Moving into data analytics

[Moirasgirls]

Just wondering if anyone out there has successfully moved into a role such as data analyst from a completely different background. Currently teaching, but have a degree in maths & statistics. I'm looking at an online Msc in Data Analytics to give me a rounded theoretical understanding although I realise it's probably experience that I would need. Trouble is I can't afford to drop salary too much for too long.

With a degree in maths and statistics just apply for jobs and see how you go.

What salary can you afford to drop to?

The times I’ve worked as a data analyst I just had a strong interest and an evening course behind me to get a job, your degree and transferable skills from teaching should be enough to get you something like a junior data analyst (was about £30k back in my day, but that was 8 or so years ago).

Thanks for your reply. If only I had the confidence to apply now! There seems to be so much technical information that I don't know yet - the idea of the Msc was to give me time to become familiar and secure with all the relevant areas as I know I'll be up against people with skills/knowledge/experience.

Do you have any experience with any data programming languages?

Thanks @grizzlygrump that's really helpful to hear. Yes, £30k would be ok in the short-medium term but not forever. Did you do the evening course whilst in the daya analyst role? Honestly, I hadn't given much thought to the transferable skills from teaching as I'm looking at the roles as completely different. I'm off to look at junior analyst roles now.

No proper experience of programming, I've just been learning Python online.

I used to be a teacher and did a summer bootcamp in data Analysis that was free and on two evenings and Saturday mornings. It started in June and ran into the holidays. Part of the bootcamp experience was job and CV help sessions.

Maths and stats is a great foundation, as is the python. Also have a look at R for forecasting. Knowledge of the front end tools like PowerBI, Tableau and Business Objects (yuck!) would be great, so many data analysts can’t render their findings in anything other than Excel!
There’s also a strong market for Alteryx skills at the moment

I did an evening course while working a different, unrelated job. This was focused on Excel, SQL and Tableau - today, and particularly with your maths and statistics degree, more useful would be adding a language like Python.

You can add a huge amount of value by being an excellent ‘presenter’ of complex information. Basic data analysis is so easily done by any AI model so think about where your strengths are as a lovely human!

Might also be worth considering training as a software engineer (that’s what I did after I got bored of data analysis). I find it much more satisfying and the pay is better.

Thank you so much @Ineedanewsofa that's just the sort of specific information that I need. I've only had a quick glance at R, it was next on my list after Python! Alteryx is the only one you mentioned that I've never heard of, so I'll definitely look into it if it's big right now.

@grizzlygrump I think you're right about the transferable skills. I'm also intrigued about what is involved in software engineering, you've really got me thinking. Thank you!

What a data analyst does varies by industry. You can find some that only require you to work with Excel / spreadsheets. You should aim for these positions (assuming your Excel knowledge is good). Salary would be approx 25-30k but it’s easier to get those jobs. You build your experience with Excel, convince your employer to let you use PowerBI / Python / SQL on the job and then command a higher salary for your next job.

I’m a ‘data scientist’ and you’re in a bit of an unlucky time right now as most industries have realised that it’s depth of computing programming / development knowledge (and not maths / statistics) that’s required for data analysis / data science (AI solutions are bought or plugged together, not developed so the glut of maths grads in analysis has dropped). You will not won’t get the highest paying jobs until you get the experience and an online MSc won’t cut it for that.

Software Engineering is, practically, about defining / gathering / managing technical requirements using project management techniques. You can get this experience by developing software in ANY solution - eg even people who work entirely in Excel and Access can be called Software Engineers.

I attended a Women in Tech conference at my company ( think large national retailer) recently. Some of the speakers who spoke on the subject of AI were data analysts. They all had degrees similar to yours but had entered the company in completey different funcrions and the moved into data.

Another takeaway from same conference was that when applying for jobs women tend to only apply of they tick every point on the job spec wheraa men will apply of they can tick some. So of you think you could do it, have transferable skills and the right attitude go for it!

(Fairly sure there are MNers who now know who my employer is)

It's not quite what you asked but I work as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry. It requires a masters in statistics, or there's also statistical programmers who just need a degree in maths. I think it's still fairly straightforward to find a job in the industry too.

Thanks @Ozanj for your honest insight, it is much appreciated. I had a feeling that the emphasis would be more on depth of programming/development knowledge which is why I was looking for further study to add to my maths/stats background.

Jobs market is awful just now. My son with 6 years work experience took 5 months to get a new job. Graduates with masters are not getting any jobs. Recruiters say people just aren't hiring.

Hi @Moirasgirls
I wonder if you did move into data analytics, I'm currently doing the Coursera Goole intro into data analytics?