16 answers
Ali
Student
Kamalia, Punjab, Pakistan
1
Question
Asked
1496 views
How to choice aright career?
i want to become a data analytics but i haven't been sure is this best for me or not
16 answers
Jason Glenn, M.Ed.
Placement Services
2
Answers
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Attending college really helped me learn what I liked & what I disliked...I believe in the power of education, not only academically, but in how it helps you find yourself. Don't feel too much pressure to have to decide on a career too early - it takes time and experience, the latter you just have to let happen by moving forward in whatever "first job out of college" you start in & go from there.
Jean Noel Sanchez
Developer/Data Analyst
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jean Noel’s Answer
Hi - Choosing the right career comes down to matching four elements: Interest (do you like the work?), Aptitude (do you have or can you build the skills?), Lifestyle/Culture (does the daily work environment fit you?), and Market Demand (are there jobs available?).
To figure out if Data Analytics is actually the right fit for you before committing months to study, look at what the role truly involves day-to-day.
The Reality of Data Analytics
Data Analytics isn't just about staring at charts or writing code—it's a balance of technical problem-solving and business communication.
What Data Analytics Is What Data Analytics Is Not
Cleaning & preparing messy data (spends 60–80% of the time fixing missing or incorrect data). Pure math or high-level AI (that is Data Science / Machine Learning Engineering).
Answering business questions (e.g., "Why did sales drop in region X last month?"). Just creating pretty dashboards (visual tools like Tableau/Power BI are just the final step).
Explaining findings to non-technical people (translating numbers into actionable business decisions). Working completely in isolation (you must regularly collaborate with management and product teams).
How to Tell if Data Analytics Fits You
Ask yourself these four core questions:
1. Are you naturally curious about "Why"?
When you see a trend or problem, do you want to dig into the details to find the root cause?
2. Do you enjoy structure and logic puzzles?
If you like organizing messy information, finding patterns, or solving logic riddles, data work feels rewarding.
3. Can you tolerate repetitive detail work?
A large part of the job is catching errors, verifying numbers, and standardizing formatting.
4. Are you comfortable communicating insights?
A brilliant analysis is useless if you can't present it clearly to a manager or client in plain English.
A 3-Step "Low-Risk Test" to Find Out
Instead of guessing, test the waters over 1–2 weeks without buying an expensive bootcamp or degree:
1. Try a Free Hands-On Mini-Course:
Take a free introductory course in SQL or Excel (e.g., on Kaggle, FreeCodeCamp, or Khan Academy). Spend 5–10 hours writing basic queries or using pivot tables. If you enjoy the process of manipulating data, that's a strong positive indicator.
2. Work with a Real Dataset:
Download a free public dataset (from sites like Kaggle) about a topic you like (sports, movies, finance). Try to answer 3 simple questions using Excel or Google Sheets (e.g., "Which movie genre made the most revenue between 2010 and 2020?").
3. Shadow the Daily Routine:
Watch "Day in the Life of a Data Analyst" videos on YouTube or read real project walkthroughs to see what a typical workday looks like.
To figure out if Data Analytics is actually the right fit for you before committing months to study, look at what the role truly involves day-to-day.
The Reality of Data Analytics
Data Analytics isn't just about staring at charts or writing code—it's a balance of technical problem-solving and business communication.
What Data Analytics Is What Data Analytics Is Not
Cleaning & preparing messy data (spends 60–80% of the time fixing missing or incorrect data). Pure math or high-level AI (that is Data Science / Machine Learning Engineering).
Answering business questions (e.g., "Why did sales drop in region X last month?"). Just creating pretty dashboards (visual tools like Tableau/Power BI are just the final step).
Explaining findings to non-technical people (translating numbers into actionable business decisions). Working completely in isolation (you must regularly collaborate with management and product teams).
How to Tell if Data Analytics Fits You
Ask yourself these four core questions:
1. Are you naturally curious about "Why"?
When you see a trend or problem, do you want to dig into the details to find the root cause?
2. Do you enjoy structure and logic puzzles?
If you like organizing messy information, finding patterns, or solving logic riddles, data work feels rewarding.
3. Can you tolerate repetitive detail work?
A large part of the job is catching errors, verifying numbers, and standardizing formatting.
4. Are you comfortable communicating insights?
A brilliant analysis is useless if you can't present it clearly to a manager or client in plain English.
