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Trying to change careers?

I have a degree in Computer Systems engineering and job history in the digital services field mostly in UI UX design (minor focused front-end dev) and minor experience as an embedded programming using Python and C/C++.

I am really trying to shift gears in to data engineer and analytics, but even entry-level positions require some experience. I have taken course to build technical skills however most employers don’t understand why I qualify given my professional experience. Any advice how to make a career shift or how to bridge the gaps?

career technology computer-science computer tech programming data-science data-analytics-data-visualization data-engineering
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Rosemary’s Answer

If you are looking to shift gears in to data engineer and analytics, you need do the foundation learning. Basic python isn't going to get you far. The main data languages would be python and R. You need be get expertise in both or either of these languages. This can be done either though short term course found online like Coursera or through small freelancing or intern projects. You'll also need to explore into data engineering and analytics and see what you actually want to do as the area is quite broad - skills needs for the jobs in this area differ drastically. In addition, you can showcase your current and relevant transferable and technical skills in your CV/resume. You need to keep in mind a data analyst is very different from a data engineer and their corresponding career paths too.

Rosemary recommends the following next steps:

What is your motivation for the career change? Is it based on passion and interest or something else?
Take on foundational courses or intern projects.
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Pooja’s Answer

If you currently have a job, look for a mentor in data engineer field and learn more about role to confirm your interests. If interests align you can start by looking jobs internally.
If you don't have a job you can take certificate course and learn more about the role to close the gap. Apply for entry level roles. You can also look for job in your space and move internally.
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Lauren’s Answer

Seeing so many great answers. I would also suggest understanding Statistics - it's some of the most enjoyable math out there.

Lauren recommends the following next steps:

Look into an online Statics MOOC
Thank you comment icon Agreed, a basic understanding of statistics will definitely help you with the Analytics side. You have to be able to understand what the data is telling you, spot trends and then use that knowledge to help move your business forward. Alexa Scanlin
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Shanetta’s Answer

If you are trying to shift gears into data engineer and analytics field and you understand that entry-level positions require some experience and you have taken courses to build your technical skills, you have to show employers all of your technical skills which means that you must highlight every technical skill you have ever completed, learned, taught or serviced which means these talents, skills and abilities must be highlighted on your resume up front to show employers just how much professional experience you have and then make sure you let employers know that you are a quick learner that can learn technical skills from them as well as you can contribute your knowledge to their company. I can lastly state that you want to appear to be a technical geek but at the same time a technical geek that is willing to learn from them.
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Norberto’s Answer

An online Bootcamp with Data Engineer courses might be an option. With part-time and self-paced options, you can make the most of the experience while still working on your career. It will be challenging, but ultimately it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and there will be more chances to land a job as a Data Engineer.

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Umesh’s Answer

Great job on completing a few courses already! Now, it's time to dive into some hands-on experience with a project that mirrors real-world scenarios. Consider exploring courses that offer this experience. One such course is the IBM: Data Engineering Capstone Project available at https://www.edx.org/. This could be a fantastic opportunity for you to apply what you've learned in a practical setting. Keep up the good work!
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Trevor’s Answer

Already great answers here, but would echo the boot camps and specifically certifications that show you’re proven in the space.
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Archived’s Answer

I love the feedback and answers here: Python, stats classes, finding a mentor and above all, doing some projects (volunteer or otherwise). Just one more I'd add: Platforms like ServiceNow, or Salesforce or AWS, and many of the others often have both Learning sites - with classes, badges, certification etc (I know in ServiceNow's case there is NowLearning, and I believe there is one in AWS). Some of these sites have more specific, platform based training for things like Data Analytics or Reporting or Performance Analytics). These are great for opening doors to specific opportunities.
The other thing to consider would be to look into (and sign up for) those platform type communities. Don't necessarily "hound" for jobs - just. . . peek in - look at some of the technical questions, if you can, answer them, or "get a feel" for the kinds of things that are challenges for organizations on those platforms. Use those communities to help get a sense of the "what" to use on practice builds, projects, etc. Often those communities will hold local user groups and meetings. Drop in and start building your network.
I hope this helps and Good Luck!!
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Heather’s Answer

Switching to data analytics is a great choice. Lots of jobs in this field and not enough people to hire.

I recommend doing a bootcamp or other certified courses to learn all the main BI platforms and to code in each of them. With your background this will be easier to pick up for sure. And it will make you a good candidate when you are finished and job hunting. Lookup Qlik or Microsoft BI - these are good ones to research.

The suggestion to have a personal portfolio will help and also updating your resume too, is recommended by me as well

I know that student get hired easily as contract workers fairly quickly after completing bootcamps or other certified courses. You can reach out to them and they will contract you out for work. It's a great 'foot in the door' step to get you experience and off to your next big company after that.
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Jimil’s Answer

Do some independent project using the exact languages and applications that they are asking for and put it on your resume as projects for your own company. If you can, try to sell these projects as a saas product. Even if you don't sell your projects, simply listing them on your resume with the correct keywords will help you get past the recruiters that only know keywords. As an ex-recruiter, I can tell you that most recruiters know nothing about software, and they are the first people you have to get through in order to get an interview. Don't split hairs with them. if you have done projects in javascript and they ask if you know javascript, say yes. And if you don't have a qualification, learn it independently, and then put it on your resume so that next time a recruiter asks you, they see it. Also try to make sure that your jobs titles align with the types of positions you are applying for. Structure your resume in such a way that the layman can see that you have experience performing the position you are applying for, even if it is ever so slightly different from your previous position. In your case, you already have relevant experience, it is just about displaying it in such a way where the layman can see that.
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Semirah’s Answer

To echo some of the advice above, you can do "portfolio building projects" to build up your experience in the data analytics.

For example, build the skills necessary to be a data engineer or analyst. Some key skills include proficiency in SQL, programming languages like Python or R, and experience with data analysis and visualization tools. You might also want to gain experience working with big data technologies such as Hadoop or Spark. There are a ton of sample Hadoop and Spark projects you could do and use those to talk about your experience during interviews.
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