How I Became a Data Analyst & Got a Job! (No CS Degree)

Data roadmap I used to learn data analysis and become a healthcare data analyst. In this article, I talk about how I became a data analyst and learned data analytics without a computer science degree. If you are interested in learning data analysis skills and find a data analyst job, watch this video as I go step by step into how I learned data analysis.

I was feeling completely lost after failing my Law School exam. I worked over 60 hours a week and hated my job, which made me feel stuck and frustrated with life. This is the story of how I transitioned into a career as a data analyst, landing my first data analyst job without a computer science degree. I’ll walk you through exactly how I made the shift and what I did along the way.

After college, I was working as a consultant. Little did I know that consulting life came with a lack of work-life balance, long commutes, and exhausting hours. I often found myself canceling plans with friends for work, and after years of living like this, I realized I needed a career where I had more control over my life and a role that would challenge me. That’s when a friend mentioned a remote data analyst job. While I had no idea what a data analyst did, the word “remote” caught my attention, and I thought this could be the job for me.

To make the switch, the first thing I did was identify my skill gaps. I reviewed the job description for a data analyst role and compared my current skills with the required ones. I quickly realized that, coming from a non-technical background, I lacked essential skills like SQL, database knowledge, and domain expertise in healthcare. However, I did have transferable skills, such as the ability to present findings and make recommendations to leadership. I knew I had to fill the technical gaps, so I dedicated myself to studying.

I began by time-blocking four hours each day to study. Using resources like W3 Schools and DataCamp, I started learning SQL. Within a week, I had a good grasp of basic SQL queries like SELECT, WHERE, and conditional statements, but I realized that just writing code wasn’t enough. I needed to apply SQL in a real-world context to perform data analysis. To gain hands-on experience, I started using SQL at my consulting job by analyzing claims data in the litigation industry. This allowed me to automate reports and connect the dots between SQL and data analysis. At the same time, I worked closely with my tech team at work, shadowing people with computer science backgrounds and learning how to handle databases. This hands-on experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the technical side of things.

With this newfound experience, I updated my resume to reflect a more technical skill set. I rewrote it to read like a data analyst’s resume rather than a consultant’s, including my SQL and database knowledge at the top. I also tailored my experience to mirror the job description I was applying for, highlighting transferable skills and relevant technical abilities. Despite my lack of healthcare experience, showcasing my technical skills and soft skills—like communication and presentation—helped me secure an interview for the role.

Next, I prepared for the interview by practicing SQL questions on LeetCode, which helped me stay calm during the actual interview process. After two rounds of interviews and a technical assessment, I was offered the job! Looking back, the combination of gaining hands-on experience, learning from mentors, and highlighting my transferable skills helped me land the role.

If you’re thinking about transitioning into a data analyst career but don’t know where to start, CareerFoundry offers a flexible, online data analytics program that can take you from beginner to job-ready. They even offer a job guarantee, meaning if you don’t get a job within six months of graduating, you’ll get your money back. I’m also excited to announce their Changemaker Scholarship, which is aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. The scholarship offers up to $1,275 off all their career change programs, and it’s open to women, minorities, and others who want to shape their careers in tech.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned three key lessons. First, credentials don’t matter as much as you think. I used to believe that because I didn’t have a computer science degree, I couldn’t compete with those who did. But there are so many ways to learn data analysis skills, from boot camps to self-learning, and as long as you can do the job, your degree is irrelevant. Second, soft skills are just as important, if not more important, than technical skills. While technical skills will get your foot in the door, strong communication and the ability to present insights will help you get promoted and move forward in your career. Finally, transitioning into a technical role requires persistence. The road is challenging, but with dedication and initiative, you can succeed.

If you want to learn more about my data analyst journey and the lessons I’ve picked up, please make sure to like this video and subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. I’d love to hear about your data analyst journey in the comments. Thank you so much, and I’ll see you in the next video!

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Throughout my journey, I also struggled with imposter syndrome. Since I didn’t come from a traditional computer science background like many of my peers, I often felt inadequate, questioning whether I truly belonged in the field of data analytics. It was challenging at first, constantly feeling like I had to prove myself and my abilities. But over time, I came to realize that what really mattered was the work I was producing, the insights I was able to offer, and my willingness to learn and grow on the job. Experience became my greatest teacher, and while I lacked formal credentials, I gained invaluable skills through real-world application and hands-on projects.

One of the most important realizations I had is that learning never stops. No matter how much I had learned, I always sought to stay curious and keep improving my technical skills. Learning SQL, for example, was just the beginning. From there, I dove deeper into advanced functions, data visualization tools like Tableau, and programming languages like Python. The field of data analytics is constantly evolving, so the ability to adapt and pick up new tools and techniques is critical for long-term success.

Another key aspect of my growth was developing a professional network. Throughout my career shift, I sought out mentors who could guide me along the way, offering advice and insight into the world of data. Having mentors who were more experienced in the technical side of things was invaluable. They helped me understand complex concepts, provided feedback on my projects, and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. These relationships became a huge part of my success, and it’s something I’d encourage anyone transitioning into a new field to pursue.

Looking back, if there’s one thing I would emphasize to anyone considering a similar career shift, it’s that your background doesn’t define your future. Whether you come from a non-technical field like I did or from a completely different industry, you can make the transition to data analytics or any other technical field. It’s not easy, and it requires a lot of dedication, but with the right mindset, resources, and mentors, it’s absolutely possible.

To anyone out there wondering if you’re capable of making such a change, I want to encourage you to start with the basics, identify your skill gaps, and take consistent steps toward learning what you need. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Don’t let imposter syndrome or self-doubt hold you back. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay if you don’t know everything right away.

As I continue to grow in my career, I’ve learned to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities to learn and improve. I’ve also learned the importance of balancing my technical skills with my soft skills. Being able to communicate insights clearly, work well with others, and present data-driven recommendations are what truly set successful data analysts apart. While the technical side will always be important, soft skills are often the key to unlocking more opportunities and advancing in your career.

If you’re ready to take the plunge into a new career, whether it’s data analytics or another field, don’t be afraid to start small. Take the first step, find the right resources, seek guidance from those who have been where you are, and most importantly, stay persistent. Transitioning to a technical field is a marathon, not a sprint, but the payoff in terms of career satisfaction and personal growth is absolutely worth it.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for supporting my content. If my story resonated with you or inspired you in any way, I’d love to hear about your own career experiences and what challenges or victories you’ve encountered. Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe for more insights, and leave a comment below sharing your story. I look forward to connecting with you, and I’ll see you in the next video!