Background
After earning my BSc in Biological Sciences, I pursued a PGCE in Education and spent over five years as a biology lecturer and science teacher. While I enjoyed teaching, I found myself feeling exhausted—and not in the fulfilling, “I’ve achieved something great” kind of way. As I reflected on my career, I realised that my favourite moments as an educator came when I was working with data: analysing exam results, predicting grades, and using those insights to guide revision strategies.
That realisation sparked my interests in data analytics. Out of curiosity, I took an introductory IBM data analysis course, but I continued working in education for a few more years before deciding to fully transition into a career in data analytics earlier this year.
Starting My Data Analytics Journey
The first step in my transition was enrolling in Google’s Data Analytics Certification on Coursera. It provided a solid foundation, covering a wide range of topics at a surface level. Wanting to delve deeper, I subscribed to DataCamp, where I learned essential tools like SQL, Tableau, Python, and Excel.
While I was building my technical skills, I often questioned whether I could truly fit into the data and tech industry. Coming from a science and education background, I was constantly worrying if I was too late for a career restart or if I’d embarrass myself in front of clients.
When I raised these concerns during my interview with the Data School, the panel reassured me that many of their consultants were career changers, just like me. They emphasised how diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives to data analytics. On my first day, I saw this firsthand—my cohort was filled with people from all walks of life, each with their own skills and experiences, united by a shared goal of becoming data analysts.
Why the Data School in Unique
The Data School bridges the gap between your past professional experiences and the skills required to succeed as a data consultant. Their training programme is intense but absolutely world class, focusing not just on technical tools like Tableau and Alteryx but also on soft skills like communication and client interaction.
One of the standout aspects of the programme is “Presentation Fridays.” Every Friday morning, we’re given a task and must be completed and presented to colleagues by the afternoon. These sessions teach us to manage our time, present confidently, and tackle real-world deadlines. They’ve also helped me internalise an invaluable lesson: progress is more important than perfection.
While a polished, final product is always ideal, it’s crucial to get your ideas and workflow down first. Share your progress with tutors, teammates, or clients early, and use any remaining time to refine your work. This approach not only saves time but also fosters collaboration and ensures you’re aligned with expectations.
Advice for Career Changers
If you’re considering a pivot into data analytics but feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Everyone in this programme is on their own unique journey, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Focus on your progress, embrace the learning process, and trust that your diverse experiences are an asset.
The Data School is not looking for fully-fledged data analysts (definitely a plus if you already are) but rather individuals they can train to become data analysts. Their programme is designed to support career changers, helping you develop the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in this field. If I can do it, so can you.
Good luck!