One (Bachelor’s) Degree of Separation
Many people have this preconceived notion that you need to study a degree (possibly a second) or enter into a transitionary role to transition between industries. Which is the case for some industries, but for others, it may just be a case of knowing how to leverage your transferrable skills. For me this was the case, and how I landed a job in data analytics straight out of hospitality.
My Roots
I worked in hospitality for almost 10 years, and it taught me a lot about what it takes to become a working professional. It gave me a chance to work with people from all walks of life and gave me the ability to work successfully with anyone.
I was first offered a position in hospitality management as a bar manager. (When I was barely old enough to legally drink). Let’s just say my initial training in the role was very much throw the kid in the pool to teach him how to swim. Luckily, I was a natural in the water and developed into a hospitality machine.
Over my time in the industry, one query was always stuck in my head. Do you work in a job just because you’re good at it? I mean, I was great in the role, and it was good money for someone who was previously making $17ph. But if there was one thing working in hospitality taught me, it’s being good at something doesn’t always equate to satisfaction in one’s work. I needed something to be proud of.
Don’t get me wrong, hospitality is an amazing industry to work in. I can I genuinely enjoyed my time in hospitality, and it taught me a lot of valuable skills; Business management, Customer service skills, people management, budget tracking and monitoring KPIs just to highlight a few. I’d even say it was the catalyst which sparked my fiery passion for data. But there was one thing hospitality could never give me, and that was passion. Passion for the work I did and a reason to get out of bed every day and seize the day (Yes, yes carpe diem). So naturally, I explored my options to see how I could pivot these skills I had acquired and transition into a line of work which would allow me to excel.
The Search
Whilst exploring my options I decided I had some non-negotiables. It had to be role which would allow me to always be learning and growing, I had to be satisfied with the work I was doing and most importantly, it had to be airconditioned (You’ll understand my plight if you’ve ever worked in a bar with broken air conditioning). With this in mind, I set out to find a job where I could get a sense of pride and joy in my work.
I looked high, I looked low, I looked far and you guessed it I looked wide. Until I found it. A career that intrigued me: Data Analytics. I had been using data in my job to enhance customer experience and drive sales for years. And admittedly I probably spent an unnecessary amount of time obsessing other the data and interpreting what it means. The answer was clear. Now that I had a career in mind, I just needed to ask myself; How was I going to do it? I looked at courses and what software I needed to learn. How could I leverage my experience to show someone that I would make an exceptional data analyst?
After scouring the internet and exploring all the options at my fingertips, I found it. The Data School Down Under. (For those asking, What is The Data School Down Under? I’ve got your answer right here.) This opportunity ticked all the boxes for me, it was a clear shot to set my sights on getting my foot in the door and starting the next chapter in my professional career. I worked hard to get that first interview. And after a few personal and professional setbacks which I won’t bore you with, I landed that first interview. Which landed me a second interview. Then you guessed it, it landed me a job. It was so satisfying to feel everything click into place, after so many left and rights I finally arrived at my destination.
To go
If there was one main takeaway I learnt from my experience transitioning industries, it’s that you need to be proactive. It’s not likely that the career of your dreams is going to come to you, you have to go to it. Now is being a data analyst consultant what I want to be doing in 20 years? Maybe, who knows. What I do know is that it’s a step in the right path, I’ve found a fresh passion for my work, and I love what I do.