Hi, I’m Ali, an aspiring data analyst passionate about uncovering insights and using data to drive decisions. My journey into analytics began when I came to appreciate how data shapes both business and everyday choices, sparking my curiosity to dive deeper.
Through my diverse career, I’ve developed a solid foundation in problem-solving and communication, which are key in data analysis. I’ve embraced the challenge of learning new skills and applying them to real-world projects, all while continuing to build my expertise. This portfolio is a reflection of my progress as I work toward my first data analyst role, and I’m excited to share the journey with you.
About projects
In my main project, I step into the role of a data analyst for a London-based tour operator, analysing sales performance to uncover actionable insights. By the end of the project, I will deliver a comprehensive report in Excel, supported by interactive visualisations in Power BI and Tableau.
Key skills
Coming from a non-tech background, I planned out a clear roadmap to familiarise myself with the essential job-specific skills, and this is how I would rate my learning progress today based on the following target levels:
¹ SQL: advanced
² Spreadsheets: intermediate
³ Power BI: intermediate
⁴ Tableau: intermediate
⁵ Python: beginner
⁶ Statistics and probability: beginner
In the following sections of my portfolio, I will aim to apply these tools to real-world scenarios as I move forward throughout my learning journey.
Query Language
Using SQL, I will demonstrate my ability to interact with and manipulate my databases. Here, I will be mainly using MySQL, as well as other editors later on once I master my first tool of choice.
Spreadsheets
In addition to SQL, I will use MS Excel to further explore, clean and filter the data using Functions, PivotTables, Charts and Conditional Formatting etc.
Visualisation
Using Power BI and Tableau Public, I will then create an easy-to-understand dashboard that allows me to share my findings with potential stakeholders in a compelling way.
Programming
Brief to programming in Python or R…
More about me
Since graduating from university in Egypt, my career has taken me through diverse roles, starting in tour guiding and operations with international travel agencies such as TUI and Kuoni. A chance volunteering experience in South Sinai in 2011 unexpectedly set me on the path to becoming an independent tour operator, combining my passion for travel and nature with the opportunity to support local communities.
For the next five years, I ran my own travel business in St. Catherine, a small village at the foot of Mount Sinai, and Dahab, a coastal town on the Red Sea. I organised tours while actively contributing to community-led projects. I was involved in initiatives like SSRDP, an EU-funded programme focused on sustainable tourism and the development of Bedouin communities, and Coge3, a global movement raising awareness about marine pollution.
In 2016, I moved to the UK and began a new chapter, transitioning from running a travel business to retail sales, and later into career coaching as an Employment Adviser for Suffolk Refugee Support. Through this role, I help refugees and migrants navigate the job market, providing career guidance, skills coaching, and employment support. This experience has deepened my ability to analyse trends, interpret data, and provide data-driven recommendations—all skills that align with my transition into analytics.
Driven by curiosity and the growing influence of data in decision-making, I shifted my focus to data analytics. Since then, I’ve been honing my skills through hands-on projects, transforming data into meaningful insights. My work centres on data cleaning, analysis, and visualisation using Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau. In my portfolio, I showcase real-world projects where I extract insights and turn them into actionable recommendations.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring data through small projects to sharpen my analytical skills. I’m passionate about graphic design, which helps me communicate insights visually, and community work, where I support local initiatives. I’m always focused on continuous learning and finding creative ways to use data for positive change.