A 3-Step "Low-Risk Test" to Find Out
Instead of guessing, test the waters over 1–2 weeks without buying an expensive bootcamp or degree:
1. Try a Free Hands-On Mini-Course:
Take a free introductory course in SQL or Excel (e.g., on Kaggle, FreeCodeCamp, or Khan Academy). Spend 5–10 hours writing basic queries or using pivot tables. If you enjoy the process of manipulating data, that's a strong positive indicator.
2. Work with a Real Dataset:
Download a free public dataset (from sites like Kaggle) about a topic you like (sports, movies, finance). Try to answer 3 simple questions using Excel or Google Sheets (e.g., "Which movie genre made the most revenue between 2010 and 2020?").
3. Shadow the Daily Routine:
Watch "Day in the Life of a Data Analyst" videos on YouTube or read real project walkthroughs to see what a typical workday looks like.
Thank you very much sir for giving a piece of your time.
I started learning data analyst for a month and I under stand a bit about it . I learned through the ai but it does'nt gives me real experience . As you have experience of many years in it .So, as it's makes my life more complicated but I want to learn this .Please tell me why you learned this sill? IS this making fun for you or not?
Ali
Halima Patriszia, MBA, SPHR
Human Resources
3
Answers
Inglewood, California
Updated
Halima’s Answer
This is a great question! The simple answer is you should ultimately do what you love and what you do best. It may take time to get there. Start with a role that is entry level or volunteer. The next recommendation is to look for a mentor in at the job who can help to guide you based on what you are passionate about. Utilize college, trade school, non-profits that can support your industry.
Paige Washle
Enrollment
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Paige’s Answer
Hi Ali,
It may be helpful to consider the courses you enjoy in school and think about what your strengths are. Shadowing someone in a role you find interesting can be helpful as well. I made a pivot in college and it is okay to pivot directions as well. I would consider what you enjoy doing into your free time and think about what this aligns with towards a specific career. Best of luck to you!
It may be helpful to consider the courses you enjoy in school and think about what your strengths are. Shadowing someone in a role you find interesting can be helpful as well. I made a pivot in college and it is okay to pivot directions as well. I would consider what you enjoy doing into your free time and think about what this aligns with towards a specific career. Best of luck to you!
Liz Botting
Product Owner in Business Technology
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Liz’s Answer
Hi Ali,
I think it's good to understand what you enjoy and go for it. If you think Data Analytics is what you're interested in then start there. Once you start you'll learn more about what you like and dislike. And data analytics is sure to have a lot of transferable skills if you decide to pivot at some point in the future.
Best of luck to you!
I think it's good to understand what you enjoy and go for it. If you think Data Analytics is what you're interested in then start there. Once you start you'll learn more about what you like and dislike. And data analytics is sure to have a lot of transferable skills if you decide to pivot at some point in the future.
Best of luck to you!
Jeyanthi Jeyaram
Software Engineering
3
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Jeyanthi’s Answer
Stop overthinking. Start experimenting.
Three honest questions to ask yourself:
What do you lose track of time doing? That's a signal.
What problems do you actually want to solve? Follow that, not the salary list.
What can you get good enough at to be valuable? Passion without skill doesn't pay bills.
The real advice:
Don't choose a career. Choose a direction. Try things. The right path reveals itself through action, not research.
Practical steps:
Pick something that interests you even 30%
Spend 30 days going deep on it
Talk to 3 people doing that job
Decide after that — not before
Most people don't find their career. They build it.
Three honest questions to ask yourself:
What do you lose track of time doing? That's a signal.
What problems do you actually want to solve? Follow that, not the salary list.
What can you get good enough at to be valuable? Passion without skill doesn't pay bills.
The real advice:
Don't choose a career. Choose a direction. Try things. The right path reveals itself through action, not research.
Practical steps:
Pick something that interests you even 30%
Spend 30 days going deep on it
Talk to 3 people doing that job
Decide after that — not before
Most people don't find their career. They build it.
Tony Tao
Business
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Explore different career options that catch your interest and narrow it down to your top five. Do some quick research using Google or ChatGPT to learn more about them. Next, connect with people on LinkedIn or attend networking events to have informal interviews. Ask questions about their career paths. Listening to someone who works in the field can give you valuable insights and help you decide if it's right for you.
