Marathon Petroleum Corporation Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a leading, integrated downstream energy company that operates the nation's largest refining system and a vast marketing network of retail outlets across the United States.

As a Data Analyst within the company's Commercial organization's Data Analytics & Strategy (DAS) team, you will play a pivotal role in driving data-driven decision-making. Your key responsibilities will include acquiring, cleaning, and preprocessing data from various sources to ensure its accuracy and reliability. You'll conduct in-depth analyses of large datasets, utilizing your strong SQL and Azure data platform skills to extract meaningful insights and trends. The position emphasizes the practical application of analytics by developing and implementing analytical models and visualization tools, such as Power BI, to help stakeholders understand complex data findings. A successful Data Analyst will not only possess technical expertise but also demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to communicate compelling narratives that influence business decisions. Ideally, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with a strong foundation in data analysis, statistical concepts, and a customer-focused mindset.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations, the skills that are valued by Marathon Petroleum, and the types of questions you may encounter during the interview process.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Marathon Petroleum Corporation is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds over several stages, allowing candidates to showcase their analytical capabilities and interpersonal skills.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This is a relatively informal conversation, often taking place over the phone or in a casual setting, such as a career fair. The recruiter will discuss your background, experiences, and motivations for applying to Marathon Petroleum. This stage is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture and the role itself.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically undergo a technical interview. This may involve a one-on-one session with a hiring manager or a technical team member. During this interview, expect to answer questions related to your technical skills, particularly in SQL and data analysis. You may be asked to solve problems or discuss your approach to data engineering and analytics, demonstrating your ability to handle complex datasets and derive actionable insights.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step is often a behavioral interview, which may be conducted by a panel of interviewers. This round focuses on your past experiences and how they relate to the competencies required for the role. Expect questions that explore your critical thinking, adaptability, and ability to work collaboratively. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method is commonly used here, so be prepared to provide structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a more in-depth discussion with senior leadership or cross-functional teams. This round aims to assess your fit within the company’s culture and your potential contributions to the team. You may be asked to present a case study or discuss how you would approach specific business challenges using data analytics. This is also a chance for you to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to translate complex data findings into compelling narratives for stakeholders.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and past experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate insights effectively. Be prepared to discuss your experiences with data analysis, SQL, and how you approach problem-solving in a business context.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the process you follow for cleaning and preprocessing data?

This question assesses your understanding of data integrity and preparation, which is crucial for accurate analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to ensure data quality, including identifying missing values, handling outliers, and standardizing formats. Mention any tools or techniques you use to automate this process.

Example

“I typically start by assessing the dataset for missing values and outliers. I use Python libraries like Pandas for data manipulation, ensuring that I fill or remove missing values appropriately. I also standardize formats to maintain consistency across the dataset, which is essential for accurate analysis.”

2. Describe a time when you used SQL to solve a complex data problem.

This question evaluates your SQL skills and your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where you used SQL to extract or manipulate data to derive insights. Highlight the complexity of the problem and the impact of your solution.

Example

“In my previous role, I faced a challenge where I needed to analyze customer purchase patterns. I wrote complex SQL queries involving multiple joins and subqueries to aggregate data from different tables. This analysis helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns, resulting in a 15% increase in customer engagement.”

3. What statistical methods do you commonly use in your analysis?

This question tests your knowledge of statistical techniques relevant to data analysis.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical methods you are familiar with, such as regression analysis, hypothesis testing, or A/B testing, and explain how you apply them in your work.

Example

“I frequently use regression analysis to identify relationships between variables. For instance, I applied linear regression to forecast sales based on historical data, which allowed the team to make informed inventory decisions.”

4. How do you approach developing a data visualization?

This question assesses your ability to communicate data insights effectively through visualization.

How to Answer

Discuss your process for selecting the right visualization tools and techniques based on the data and the audience. Mention any specific tools you are proficient in, such as Power BI or Tableau.

Example

“When developing visualizations, I first consider the key insights I want to convey. I prefer using Power BI for its user-friendly interface and ability to create interactive dashboards. I focus on clarity and simplicity, ensuring that the visuals tell a compelling story without overwhelming the audience.”

5. Can you describe a project where you had to work with cross-functional teams?

This question evaluates your collaboration skills and ability to communicate with stakeholders.

How to Answer

Share an example of a project where you collaborated with different teams, emphasizing your role and how you ensured effective communication.

Example

“I worked on a project where I collaborated with the marketing and sales teams to analyze customer feedback data. I facilitated regular meetings to discuss findings and gather input, which helped us align our strategies. This collaboration led to actionable insights that improved our customer satisfaction scores.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a situation where you faced a significant challenge in your work. How did you overcome it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a challenge you encountered, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome.

Example

“I once encountered a situation where a critical dataset was corrupted just before a major presentation. I quickly collaborated with the IT team to recover the data and used backup sources to recreate the analysis. Despite the setback, we delivered the presentation on time, and the insights were well-received.”

2. How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your time management and organizational skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to stay organized.

Example

“I prioritize my tasks by assessing deadlines and the impact of each project. I use project management tools like Trello to keep track of my progress and ensure that I allocate time effectively. This approach helps me stay focused and meet all my deadlines.”

3. Can you give an example of how you handled a conflict within a team?

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate workplace dynamics.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance of conflict, how you addressed it, and the resolution.

Example

“In a previous project, there was a disagreement between team members regarding the direction of our analysis. I facilitated a meeting where everyone could voice their concerns and ideas. By encouraging open communication, we reached a consensus that combined the best aspects of both proposals, leading to a successful project outcome.”

4. What motivates you to work in data analysis?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion and commitment to the field.

How to Answer

Share your enthusiasm for data analysis and how it aligns with your career goals.

Example

“I am motivated by the power of data to drive decision-making and improve business outcomes. I find it rewarding to uncover insights that can lead to strategic changes, and I am excited about the continuous learning opportunities in this field.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company’s goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional goals and how they relate to the role you are applying for.

Example

“In five years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities within the data analytics team. I aim to deepen my expertise in advanced analytics and contribute to strategic initiatives that drive business growth at Marathon Petroleum.”