Dataviz Contest for Pros | Fabric Data Days

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Your data skills tell a story - now it’s time to show it.

Introducing Your Data Story, a Fabric Data Days Dataviz Challenge open to data professionals of all levels. This contest theme is all about you: build an interactive resume (CV) using Power BI that highlights your skills, experience, and unique data journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned data professional or just starting your career, this challenge is a chance to sharpen your storytelling skills, grow your Power BI expertise, and create something that will truly help you stand out in your job search.

🎯 Your Mission

Your challenge is to design a Power BI resume that’s both insightful and interactive - turning your professional experience into a compelling data story.

Think beyond a traditional CV. How can you use visuals to show growth, achievements, or impact over time? How might filters, tooltips, or interactivity make your journey come to life?

We’ve provided a sample file to help you structure your data and get inspired, but using it is completely optional - you can build from scratch if you prefer.

A nice, easy way to start, without using the sample file, is to download your resume directly from LinkedIn.

💡 You’ll need a PC to use Power BI Desktop, or you can upload the starter file to the Power BI service and build your visuals online (requires access to the Power BI service).

🏆 Prizes

Top entries will receive:

• 🎁 Exclusive Fabric swag
• 🎤 Featured entry on the Fabric Commuity
• 💬 A one-on-one mentoring session with a Microsoft MVP

And of course, all participants will walk away with a stronger portfolio piece and new Power BI storytelling skills.

🧑‍⚖️ Judging Panel

Submissions will be reviewed by our panel of Microsoft MVPs and data visualization experts.

📋 Scoring Criteria

Entries will be evaluated on:

• Insightfulness - How effectively your visuals convey meaning or tell your story
• Visual Effectiveness - How clear, engaging, and easy to interpret your report is
• Creativity & Innovation - How unique and inspiring your approach is
• Accessibility - How inclusive and user-friendly your design feels

Learn more about community contests are judged in our How are entries judged blog post.

🕒 Key Dates

• Contest opens: Nov 4 at 8am Pacific
• Submissions due: Nov 25 at 11:59pm Pacific
• Winners announced: December 4 at 8am Pacific

💡 Tips for Success

• Use visuals to tell your story - not just list your experience.
• Focus on clarity: make your dashboard easy to explore and understand.
• Add interactive elements that let viewers learn more about your work.
• Keep accessibility in mind - choose color combinations and layouts that are inclusive.

🚀 How to Enter

1. Download and review the sample file (optional).
2. Build your Power BI report showcasing your interactive resume.
3. Submit your entry in the contests gallery*

*Check out Sahir’s article on how to submit a great contest entry

📺 Check out the recorded kickoff

- Learn about the contest and dataviz in Power BI from experts Shannon Lindsay and Elena Drakulevska 

That’s it! Once submissions close, our judges will review entries, and winners and judges favorites will be announced!

🔍Resources

Did you know, the Power BI community has created step-by-step tutorials to help you build your interactive resume? If the thought of this challenge overwhelms you and you don't know where to start, or if you need a little inspiration, please check out these YouTube tutorials created by and for the community:

• Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Chris Wagner: Kratos BI
• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Fernan Espejo: Solutions Abroad
• Microsoft Power BI Trainer Sean Chandler: Sweatpants BI

Your story deserves to be seen - and Power BI is the perfect canvas to tell it.

Show the world your journey, creativity, and skill in Your Data Story.

***Read the official contest rules.