overcome things life has thrown her way!

The single thing I enjoyed the most about this session was the engagement.  I have missed the interaction between colleagues and the Tableau community. We got quite a few great questions and comments from the floor (the Zoom was a meeting, not a webinar). We even got into a debate over the usefulness of pie charts and when they should be used. 

Most of all, I think the single most important lesson I learned from this session and the changes from the pandemic is that there is no one answer (just like the conversation on the use of pie charts).  Each person will meet each challenge and address it the best way they know how. We need to keep supporting each other, listening to each other, growing, and learning. This is how we move forward - sometimes slowly, sometimes unevenly but always forward.

Maybe too philosophical? But hopefully tolerant and empathetic.

Here is the link to the video on our Toronto TUG splash home page. Not only will you find that video, but you can also see our 2021 video archive of some other great virtual events we hosted - https://usergroups.tableau.com/torontotug-homepage

Hopefully, you all enjoyed it as much as we did.

Hope to see you all soon!