Ivy Apr 25, 2015 No Comments
Are you thinking of making a career shift to analytics? Then perhaps you are wondering how to go about it. You maybe asking yourself, How steep is the analytics learning curve? How long does it take to break into the analytics job scene? …and more.
Making a career in analytics is not just about steep salaries, or being in the midst of a fast-paced exciting profession. It is about your passion for data, analysis and logical reasoning. It is also about domain knowledge, analytical tools and technical skills.
So if you are thinking of making a lateral shift to analytics, walk through these steps to know how to land your dream job!
Know the Analytics landscape
At the very outset, look around and learn more about the analytics industry. Understand what analytics is all about, why it is deployed, how it is used, and by which industries. Subscribe to various newsletters, check out Analytics websites and news, and get a general feel of the analytics hiring landscape. Who is hiring? What does the hirer look for? What skills and knowledge are in demand for mid to high positions? What is the salary trend?
If you feel inspired by what you learned, then move on to find whether analytics is the right choice for you.
Find if you are ready
Once you have understood the Analytics industry and the requirements, it is time for some personal reflection.
Am I willing to give the time and effort to learn what is required?
Do I have the patience to wait through a period of about 6-12 months before landing the job I want?
Do I have the perseverance to put in a couple of years working my way through a new domain?
Can my work experience fit into the analytics industry?
If you tick all the above, then you have climbed the first rung to making a career transition to analytics.
Match your current experience and skills to analytics
Check out industries and application areas. Match them to your interests, learning abilities and work experience.
What job titles do I look for?
Which industries offer a better scope in a career in analytics?
Does my experience make a difference in getting good jobs?
Does my current line of work use analytics?
What kind of analytics job roles would be right for me?
Identify where you can fit your skills and work experience to your advantage. Pick out suitable industry or sectors. Short-list job roles that best match your interests, industry experience and credentials.
Identify the gaps
Check out job sites.
What are the skill sets, educational and experience requirements listed? What tools are mandatory for job roles you have identified?
Ask yourself the following –
Do I have the necessary skills? What are the areas I need to brush up on (my high school statistics)? Which software and tools do I need to learn? What other qualifications I need to fulfill? Are there soft skills specific to the analytics ecosystem?
What books can I get my hands on? Which websites or blogs to look up? How many hours do I need to devote to the learning process?
In other words, find the gaps. Identify the areas where you need to train or groom yourself for the changeover to analytics.
Get trained
This is perhaps the most important step for making a career transition to analytics.
Check out neighbourhood analytics training schools or online programmes. See what programmes are on offer. Match them to your needs, budget and time.
Ask yourself,
Which programme or study best fits my requirements?
Does the program strengthen the foundational aspects of analytics?
Does the course offer chances to work with real-world projects or intern with corporate houses?
What tools do I learn in the course which I cannot, otherwise? Are there tools that I can learn on my own for free, using online resources?
Do I really need a domain based analytics programme, or a basic foundational course on data analytics?
Does a weekend programme suit me or one held in the evenings during the week?
Discuss with the counselor or trainer. Bounce your ideas. Talk about your plans to arrive at the right choice.
Enroll at the earliest and get started! We recommend taking one of the IVY Professional courses that give you a sound overall grooming for most anlaytics job roles.
Look out for that ‘dream job’
As you move along your analytics training curve, keep a look out for jobs on offer. Networking sites like Linked and Analytic Bridge are great places to showcase your experience and skills. Follow appropriate twitter accounts. Make the right noise and strike the right chord with the right people.
Check out job sites like Monster, Analytics Recruiting, Head Hunter, iCrunchData, Jobs in Data and Analytic Talent which feature mid to senior level career positions.
Make the pitch
Make sure to highlight your experience – domain knowledge, technical qualification and experience, programming skills, consulting, research or model design, team management, projects handled – and knowledge of tools or software.
So go ahead and make that much longed-for mid-career transition to analytics! With the right approach and skill sets, you can actually command the kind of salary and job you are looking for.
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