Sarah oommen
Software Architect
4
Answers
Albertson, New York
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Signs Data Analytics Might Be a Good Fit
Curiosity: You naturally ask “why” and enjoy uncovering hidden patterns in data.
Problem-Solving: You like taking messy, unstructured information and turning it into clear, actionable insights.
Communication: You enjoy explaining complex ideas, visuals, and findings in a way others can easily understand.
Comfort with Technology: You’re comfortable working with tools like spreadsheets and don’t mind spending significant time analyzing data on a screen.
Steps to Explore the Path
Start with a Mini Project: Choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in—such as sports statistics or local business trends—and analyze a public dataset using Excel or Google Sheets.
Learn the Basics: Spend a few hours exploring beginner tutorials in tools like Excel and SQL to get a feel for the work.
Check Your Energy: Pay attention to how you feel during the process—does identifying patterns and fixing data issues feel engaging or draining?
Exploring these steps will give you a practical sense of whether data analytics aligns with your interests and strengths.
Curiosity: You naturally ask “why” and enjoy uncovering hidden patterns in data.
Problem-Solving: You like taking messy, unstructured information and turning it into clear, actionable insights.
Communication: You enjoy explaining complex ideas, visuals, and findings in a way others can easily understand.
Comfort with Technology: You’re comfortable working with tools like spreadsheets and don’t mind spending significant time analyzing data on a screen.
Steps to Explore the Path
Start with a Mini Project: Choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in—such as sports statistics or local business trends—and analyze a public dataset using Excel or Google Sheets.
Learn the Basics: Spend a few hours exploring beginner tutorials in tools like Excel and SQL to get a feel for the work.
Check Your Energy: Pay attention to how you feel during the process—does identifying patterns and fixing data issues feel engaging or draining?
Exploring these steps will give you a practical sense of whether data analytics aligns with your interests and strengths.
Jezlea Ortega
Tech Architecture
102
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jezlea’s Answer
Data analytics is a genuinely strong field to be drawn toward right now. The demand is high, the skills are transferable across almost every industry, and the tech sector is growing in ways that are creating local opportunities alongside remote work possibilities. The uncertainty you are feeling about whether it is right for you is completely normal and the best way to resolve it is through direct exposure rather than thinking about it from the outside.
The fastest way to find out if data analytics actually fits you is to try it at a small scale before committing fully. Free resources like Google's Data Analytics Certificate on Coursera, Khan Academy's statistics courses, and beginner SQL tutorials on YouTube can give you genuine hands on exposure within weeks rather than months. If you find yourself genuinely engaged by cleaning data, finding patterns, and telling stories through numbers then that pull is a strong signal you are on the right track. If it feels like a grind from the very beginning that is useful information too.
The qualities that tend to make someone well suited for data analytics are curiosity about why things happen, comfort with numbers and logical thinking, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to people who did not see the data themselves. If those descriptions feel natural to you rather than forced, data analytics is likely a strong fit. The field also has multiple entry points across business analytics, marketing analytics, financial analysis, and healthcare data which means you can eventually specialize in an industry that genuinely interests you rather than working with data in a vacuum.
The fastest way to find out if data analytics actually fits you is to try it at a small scale before committing fully. Free resources like Google's Data Analytics Certificate on Coursera, Khan Academy's statistics courses, and beginner SQL tutorials on YouTube can give you genuine hands on exposure within weeks rather than months. If you find yourself genuinely engaged by cleaning data, finding patterns, and telling stories through numbers then that pull is a strong signal you are on the right track. If it feels like a grind from the very beginning that is useful information too.
The qualities that tend to make someone well suited for data analytics are curiosity about why things happen, comfort with numbers and logical thinking, and the ability to communicate findings clearly to people who did not see the data themselves. If those descriptions feel natural to you rather than forced, data analytics is likely a strong fit. The field also has multiple entry points across business analytics, marketing analytics, financial analysis, and healthcare data which means you can eventually specialize in an industry that genuinely interests you rather than working with data in a vacuum.
Anna Ick
30
Answers
Turek, Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Feeling unsure about your career choice is perfectly okay. Picking a career is a journey with several steps, not just one big decision. To help you make a smart choice, try breaking it down into smaller steps. Here's a friendly guide to help you along the way:
1. Understand Yourself
Before diving into job searches, think about these questions:
- What do you enjoy? Consider activities you love in your free time or topics you like to read or watch.
- What are you good at? Think about what skills come naturally to you, like being organized or good at math.
