The Obiex Block: I Had to Choose Between Becoming a Data Analyst and a Trader’s Apprentice

Chinonso Ejiofor is a Blockchain Data Analyst. In this episode of The Obiex Block, he speaks to us about how he was threatened into choosing a career in data analysis, how he pivoted into working in the crypto industry, and how he hit it big in crypto trading.

Let’s get to know you! Please introduce yourself.

My name is Chinonso Ejiofor.

Hi, Chinonso. It’s a pleasure to have you here. So, let’s get right into it, shall we? What do you do for a living?

I am a Blockchain Data Analyst. What I do is analyse a wide range of blockchain data by performing complex statistical analysis and using my findings to create meaningful observations that are used to solve some of the most challenging problems in the blockchain space.

That’s some job you have there. I don’t even know whether to call it important or delicate.

When it comes to data analysis, I think they both mean the same thing. It is important because it is delicate, and vice versa. A lot of things could go wrong with a little mistake.

Sounds like a lot of risk. Why did you become a data analyst, then? Were you passionate about data analysis or about making money?

Funny story. I got into data analysis because of a threat.

A threat? Do say more!

After my high school education, my elder brother, who is about 15 years older than I am, paid for me to attend computer lessons. I kept skipping the lessons and eventually flunked the exams. He was so furious. He then gave me a last chance, more like a threat, to pick between getting professionally trained in data analysis or going to serve our trader uncle in Onitsha. You can guess which option I took. This time, I found data analysis interesting, so I became dedicated to learning more about it, even when I became an undergraduate.

I’m sure you thought he was meddling then, but look at you now.

I know, right? I remind him of how thankful I am every day. If he had left me to my stubbornness, who knows what would have become of me?

It’s a good thing that you can only wonder. I’m curious, though. Why did you decide to work for a crypto-affiliated company?

It seemed quite adventurous. Crypto-affiliated companies deal with diverse data sources, including blockchain data, transaction data, market data, and user behaviour data. I knew analysing datasets like these could provide a rich and challenging experience for me. So, I simply said yes to technological innovation.

Mmm, I hear you on that one. However, being an active player in a crypto company, you must have some views on cryptocurrency. Care to share?

I see cryptocurrency as a game-changing technology with the potential for innovation and financial inclusion. It offers opportunities for decentralised finance and secure transactions. However, it has risks, so it requires careful attention to data accuracy and security.

What about blockchain? What do you understand about it?

Blockchain is a digital, decentralised ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It provides transparency, security, and trust in data by using cryptographic techniques to link and secure information in blocks, forming a chain. Each participant in the network has a copy of the entire chain, making it difficult to tamper with or fake data.

Have you ever had to give a full lecture on crypto just because you told someone where you worked?

Oh, lots of times! But I enjoy it. That’s why I’m not complaining.

I can see that. What else do you find most exciting about your job?

Uncovering hidden patterns in numbers. Sometimes, I feel like a data detective. I also find it satisfying that I get to find insights and help businesses make smart decisions. Plus, I get to play with cool tools and make sense of information that might seem confusing at first. It feels like a superpower.

You are doing pretty well for someone who was threatened into this career.

Haha, I see what you did there. But, yeah, I agree with you.

Besides the threat, have you received any pieces of advice about your career? What are the best and worst ones?

Yeah. The best one was that no matter how much I knew about what I did, there was always room for improvement. I’ve always made it a duty to never stop learning about stuff, both within and outside my field.

As for the worst advice, I can’t remember any because I always trash nonsense talk whenever I hear them. I never store them because I can’t afford for them to mess up my mindset.

I like that energy! What is the biggest money move you have ever made in crypto?

So, a while back, I spotted this altcoin that had been gaining some serious traction in the market. After doing my research and seeing its potential, I decided to invest a significant amount of my savings into it. Fast forward a few months, and bam! The value skyrocketed beyond my wildest expectations. I sold at just the right time and ended up making a sizeable profit that really set me up nicely. It was one of those moments where everything just fell into place, you know? That was definitely my biggest money move in crypto so far!

Whoa, congratulations! How did that influence your present lifestyle and financial habits?

I did a lot of makeovers. Gadgets, wardrobe, courses, workspace… it was a lot. That changed my lifestyle for sure. I also invested some of the money back into crypto. Fingers crossed.

That was our final question! Thank you for being on the Obiex Block. I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks a lot! I really need a lot of that.