Roger, Data Analyst
Q: What is your name and job title?
Roger Dioquino, a data practitioner working in the Data Services Department of Datahold in the Philippines.
Q: What does your job involve? Is there a lot of pressure?
Receiving specifications from our account managers and processing data for ad hoc jobs, typically merge-purges and data hygiene. Also, updating lists and databases that we manage.
There is pressure, particularly when the required turnaround is very short and there are many revisions to the client’s requirements. The ad hoc jobs are probably worse because each one can be different and with merge-purges, the client usually wants the data back very quickly for the mailing.
Q: Are you part of a team or do you work alone?
I am part of the data services department, which comprises ten people. I enjoy being part of a team as it allows us to brainstorm, discuss specifications and requirements. The end target is to always get the job done correctly and on schedule.
Q: In what ways does your work see the light of day? How is it used by your company?
Given that our work and all communications are with the account management team in the Philippines (which in turn liaises with either our UK office or the client directly), we are quite distant, but we do get feedback. When we have turned a job around quickly or taken on something another company could not do, we know our work has truly had exposure.
Q: What technique/application/piece of data would make your life easier?
Being able to interact directly with the client online in realtime. This would definitely cut down the amount of time spent on having to co-ordinate with other departments.
Q: What are your ambitions?
Every person dreams to have a better life and my personal ambition is to have my own house. While it is true that houses in Manila aren’t particularly expensive compared with houses in the UK, most office workers can only afford homes that are located in far-flung provinces.
Q: You have a life – what do you get up to in it?
Singing and dancing definitely relieves the stress caused by a day’s work. Just like most Filipinos, I love to sing and hang out at videoke bars on a Friday night. That’s where I get to blurt out my favourite tunes and let loose.
Most of the bars have very small dance floors, though, so you only get to dance a little, but it’s a great place to meet girls. I also work out regularly.
Source: Data Strategy
Publication Date: September 2007