Southern California Edison Data Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Southern California Edison (SCE) is a leader in the clean energy revolution, focusing on innovation and sustainability to transform the energy industry and deliver reliable services to its customers.

As a Data Analyst at SCE, you will play a key role in supporting various programs aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and safety throughout the organization. Your responsibilities will include collecting, compiling, and analyzing substantial amounts of data from enterprise systems, while also developing predictive models based on customer demographics and socioeconomic information. You will create automated processes and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs), deliver insightful business intelligence reports, and contribute to departmental process improvements. A strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in tools such as SQL, SAS, and Python will be essential in this role.

In addition to technical expertise, your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders and present findings in a clear manner will align with SCE's mission of building a sustainable future. This guide will help you prepare effectively for your interview by equipping you with insights into the role's expectations and the skills necessary to succeed within the company.

The interview process for a Data Analyst position at Southern California Edison (SCE) is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. The process typically unfolds in several distinct stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step is an initial screening, which usually takes place via a phone or video call with a recruiter. During this conversation, candidates are expected to present their elevator pitch, discuss their resume, and answer general safety questions. This stage is crucial for the recruiter to gauge the candidate's fit for the company culture and the specific role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may undergo a technical assessment. This can include case studies that test both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to analyze data, develop metrics, and discuss their approach to problem-solving. The technical assessment may also involve questions related to data manipulation and reporting, reflecting the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates typically participate in one or more behavioral interviews, often conducted by a panel of interviewers. These interviews focus on situational questions that require candidates to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to articulate their experiences. Interviewers will be looking for specific examples that showcase the candidate's ability to handle challenges, collaborate with teams, and contribute to process improvements.

4. Final Interview

The final stage may involve a more in-depth discussion with management or senior team members. This interview often covers both technical and behavioral aspects, allowing candidates to further demonstrate their analytical skills and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates may be asked to elaborate on their previous projects, discuss their understanding of utility rates, and explain how they would approach various scenarios relevant to the role.

Throughout the interview process, candidates should emphasize their analytical capabilities, experience with data systems, and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Next, let's explore the types of questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at SCE.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

Start with a concise and engaging elevator pitch that summarizes your background, skills, and what you bring to the Data Analyst role at Southern California Edison. Highlight your experience in data analytics, your familiarity with SQL and statistical methods, and your passion for contributing to clean energy initiatives. Tailor your pitch to reflect how your skills align with SCE's mission and values.

Master the STAR Method

Southern California Edison places a strong emphasis on behavioral interview questions. Familiarize yourself with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses effectively. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Be ready to discuss situations where you had to analyze data to drive decisions or improve processes.

Brush Up on Technical Skills

Given the role's focus on data analytics, ensure you are comfortable discussing your technical skills, particularly in SQL and statistical analysis. Be prepared to explain how you have used these skills in previous roles, including any specific projects or outcomes. While coding may not be a primary focus, understanding algorithms and data manipulation techniques will be beneficial.

Understand the Company Culture

Southern California Edison values collaboration, safety, and innovation. Research the company's culture and recent initiatives related to clean energy and customer service. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these initiatives and align with the company's goals. Show enthusiasm for SCE's mission and how your work can help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Anticipate Behavioral Questions

Expect a variety of behavioral questions that assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team. Questions may include scenarios about conflict resolution, project management, and collaboration. Think of examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and work well with others, especially in a hybrid work environment.

Prepare for Panel Interviews

If your interview involves a panel, practice engaging with multiple interviewers. Be attentive to each person's questions and address them directly. This demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a group setting. Remember to maintain eye contact and show enthusiasm throughout the interview.

Highlight Your Commitment to Safety

Given the nature of the energy sector, be prepared to discuss how you prioritize safety in your work. Share examples of how you have contributed to safety initiatives or how you ensure compliance with safety regulations in your previous roles. This will resonate well with SCE's commitment to protecting its assets and the community.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After the interview, send a thoughtful thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you'll position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Analyst role at Southern California Edison. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Analyst interview at Southern California Edison. The interview process will likely focus on a combination of technical skills, behavioral competencies, and situational judgment, reflecting the company's commitment to data-driven decision-making and operational excellence. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the energy sector.

Technical Skills

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

This question assesses your understanding of data preprocessing, which is crucial for accurate analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to clean and prepare data, including handling missing values, outlier detection, and data normalization. Highlight any tools or programming languages you use.

Example

“I typically start by identifying and addressing missing values through imputation or removal, depending on the context. I also check for outliers using statistical methods and visualize the data to understand its distribution. Finally, I normalize the data to ensure consistency across different scales, often using Python libraries like Pandas.”

2. Describe a predictive model you have built. What was the outcome?

This question evaluates your experience with predictive analytics and model evaluation.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the model, the data used, and the results achieved. Emphasize the impact of the model on decision-making.

Example

“I developed a logistic regression model to predict customer eligibility for energy assistance programs. By analyzing demographic and socioeconomic data, the model improved our outreach efforts by 30%, ensuring that eligible customers received timely assistance.”

3. How do you ensure the accuracy of your data analysis?

This question tests your attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate your data and analysis, such as cross-referencing with other data sources or conducting peer reviews.

Example

“I ensure accuracy by cross-referencing my findings with external data sources and conducting peer reviews of my analysis. Additionally, I implement automated checks within my data processing scripts to catch any anomalies early in the analysis process.”

4. What SQL functions do you find most useful for data analysis?

This question gauges your proficiency in SQL, which is essential for data manipulation.

How to Answer

Mention specific SQL functions you frequently use and explain how they enhance your data analysis capabilities.

Example

“I often use JOINs to combine datasets, along with aggregate functions like COUNT, SUM, and AVG to derive insights. Window functions are particularly useful for calculating running totals and moving averages, which help in trend analysis.”

5. Can you describe your experience with data visualization tools?

This question assesses your ability to communicate data insights effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools you are familiar with and how you use them to present data findings.

Example

“I have experience using Tableau and Power BI for data visualization. I create interactive dashboards that allow stakeholders to explore data trends and insights dynamically, which has significantly improved our reporting processes.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you faced a conflict in a team setting. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response, focusing on your role in resolving the conflict.

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 preferences. By encouraging open communication, we reached a consensus that combined our ideas, ultimately leading to a successful project outcome.”

2. Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you manage your time?

This question assesses your time management skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Explain the strategies you used to prioritize tasks and ensure timely completion.

Example

“When faced with a tight deadline for a project report, I prioritized tasks by breaking the project into smaller, manageable parts. I allocated specific time blocks for each task and communicated with my team to delegate responsibilities effectively, which allowed us to submit the report on time.”

3. How do you promote safety in your work environment?

This question reflects the company's emphasis on safety and compliance.

How to Answer

Discuss specific practices you follow to ensure safety in your work processes.

Example

“I promote safety by adhering to established protocols and encouraging my colleagues to do the same. I also conduct regular reviews of our processes to identify potential risks and suggest improvements, ensuring that safety remains a priority in our operations.”

4. Can you give an example of a time you made a mistake? How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your accountability and learning mindset.

How to Answer

Be honest about a mistake you made, focusing on how you addressed it and what you learned.

Example

“I once miscalculated a key metric in a report, which led to incorrect conclusions. Upon realizing the error, I immediately informed my supervisor and corrected the report. I also implemented additional checks in my analysis process to prevent similar mistakes in the future.”

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 and the company’s mission.

Example

“In five years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities within the data analytics team, contributing to strategic decision-making processes. I am particularly passionate about using data to drive sustainable energy initiatives, which aligns with SCE’s mission.”