Jana Bzdušková: How to transition from molecular biology to working with data (interview)
Today, we will be speaking with Jana Bzdušková, who works at EMARK as a BI Specialist. She will share how she transitioned from molecular biology to working with data and what her job responsibilities entail. We will also learn about her tips for younger colleagues and her hobbies outside of work.
What is your role at EMARK Analytics?
At EMARK, I work as a BI Specialist. Basically, I’m a beginner developer and I’m part of the Delivery team.
How long have you been working here? What was your journey to EMARK like?
It will soon be half a year. My path here was not quite direct. Originally, I was more focused on science – I studied molecular biology and genetics in Brno. After school, I started working as a laboratory assistant, but over time I realized something was missing. I wanted to continue to develop, learn, and apply my curiosity somewhere. A series of thoughts led me to data. In the evenings, I started programming and also became interested in data visualization. I always found time flew by with these activities, so I decided to try to devote myself to them fully. To be honest, I didn’t have much faith in the interview. After all, completing the task for EMARK was my first contact with Qlik. However, after a few – incidentally very pleasant – interviews with Erik, Miška, and Pali, we agreed to cooperate. It worked out. And I can’t praise it enough.
How would you describe your job position in more detail?
My task is to create or refine already finished solutions for clients – Qlik applications tailored to specific companies and departments based on more or less specific requirements. From my point of view, this position has a really wide scope – from creating data models in script to creating visualizations in the user interface to discussing with the client and presenting new solutions.
Jam session at our team building together with Janka
What does your typical workday look like?
In the morning, I check what meetings I have scheduled for that day. Sometimes they are internal meetings, sometimes they are meetings with the client. As needed, I prepare notes or some examples in applications. If nothing like this awaits me, I work on current tasks, which can be (as I mentioned above) of various nature. Sometimes it’s about creating a new demo application, sometimes adding functionalities to an existing application, and so on. Some tasks are a matter of hours, others are long-term. I also communicate regularly with my team leader, who can guide me in the right direction if I need advice. Or he is there for me if I simply have something to ask about. Since I am still new at EMARK, part of my activities is education.
I learn the most “on the go,” so I also have a lot of practical examples (haha), but I also attend various trainings organized by our or an external company. I like that I don’t have to finish late in the afternoon, but I organize my time as I need it, so I have room for other activities during the day.
What tips related to your career would you give to your 5-year-younger self?
Hmm, that’s hard, but probably something like this: Don’t be afraid to be curious and don’t be ashamed if you don’t know something. Just because someone is confident doesn’t mean they know more than you. It may sound general, but it would have helped me 😊.
What do you most enjoy doing, outside of work?
My biggest hobby is music. I enjoy learning to play various musical instruments. In childhood, it started with the piano and over time I added other instruments. Now I mainly play the violin and clarinet in the local folklore ensemble. I also love to go for walks, especially in our Myjava hills.
What is your ideal vacation?
Most of all I enjoy exploring new cities, monuments, and nature. I prefer active holidays – whether hiking or just walking around the city. On the other hand, I don’t mind the sea or wellness. Every way of relaxation has its positives 😊.
If you have any funny or interesting stories from the workplace, feel free to share them with us.
It was very nice to get an invitation to the company Christmas party, although I started later, in February. Even though I didn’t know anyone yet, there was a great atmosphere and I could feel that Emark is indeed a group of really nice people.
