Career Pivot - Seeking Realistic Advice
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some feedback from experienced folk in the Analytics Engineering field.
I have 11+ years as a District Nurse Specialist, with Senior Nurse Leader experience in Quality Improvement and Quality Assurance (governance, quality frameworks, stakeholder management, division management, clinical electronic systems, etc, in the NHS), with a BSc in nursing, and a MSc in Community Health, PRINCE2 project management, and a Postgrad Certificate in Research.
I recently realised that I'm happiest doing the head-down technical work and have taken a sabbatical to gain the technical skill required for a career pivot into Analytics Engineering. I've done some research into what's needed and wondered if I could get real-world insight into what I might need. I am worried that lack of technical experience will hold me back, and hoping a portfolio of projects will go some way to fill that big gap.
Here's the training I've done / plan to undergo:
- Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Completed previously)
- Advanced Excel Analyst Course (Completed previously)
- PostgreSQL for Everyone (Beginners & Intermediate) (Completed)
- Python for Everyone (Completed)
- Python in Data Science (Mid-way through)
- Github Fundamentals (Starting next)
- dbt fundamentals (To be completed)
My queries are;
- will my healthcare domain experience be valued in an Analytics Engineering role in the healthcare industry?
- Is there anything you would do differently, knowing the field?
- Without experience, what do you think are my realistic chances of breaking into the field? Is a portfolio my best option here?
- Are there any pivotal skills missing here?
I welcome any advice and honest feedback you may have, and apologies for the long post.
Thanks
Sandra