- What matters to you? Do you value a high salary, job stability, flexible hours, helping others, or independence?
- What do you want to avoid? Consider things you definitely don't want, like noisy environments or frequent travel.
2. Take Career Tests
If you’re not sure about your strengths, try some free career tests. They can help you figure out your career personality:
- John Holland’s Test: Matches you with job types based on your personality.
- 16 Personalities Test: Shows how you interact with others and work environments where you might thrive.
- Career Center Tests: If you're a student, visit your university’s career center for free professional tests.
3. Explore the Job Market
List a few jobs that interest you, then research them:
- Learn about the daily tasks: Find out what a typical day looks like in those roles.
- Check job requirements: See what skills or degrees employers look for.
- Look at salary and job growth: Is the industry growing? Are jobs available in your area or remotely?
4. Try It Out
Before committing, try the career on a small scale:
- Take a free online course: Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer introductory courses. See if you enjoy them.
- Talk to professionals: Connect with people on LinkedIn or Facebook who work in the field. Ask them about their experiences.
- Volunteer or intern: If you can, get involved in a project to see the industry firsthand.
5. Be Open to Change
Remember, choosing a career isn’t forever. It’s normal to switch paths, even later in life. Don’t let fear keep you stuck. Choose what feels right now and take steps forward.
1. Understand Yourself
Before diving into job searches, think about these questions:
- What do you enjoy? Consider activities you love in your free time or topics you like to read or watch.
- What are you good at? Think about what skills come naturally to you, like being organized or good at math.
- What matters to you? Do you value a high salary, job stability, flexible hours, helping others, or independence?
- What do you want to avoid? Consider things you definitely don't want, like noisy environments or frequent travel.
2. Take Career Tests
If you’re not sure about your strengths, try some free career tests. They can help you figure out your career personality:
- John Holland’s Test: Matches you with job types based on your personality.
- 16 Personalities Test: Shows how you interact with others and work environments where you might thrive.
- Career Center Tests: If you're a student, visit your university’s career center for free professional tests.
3. Explore the Job Market
List a few jobs that interest you, then research them:
- Learn about the daily tasks: Find out what a typical day looks like in those roles.
- Check job requirements: See what skills or degrees employers look for.
- Look at salary and job growth: Is the industry growing? Are jobs available in your area or remotely?
4. Try It Out
Before committing, try the career on a small scale:
- Take a free online course: Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer introductory courses. See if you enjoy them.
- Talk to professionals: Connect with people on LinkedIn or Facebook who work in the field. Ask them about their experiences.
- Volunteer or intern: If you can, get involved in a project to see the industry firsthand.
5. Be Open to Change
Remember, choosing a career isn’t forever. It’s normal to switch paths, even later in life. Don’t let fear keep you stuck. Choose what feels right now and take steps forward.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2789
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you have interest in data analytics.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more information on the data analytics. There is plenty information online.
2. Attend the information sessions hosts by the data analytics department of colleges
3. Speak to someone working in the careers
4. Apart from data analytics, think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects ,etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths ,would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you like music,, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
5. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
6. Shortlist the careers you would like to pursue
7. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out more information on the data analytics. There is plenty information online.
2. Attend the information sessions hosts by the data analytics department of colleges
3. Speak to someone working in the careers
4. Apart from data analytics, think about what you have interest, e.g. your hobbies, favourite subjects ,etc. and identify the related careers
E.g. If you have interest in maths ,would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc.
If you like music,, would you like to be a singer, musician, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc.
5. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
6. Shortlist the careers you would like to pursue
7. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Angela Frobes, MA
Senior Program Specialist-HigherEd Recruiting
2
Answers
Shorewood, Illinois
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi, Ali!
Data analytics is a great field to go into, especially now! Trying to figure out what career field to go into at such a young age, can really carry a lot of weight. I want to give you permission to give yourself some grace and instead of "finding the right career" and instead focus on investigating careers that build on skills that you're strong in or interested in. Coursera.com has free courses in ALL kinds of different subject matters and they're free! Find out more here: https://www.coursera.org/
There's also something called "Occupational Outlook Handbook" that is a fabulous tool for those seeking out information on ALL kinds of career fields, including Data Analytics! It tells you things like what the job actually involves, education required, median pay, projected job growth, and occupations that are related to the career field you're investigating. You can go here to start your deep dive into careers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
I hope this helps, Ali, and as someone who changed their major 4 or 5 times...you'll figure it out! Keep asking questions and best of luck!
