Start with the business question
A vague request to analyze the data can produce technically correct work that does not help anyone decide what to do.
Define the data environment
Data sources.
File formats.
Database access.
Data quality.
Required cleaning.
Metrics.
Visualization needs.
Reporting cadence.
Ask how assumptions will be handled
Analysts should surface missing data, inconsistencies and methodological limitations rather than hiding them.
Analysis is useful when it changes understanding or action.A dashboard full of numbers is not automatically insight.
Protect access
Grant only the data permissions needed for the assignment and clarify handling of sensitive information.