Carl Hodder has only been with Infometrics for a short time, but already he’s making an impact. He is our new Data Analyst and works in all areas of the business with responsibility for the data pipeline.
He is also involved in the development and delivery of our product offerings and takes a keen interest in enhancing the client experience.
We chat with Carl about what a day in the life of a data analyst looks like, and how his interests dovetail with his work at Infometrics.
Bio – Carl Hodder
Studies at: University of Canterbury – Bachelor Of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Hons) and Master of Engineering Management (Distinct.).
Resides in: Te Aro, Wellington
Jacqui Clarke: Can you describe a typical day at work?
Carl Hodder: Does it count as a typical day four weeks in the position? Whew!
On a typical day I’ll be playing around where things connect: looking around at the data, developing the data process, creating new website functionality, or working on the IT infrastructure. I have a need to know how things work, so a typical day usually lands me with my nose in something new.
Jacqui: What is the nature of your work at Infometrics and how do clients benefit from what you do?
Carl : It’s my job to make the whole data pipeline more fluid and efficient so that all of us can spend more time concentrating on delivering new analysis and products to our clients. This includes our web platform – so I’m also responsible developing how we deliver a lot of our content to clients.
Jacqui: What are you currently working on?
Carl: That would be our recently released Wellbeing Framework. I was responsible for developing and integrating Power BI within our website and the infrastructure required. The release itself is great, but it also helps build a framework for us to use to deliver more interactive reports.
Jacqui: What is your background and how has this influenced your work at Infometrics?
Carl: Coming from an engineering background has really helped in a myriad of ways. I’ve found the discipline, approach to development, and problem solving to be great tools across a number of fields. From the academic perspective I’ve found understanding how the technical stack you’re using operates from the application right down to the CPU architecture has been very valuable for development.
Outside of my career I’ve found my most valuable asset to be my curiosity. Exposing myself to a wide array of what really boils down to anything catching my attention has encouraged me to think or approach challenges in ways I never would have otherwise.
Jacqui: What advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
Carl: Your moments of inspiration are going to hit smack between your eyes halfway down a corridor or mid cuppa. Give your hind-brain space – you will be surprised what you come up with when you physically remove yourself from where you spend your time grinding.
The second – watch those late nights and don’t underestimate the importance of sleep. Lacking sleep will reduce your working memory, creativity, and endurance… and you get grumpy when you’re tired.
(I’ve gotten to the point I track my sleep cycles and heart-rate-variability and use this to help plan my day)
Jacqui: What changes or challenges do you see in the future?
Carl: Reimaging our data pipeline will be a large challenge itself, but when it’s over I am looking forward to bringing in more of my machine learning knowledge to discover new insights. The challenge is ensuring we produce quality analysis that benefits our clients, rather than producing insights because they are novel.
Jacqui: What are your other major interests?
Carl: Outside of thoroughly enjoying my down-time (it’s important!) you’ll find me:
– Modifying and fixing anything; electronics, cars, boats, spas, and my old motorbike (RIP)
– Pet projects – electronics, software, web, ML/Analytics, anything that catches my curiosity!
– Cooking and gardening (mostly for cooking)
– DIY projects around the house
– Fitness and rock climbing
I try not to get bored!
Jacqui: And finally, what is an intriguing fact about you?
Carl: I’m vegan? But veganism is getting more common.
An interesting memory springs to mind. I started fixing computers in intermediate school and got my first employment during 5th form (Year 11) – maintaining the computers at my high school… to pay for climbing gear.
Jacqui: Thank you Carl. It is always interesting chatting to you, and it’s great to have you on-board. We look forward to seeing what you do next.
