Insights from Varied Career Journeys

🚀 My Career Transition: From Scientist to Data Analyst Career transitions are like peeling an onion—layered and complex, often revealing more as you dig deeper. Reflecting on my journey, I can relate to the nuanced process of "The Right Way to Make a Big Career Transition." Here’s my story of moving from a scientist to a data analyst, and the lessons I picked up along the way. ❇ My Journey After completing my Master’s in Chemistry, I started a career as a scientist. Over time, though, I realized my true passion was in data and analytics. The idea of making data-driven decisions and uncovering insights to drive business success was too compelling to ignore. This led me to pursue a second Master’s in Business Analytics. What Worked for Me 🌟 Experimentation: During my time in chemistry, I often took on data analysis projects on the side. This hands-on experience confirmed my interest and skill in this new field. Just as the article suggests, experimenting with a passion project before fully committing to it was key. 🌟 Skills Development: Gaining the necessary skills was crucial. I dedicated time to learning programming languages like Python and R and mastering tools such as SQL and Tableau. These skills weren’t just for my resume; they were vital for my transition. 🌟 Networking and Mentorship: Connecting with others in the data analytics community provided insights and opportunities. Mentors who had made similar transitions offered invaluable guidance and support. 🌟 Regret Minimization Framework: Like Jeff Bezos, I used a regret minimization framework. I asked myself, "What will I regret more at 80—staying in my comfort zone or pursuing a career that excites me?" The answer was clear, making my decision easier. Challenges Faced ✨ Overcoming Rejections: Switching careers is rarely straightforward. I faced numerous rejections, often because my experience didn’t perfectly match job requirements. Persistence was key. As the article notes, you only need one person to take a chance on you. ✨ Adapting to a New Field: Moving from a purely scientific role to a data-centric one required a significant mindset shift. I had to learn to think like a business analyst, focusing on how data impacts business decisions rather than just scientific discovery. 🚀 The Payoff Becoming a data analyst has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It’s allowed me to combine my analytical skills with business insight, creating a fulfilling and dynamic career. This journey has reinforced the importance of following one’s passion and being open to change, even when it’s scary. Parting Advice If you’re thinking about a career transition, here are a few tips: Start Small | Seek Guidance | Build Relevant Skills | Be Persistent Career transitions are messy, but with curiosity, conviction, and commitment, they can lead to a future you’ll be proud of. 🌟 #CareerTransition #DataAnalytics #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalJourney #businessanalytics

Breaking into Tech: A Personal Perspective on Paving Your Pathway 🚀💡 1️⃣ Harness Transferable Skills 🧠🔄: Every profession equips you with skills that tech needs. My journey taught me that analytical thinking in healthcare or finance can be invaluable in tech. What skills can you transition? 2️⃣ Network Intentionally 🤝💬: From my experience, it's about who you know as much as what you know. Join LinkedIn groups, participate in tech discussions, attend virtual webinars, and be visible in tech circles. Engage, ask questions, and seek advice. 3️⃣ Invest in Targeted Learning 📜📚: I've seen peers transition swiftly with targeted certifications or bootcamps. No need for a full degree. Focus on niche areas like cybersecurity or AI that resonate with you. 4️⃣ Seek Tech-Adjacent Roles 🌐🔗: My colleague transitioned from a finance expert to a fintech project manager, using her domain expertise as a unique strength. Where can your experience be an asset in tech? 5️⃣ Pilot Side Projects & Volunteer💡🔧: A friend developed an app solving a healthcare problem and that became his tech portfolio. Consider creating solutions in your current field or volunteering your skills. 6️⃣ Stay Engaged & Updated 📰💻: Tech is dynamic. I ensure I'm subscribed to key tech newsletters and participate in forums. What's your strategy to keep up? Transitioning might seem a mountainous task, but remember, every tech leader started with a single step. Your tech journey is unique and valuable; embrace it. 🌟 I'd love to hear about your transition stories or any additional tips you might have. Let's form a reservoir of shared knowledge and experiences! #TechTransition #CybersecurityFuture

Linear career paths are so out of style. Throughout my career, I've taken bold moves, exploring various roles in fieldwork, research, technology, and data. These roles often took me to different cities and continents, adding an extra layer of risk and discomfort. Stepping outside my comfort zone has been instrumental for my growth. Here are four steps that have guided my journey: 🏎️ Find your drive: Identify your motivation for making a change. Ask yourself, "What fuels my passion to switch career paths?" In my case, the desire to contribute to the digital transformation in the O&G industry led me to embrace tech and data roles. ⏲️ Recognize your cue: Listen to your instincts and recognize when it's time to make a move. For me, reaching a learning and growth plateau was my signal to change industries. 💪 Play to your strengths: Take stock of your skills and abilities. Leverage these strengths as a foundation for your new role or industry. How can you apply your skills to a new path? For me, expertise in oilfield sensor data propelled me into data-focused roles, while leading a data science team prepared me for opportunities beyond O&G. 🛣️ Formulate your path: Craft a clear trajectory based on your strengths and aspirations. Identify your gaps and find ways to learn those skills. Ask yourself: “What do I need from my next role? Where can I get that?” Opening myself to opportunities outside of O&G unlocked new perspectives and expanded my horizons. There's no one-size-fits-all approach as each industry is unique. Stay curious and humble throughout your journey because growth often comes from discomfort. What steps have you taken to switch roles or industries? Share your thoughts below 🚀 #growth #careerchange

