Beyond the Numbers: Diversity in Analytics Through a Migrant’s Eyes
By Prakhar Pandey, Pricing Analyst, Fletcher Insulation
Finding My Place: The Migrant Experience
When I moved to Australia to study analytics, I thought the hardest part would be mastering the tools. But as I settled in, I realised the real challenge was not technical at all. It was about belonging, understanding how to express myself, working in new ways, and building confidence in a country that was still new to me.
In my first few months, I often heard phrases like “local experience” or “Australian workplace culture.” They made sense, but they also reminded me that starting from scratch is never easy. Like many migrants, I discovered that no matter how strong your qualifications are, there is still a period of adjustment, learning how to communicate, collaborate, and find your rhythm. You must rebuild trust and credibility one conversation, one project, and one result at a time.
Learning to tell Data Stories
At university, I started noticing the difference in how people approached data. Back home, we focused a lot on accuracy and detail. In Australia, analytics felt more connected to storytelling and the practical use of data. It was about how data could influence people, not just how well it was analysed. I still remember a group project where my presentation was technically correct but felt distant. My classmates focused on the story behind the data, who it affected, why it mattered, and what decisions it could change. That simple shift in thinking shaped how I approach analytics to this day.
From Classroom to Career
After graduation, I joined Fletcher Insulation in the Pricing Analyst role. Moving from student projects to a professional environment was a big step, and I wanted to bring my best to every task. The first few weeks were full of learning, understanding the systems, business processes, and the pace of decision-making. I quickly realised that analytics in the real world is not just about models or dashboards. It is about people. It is about listening carefully to what teams need, understanding how pricing decisions affect different parts of the business, and finding ways to simplify information so it drives action.
Growth in a Diverse Environment
Working in a diverse and collaborative environment helped me grow faster than I expected. I learned that curiosity and openness matter more than perfection. Asking questions, sharing ideas, and adapting to different ways of working-built confidence over time. The support and inclusiveness of my colleagues made it easier to contribute my perspective. Gradually, I began to see that diversity does not only come from nationality or culture; it also comes from different ways of thinking, solving problems, and communicating.
Australia’s Diversity: A Strength in Analytics
Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and that diversity is reflected in its workplaces. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that more than one in four Australians were born overseas and almost one in four speak a language other than English at home. Around 71 percent of people agree that accepting immigrants from many countries makes Australia stronger. These numbers show that multiculturalism is not just a social idea here. It is a way of life that shapes classrooms, offices, and communities every day.
In analytics, this diversity is more than a talking point. It strengthens how we understand data. Teams that include people from different backgrounds ask better questions, spot patterns others might miss, and think about problems from multiple angles. They design fairer models, develop more inclusive insights, and create solutions that reflect the full picture of society. For a field built on objectivity and truth, that kind of diversity is not just valuable; it is essential.
Challenges for Skilled Migrants
Behind positive trends, though, are challenges. Many skilled migrants come to Australia with years of experience and strong technical backgrounds yet struggle to find roles that match their abilities. Sometimes it is because of hiring bias, and other times it is because their qualifications are not fully recognised. When talent is underutilised, both individuals and businesses miss out. The analytics industry has a lot to gain from recognising this pool of skilled professionals. As companies compete for analytical talent, being open to diverse experiences can lead to better results and stronger teams.
Building Inclusion, Everyday
Inclusion does not happen automatically. It grows from everyday actions, the small things that make people feel seen and valued. It means writing job descriptions that focus on skills, not just local experience. It means creating mentoring opportunities that help people learn workplace expectations faster. It means encouraging collaboration and communication in ways that suit different styles. These simple practices make workplaces more welcoming and bring out the best in people.
Lessons from My Journey
Looking back, my journey has been full of lessons. I have learned that being a migrant is not a disadvantage; it is a perspective. It teaches adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. You learn to listen more, ask better questions, and connect dots that others might overlook. Those qualities are at the heart of good analytics. Data tells us what happened, but people and their experiences tell us why it matters.
When I meet students or professionals who have just arrived in Australia, I share what I have learned: your journey is part of your strength. The mix of cultures, ideas, and experiences you bring is what makes analytics such a dynamic field. The future of analytics in Australia will be shaped by people from every corner of the world, each contributing a different insight, a different way of looking at data, and a shared belief in what evidence can achieve.
In the end, analytics is not just about numbers or technology. It is about understanding people. And when people from different backgrounds come together to interpret data, our insights become richer, fairer, and far more meaningful. Diversity does not just make analytics stronger; it makes it human.
About the Author
Prakhar Pandey is a Pricing Analyst at Fletcher Insulation with a background in business and data analytics. Originally from India, he moved to Australia to pursue his Master’s in Business Analytics from Deakin University and now calls Melbourne home. His work focuses on using data to enhance decision-making, pricing efficiency, and business insight. He believes that diversity in analytics strengthens problem-solving and innovation across teams. Prakhar is committed to fostering inclusive analytical practices and contributing to Australia’s growing data community.