Translating Your Current Skills into a Data-Driven Role
Right before heading out to my daughter’s Trunk or Treat on Friday night, I got an unexpected email from Kate, offering me the chance to take the AWS Certified AI Practitioner exam. Without a second thought, I accepted. Later that night, after the candy and costumes, I started thinking: maybe I should start with the basics. So, I went ahead and signed up for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam too. Getting a better understanding of AWS seemed like a smart place to start.
As someone who has created content for various industries, I’ve learned that if you really want to reach people, you need to understand their world. And so I started thinking — what if I was considering a career shift like some of our friends in the DATAcated community? Making a leap to a different industry is a big decision. But with the right approach, it’s possible. Here’s what I’d consider before diving into this field:
Embrace the Learning Curve and Use What You Know
The data science field is rapidly expanding, with demand expected to grow by 30–35% across roles like data engineering and AI-focused positions. Entering this field could mean building a new toolkit — SQL, Python, or even machine learning. It’s a big shift from my current work, but recognizing transferable skills, like storytelling, could ease the transition. I’ve already worked with metrics in social media, crafting strategies based on trends, so it would just be a matter of scaling up and going deeper.
Start Where You’re Strong and Build Connections
A career shift benefits from familiar ground, and I could explore data applications in education or media. Networking with data professionals would also be necessary. Learning from people who’ve made similar moves, attending industry events, and staying engaged in online communities are invaluable for growth, especially when you’re new to a field.
Stay Open to New Roles and Paths
Data is a wide landscape with various options — analytics, engineering, storytelling, and more. Starting with something relatable, like data storytelling, would provide a foundation. With U.S. News & World Report ranking data science 4th in Best Technology Jobs, 7th in Best STEM Jobs, and 8th in the 100 Best Jobs of 2024, flexibility could be my strength. My career has shown me that unexpected paths often lead to the best discoveries, and in the data field, this adaptability would be an advantage.
If you’re thinking about moving into a field like data, know that every skill you’ve built up along the way can add unique value. For more insights on the data science job market, check out 365 Data Science’s article.
What skills from your current field do you think would make the biggest impact in a data-driven role?