As a technology executive with over 30 years of experience, from my early days at AOL and Add This to founding Surefire Local, I've had the privilege of observing and working with super successful people. This journey has given me unique insights into the mindsets and practices that drive success in our rapidly changing world. Here are ten key observations that I believe are essential for anyone looking to achieve breakthrough success in today's dynamic environment: 🌟 Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity: In my career, I've seen that the most successful individuals don't fear failure. Instead, they use it as a catalyst for growth, learning valuable lessons that guide their future strategies. 🚀 Developing a Growth Mindset: The belief that skills and intelligence can be developed with effort and persistence has been a game-changer. This mindset fosters resilience and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities for improvement. 👉 Mastering the Art of Saying 'No': Effective leaders understand the importance of focus. Saying 'No' to good opportunities allows you to say 'Yes' to great ones, ensuring that your time and resources are invested in the most impactful endeavors. 🔍 Solution-Focused Approach: Throughout my career, I've noticed that successful people spend less time dwelling on problems and more time finding solutions. This proactive approach is key to overcoming obstacles and moving forward. 📚 Commitment to Continuous Learning: The tech world is ever-evolving, and staying ahead means being a lifelong learner. Embracing new knowledge and skills is crucial for staying relevant and innovative. 🏋️♂️ Prioritizing Health and Wellness: A healthy body and mind are foundational to success. Integrating wellness practices into your routine enhances your ability to perform at your best. 🤝 Investing in Relationships: The value of building and maintaining strong relationships cannot be overstated. These connections provide support, open doors to new opportunities, and enrich the journey to success. 👌 Accepting Imperfections: Embracing your flaws and focusing on progress, not perfection, is a trait I've seen in many successful individuals. It's about continuous improvement, not chasing an unattainable ideal. 🙏 Cultivating Gratitude: Acknowledging and appreciating what you have brings a sense of contentment and positivity, essential for maintaining motivation and perspective. 🎯 Goal-Oriented Action: A common trait among successful people is setting clear goals and diligently working towards them. It's about turning aspirations into actionable plans. These observations, gleaned from decades in the tech industry, are not just principles but practical tools for navigating the complexities of our digital age. They are the cornerstones upon which enduring success is built. PM me to explore how these insights can be applied to your unique journey toward success. #founders #saas #saasfounders #saascoach

My Curiously Confused Career Journey If I had to sum up my career path in one phrase, it would be "Curiously Confused." Growing up, I explored it all - from Biology and Math to Commerce. In college, internships led me from manufacturing to software development. And my MBA was a kid-in-a-candy-store experience, sampling roles from Boat Manufacturing to HR and Operations. Some might call me indecisive for changing paths so much. But I see all those twists and turns as the key to my growth. Each career twist added to my skills. Every turn taught me something useful. Now, after all the confusion, I'm in a career I love (at least today!). Here are 5 valuable things I've learned along the way: 1️⃣ Adaptability - Navigating new industries sharpened my ability to adjust quickly. 2️⃣ Diverse skillset - My varied roles equipped me with a versatile toolkit. 3️⃣ Resilience - Facing uncertainties built my resilience. 4️⃣ Continuous learning - Being "Curiously Confused" kept me asking questions and growing. 5️⃣ Connections - Transitions allowed me to build diverse, mutually beneficial networks. The key is realizing every experience helped the next, even in indirect ways. My mixed-up path has been a strength, not a weakness. So, embrace the mystery of life! The twists and turns lead where you're meant to be. To everyone who's felt confused - high five! Share your winding tale below. Let's celebrate our unique journeys.

Embracing the multi-dimensional leadership path is a testament to the courage of reinventing oneself amidst the tapestry of vulnerability, intellect, and uncharted possibilities. Here’s the blueprint that I can think of: 🌱 Embark on a path that challenges not just your skills but also your perceptions, fostering growth and resilience. 📈 Advance through each role, embracing vulnerability as a strength, allowing every setback and success to deepen your understanding of self and leadership. 🏆 Cherish each achievement and insight, viewing them through the lens of personal and professional evolution. 🔄 Acknowledge moments of plateau as opportunities for introspection, recognizing the courage it takes to pivot and the strength found in vulnerability . 🛌 Embrace periods of rest as essential for reflection, healing, and preparation for the next challenge, valuing the emotional wisdom gained. 🚀 Pursue new ventures with the combined might of past experiences and a heart open to future possibilities, informed by the lessons of vulnerability and resilience. My journey, spanning roles in learning and development, B-School management, banking, coaching, tech and sales consulting, to founding a tech startup and now leading GTM consulting while building a technology platform and a GTM community, embodies the essence of vulnerability. Each step, a leap of faith into the unknown, has taught me that true growth demands embracing uncertainty with open arms. This diverse path highlights not just career transitions but a deep dive into entrepreneurship and community engagement, showcasing that at the heart of leadership is the courage to venture, learn, and evolve amidst challenges. The journey of embracing multiple careers is thus a canvas for intellectual curiosity, emotional depth, and the courage to be vulnerable. It's a narrative that weaves through the fabric of our professional endeavors, enriching them with the textures of our most human experiences. ⛴️ What does your leadership odyssey look like? Remember it's not just a story of career transitions, it's a journey of personal transformation and the discovery of our most authentic selves.

