Why speaking at MeasureCamp changed my career
Back in 2013, I took the decision to move jobs. To some, it might have looked like a step backwards/ sidewards but I left a (digital) managerial role for an (analytical) technical role. Putting it simply I wanted to do what I loved doing but full time.
The challenge of a new job (Performance Analyst for NICE – a gov.uk ALB) is traditionally familiarising yourself with the industry, the business, the processes and the people. But for me, that wasn’t the case. NICE was as they say nice. I had a really supportive boss/ colleagues who onboarded me really well and who gave me the freedom to drive “data-driven” thinking, but the challenge I had was I was THE performance analyst.
If I had something specific to ask, question or share it was a case of googling or trying to find a like-minded person from another gov.uk ALB. Some articles were relevant but some not. Often these people were well-respected individuals who I assumed had little time for me or my question (didn’t stop me asking though).
Probably like most, I heard of MeasureCamp socially just after one had happened, thinking: wow, I want to be there. So as an eager analyst I noted the next MeasureCamp date and began to follow various accounts/ hashtags. The release dates came and I tried to get a ticket. First release… too late, second release too late again, third…got one!
Then came the day. I was a newbie, but straight away (via Peter’s hand-up game) released I wasn’t alone, in fact, I was the majority. This made it easier for general chit-chat as you are all on a level learning playing field. In addition to this (newbie or not), I realised this wasn’t individuals together on a Saturday, it was a community which grew as the day went on.
By the end of the day; (as well as learning a lot) I had run an unplanned discussion session, I had met so many like-minded people and I wanted more.
In a first instance, this MeasureCamp filled a void. It was a conference for me. Secondly, it gave me an arena to share, ask questions and learn both on the day and between events. Win-Win for that “New Job” challenge.
But it gave me more:
- It gave me an opportunity to talk and present (very valuable life skill) in a controlled, respected environment. Boosting confidence but actually becoming a better speaker – even opening the doors to speak outside of my organisation.
- It gave me a network of colleagues bridging the void I had, but equally, it opened doors pan-government, pan-industry. Now I could bring people together rather than work in isolation.
- It gave me an opportunity to sense check my work, my take on the latest tools and tech, my value as a performance analyst.
Since this first MeasureCamp, I have attended, spoken at several more and co-ran a few including this inaugural Manchester MeasureCamp.
I can honestly say that first MeasureCamp changed my career path for the better. In fact, it continues to enrich it all the time: opening doors, creating co-work opportunities and making friendships.
The long-term value of speaking at MeasureCamp has been priceless, discussion-based sessions have enabled me to solve questions and build community tools; whilst formal speaking has opened the door to present worldwide.
The MeasureCamp community continues to grow, but it is our collective sharing/ learning that enables it, and for this reason, it’s why we have a Manchester event.
While reading something online is better than nothing; you cannot underestimate the value of a face-to-face community environment. If you are down to come to a MeasureCamp – get involved. If you want to have this career boost, then get a ticket and then get involved. We have over 21 MeasureCamp’s being run in cities worldwide, so get involved! You won’t be disappointed.
Dominic (@dh_analytics, dominichurst.com)
MeasureCamp Manchester committee member