Data analytics is a great field to go into, especially now! Trying to figure out what career field to go into at such a young age, can really carry a lot of weight. I want to give you permission to give yourself some grace and instead of "finding the right career" and instead focus on investigating careers that build on skills that you're strong in or interested in. Coursera.com has free courses in ALL kinds of different subject matters and they're free! Find out more here: https://www.coursera.org/
There's also something called "Occupational Outlook Handbook" that is a fabulous tool for those seeking out information on ALL kinds of career fields, including Data Analytics! It tells you things like what the job actually involves, education required, median pay, projected job growth, and occupations that are related to the career field you're investigating. You can go here to start your deep dive into careers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
I hope this helps, Ali, and as someone who changed their major 4 or 5 times...you'll figure it out! Keep asking questions and best of luck!
Heike Hermanns
Program Manager
13
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Heike’s Answer
Data Analysts can work in many different areas (predictive AI, data infrastructure, leading data teams, etc.). What is most important is asking yourself: How much do I like it? If it is something you enjoy, go for it! I also recommend to reach out to data analysts on SM and ask how their careers evolved or what they like best. I am an analyst myself and I can share that I very much enjoy it. It allows me to collaborate across functions, innovate and collaborate with team, it avoids subjective decisions because you make decision based on data - and that is quite powerful.
Colleen Slowik
Post Enrollment Operations
1
Answer
New Lenox, Illinois
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
I feel like there is a lot of pressure in high school or even in your personal life from people asking you "what do you want to do, what do you want to be, what line of work do you want to be in." I can tell you that I am almost 40 and still don't feel like I have found my life's passion. Just because you start something and find out you don't like it doesn't make you a failure either.
* Try and find workshops in your area so you can speak to someone in that field currently.
* Shadow someone in the field for a day if at all possible.
* Volunteer/Intern so you can understand the day to day responsibilities.
Just know you can always make changes in your life and in your career choice. If this is something you are interested in now and find out later on that is not right for you that is OK! Good luck!
* Try and find workshops in your area so you can speak to someone in that field currently.
* Shadow someone in the field for a day if at all possible.
* Volunteer/Intern so you can understand the day to day responsibilities.
Just know you can always make changes in your life and in your career choice. If this is something you are interested in now and find out later on that is not right for you that is OK! Good luck!
Lindsay Fitzgerald
Client Advocate
4
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! Many careers need more education after high school, and that can be costly. I remember struggling to decide what to study because I wasn't sure about my career path or if I would stick with my choice.
Your interests are key. It's important to pursue something you truly enjoy. While having skills is important, you'll often learn them in school or on the job. There are plenty of entry-level opportunities out there!
I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Cybersecurity, but I'm exploring new paths by studying Graphic Design and Media Arts. I want to keep my options open!
Remember, changing careers is always possible, so don't worry too much. Consider what excites you, research the degrees you might need, check if the pay is worth it, and look into job availability. If it all seems promising, go for it!
Your interests are key. It's important to pursue something you truly enjoy. While having skills is important, you'll often learn them in school or on the job. There are plenty of entry-level opportunities out there!
I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Cybersecurity, but I'm exploring new paths by studying Graphic Design and Media Arts. I want to keep my options open!
Remember, changing careers is always possible, so don't worry too much. Consider what excites you, research the degrees you might need, check if the pay is worth it, and look into job availability. If it all seems promising, go for it!
Destiny Northern
Senior Student Contact Specialist
3
Answers
Corsicana, Texas
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Hi, Ali!
It's great that you're taking the steps to find a career! I think something that's SUPER important to do is ASK QUESTIONS. When it comes to hesitancy related to certain fields/positions, knowledge is power. Not only will you find things that may resonate with you personally, but you could also come across certain aspects that may deter you from pursuing that field.
Connect with individuals that work that field and can offer insight/shadowing
Research the pros and cons of roles in the field you're interested in
Look into career paths and options that resonate with you
It's great that you're taking the steps to find a career! I think something that's SUPER important to do is ASK QUESTIONS. When it comes to hesitancy related to certain fields/positions, knowledge is power. Not only will you find things that may resonate with you personally, but you could also come across certain aspects that may deter you from pursuing that field.
Destiny recommends the following next steps:
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