Happy International Women's Day! As we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, let's delve into the diverse career aspirations within our PM community. I've been having some fascinating conversations with some incredible Women in Product (in the Products by Women community) about life beyond product and here’s a quick roundup of what I’ve gathered: - 30% are looking to switch industries for new challenges. - 20% are seeking a better work-life balance in roles like program management or customer success. - 15% aim to combine business development with strategy, leveraging their PM skills. - 10% are diving into Analytics and AI, driven by technological advancements. - 25% of seasoned PMs are venturing into entrepreneurship, leveraging their deep industry knowledge. - 20% are targeting leadership roles like VP or director, building on their product and team management experience. - 15% are aligning their careers with personal interests, ranging from creative fields to new technology ventures. - 10% are considering roles in sales or customer interactions, utilizing their product expertise. - 5-10% are transitioning to product design or UX/UI. - 5% are exploring opportunities in VC firms as Operators in Residence, providing their PM insights to startups. If you're a PM thinking about your next career move, or have already made a leap, I'd love to hear your story! ___ - Note: Many PMs are exploring multiple paths simultaneously, so percentages reflect overlapping interests. - PS: If you're looking to chat about career pivots, PM strategies, or just want to connect, I'm just a DM away! https://lnkd.in/eNJA4QYv #ProductManagement #WomenInTech #InternationalWomensDay #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #BusinessStrategy #CareerPaths #DiversityInTech #iwd2024 #WomeninProduct

Your career isn't defined by the technical skills alone—it's your unique experiences and perspective that set you apart in the cloud technology world. Too often, we think certifications are the golden ticket, but real value lies in how you blend your life experiences with technical prowess to solve problems. Whether you're a former teacher, a seasoned project manager, or a dedicated parent, those skills translate directly into cloud architecture and security roles. Don't just build systems; build them with the insights only you can provide. #CloudCareers #TechTransformation #CloudEngineering #CloudSecurity #CareerGuidance

🏢Architects: I left my architecture portfolio behind to build a portfolio career. I knew since fourth grade that I wanted to be an architect. I didn't know what it was called back then, but everyone else drew the front elevation of their dream home, and I sketched out a floor plan - complete with a full-sized indoor soccer field and enough bedrooms to host all my friends. Stepping off that path wasn't easy, especially since it was so clearly laid out before me for most of my life at that point. ↳ accredited degree ↳ AXP (back then IDP) ↳ AREs (9 + the CSE in California) But I wanted to test the notion that "You can do anything with a degree in architecture." For those unfamiliar, a portfolio career is characterized by pursuing multiple income streams or interests simultaneously rather than relying on a single job or profession. While my architectural background provided me with a solid foundation, I realized there was more I wanted to explore and accomplish that I could not do on a traditional path. Venturing into a portfolio career has allowed me to diversify my skill set, explore new passions, and pursue multiple avenues of professional growth simultaneously. It's about weaving together various projects, interests, and opportunities to create a dynamic and fulfilling career path. Are you considering a portfolio career or exploring new avenues outside traditional practice? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! #portfoliocareer #careertransition #professionalgrowth _____________________ Hi, 👋🏻 I'm Evelyn Lee, FAIA | NOMA I've been on the client side for over a decade and have spent the last five years in tech, helping create exceptional employee experiences while growing the business. Now, I help architects: ⇒ Think Differently ⇒ Increase Productivity ⇒ Create Opportunities

The toughest leg of the journey in being an engineer wasn’t the coursework. It wasn’t finding my voice and creating my path in the workforce. It wasn’t the time devoted to staying current with the technology landscape. And it wasn’t the countless hours spent preparing for the P.E. exam. The hardest part was hitting that point in my career when more of my day was replaced by managerial, company-focused tasks, with technical tasking feeling like a weak signal drifting further from its isotropic radiator. I may continue to find new ways to focus my energy with a more directional antenna and make efficient use of my time with more sophisticated post-processing, but inevitably I will entropy to the point where I will no longer be able to overcome the thermal noise. In work as in life, you can’t beat physics…your energy is finite and it must be channeled to where it’s needed the most. You may still be able to subnet traffic with your eyes closed and calculate link budgets in your sleep, but is it the best use of your time? As you continue to handle all that technical tasking, who’s navigating the ship and maintaining course? This is not to say that you must turn your back on the technical aspects of your livelihood…you’ve devoted your best years building a unique set of skills that few have and are critical to the success of your organization. However you must focus more of your time on what/why/when things need to be done and less on how things are done. It becomes increasingly important to take the time to surround yourself with talented individuals, and building the next generation of technical contributors and support staff to carry the torch. Comment below if you’d like to share where you are on the path and the challenges you’ve had to face.