Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Deriving meaning, trends, and general insights from unstructured datasets is where Stepwise can be a huge asset. Data doesn’t always take a quantitative form; any information that you’ve stored and accumulated over time can be utilized to improve how you make decisions. We will not only parse out meaning, but convey it in a way that is actionable for your business.

We split our services into the following sections: Data Analysis, Survey Design/Analysis, Data Visualization, Data Modeling, Mentoring/Teaching/Coaching, and Technical Writing (in addition to other niche projects like web scraping, database design/querying, and so on). See the Services Page for a more detailed breakdown.

As a default, projects will be done in Python, though we are also very comfortable leveraging R and SQL as needed. Other technical skills are listed on the services page.

It’s probable that we have done at least one project in your field. As a start, Stepwise has worked with projects related to Finance, Healthcare, Entertainment, Advertising/Marketing, Real Estate, Education, Non-profits, Sustainability, Sports, and Logistics. Even if your field isn’t an obvious match for this type of analysis, data science truly has applicability in every professional field; we will find a way to add value with your data.

Stepwise Data was formally created in May 2020, though we have worked professionally in analytics and data-oriented roles since 2015.

Most projects, particularly those that are analytics-based, will have an extensive written report, breaking down all key aspects of the analysis. We will also include the source code, as well as any relevant visualizations. For machine learning projects, we can discuss how to transfer the algorithm most effectively for live implementation. All deliverables are very flexible depending on the individual project needs.

This depends on the scope of the project. A simple analysis can typically be turned around in a 3-5 day window. A project that is more algorithmically based is typically more in the 7-10 day window. That said, most of our projects have a collaborative and iterative approach, where we discuss various project milestones over the course of a couple of weeks to ensure that the final deliverable is as valuable and actionable as possible.

CSV, Excel, and JSON all work fine, though we can discuss other options if you’re working with something more niche.

Absolutely. Stepwise has helped a variety of individuals and organizations learn data science and other technical skills, and we would be happy to discuss how we could assist.

One thing I’ve consistently stressed since beginning Stepwise is the value in demystifying data. People are averse to data and statistics because they come off very intimidating, and they’re often analyzed and presented in an intimidating way. I understand the mystery behind the numbers, but I always aim to translate the insights in a way that absolutely anyone can digest, which I’ve developed from my background as an educator. I always go back to the Explain It Like I’m 5 method — to me, that is true intelligence.

At this moment, technically no. That said, If you feel that you can contribute to Stepwise in some way, don’t hesitate to reach out.