Alex
Change my career
I was a student major in Accounting, undergraduate as well as master degree. But I didn't like it now. I really want to do data analysis now, so I self-study python and machine learning.
But most HRs will refuse my resume since I'm not major in CS or relating majors. And my parents also don't support my decision.
Now I'm so confused and almost get lost... Can any one give me some suggestions?
#career #job #major
5 answers
Ben Xu
Ben’s Answer
Thanks for the question, I think I can share some given I had similar question when I started my career after graduation. I believe you can pursue a career in Data Analysis.
To have a better understanding of the question, it would be worth of doing a brief analysis of where you are now.
You are with an account Master Degree, and I am pretty sure that people will see you with knowledge in that subject, and they will also want to know how well you practiced that in your previous former experience. And it will again amplify your expertise in that subject, you have built your little pyramid there. When company HR approaches you, they are interest in you because of the "Accounting", especially the peak of the pyramid. So, this is the reality. But no matter what you do, give your best on the current work that you do, just make sure your time is not wasted. AND KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN, DON'T STOP LOOKING. :)
Meanwhile, to your passion in Data Analysis, I believe you already spend some time on this subject, so you have some understanding of where your admire positions are about. Do not be afraid of starting up as a rookie, but do choose a company that is in a leading position in the industry, because it gives you a structured view of the industry and the career path, somehow shapes your working. You then on a road of building another pyramid on this subject, some skills are transferable from your previous experience & learned knowledge, some are not. You will have to understand that.
It is definitely the learning mind that keep you progressing and you can continue to rely on in not just career but other aspects of your life.
Ben recommends the following next steps:
Bhargav Gajji
Bhargav’s Answer
Alex,
I understand your situation, but I feel your educational background will actually help you standout along with the knowledge of data skills.
In fact, Accounting analytics is a great area for compliance and fraud examination.
So, I will suggest you keep updating your profile with knowledge, refer www.coursera.com or www.udacity.com for theory and www.udacity.com; and Kaggle for practical resources.
Keep updating your resume with some practical work in data analysis or data science projects to showcase the experience on your resume.
This should only cost your time but will take a lot of effort and patience from your end.
It may take a while but will definitely work.
Good Luck!
Thank you!
Alex
Bruce Liu
Bruce’s Answer
Alex
As you can see, you've already on track for chasing your interests.
One tip can give you is, attend some social activities with same industries, like WeChat Machine learning or data science group.
Build your social network, get contacts for people who have already working in this industries, and try to introduce yourself and get referral.
Sometimes, referral will bypass HR filtering and your resume can be presented directly to hiring manager or hiring lead who will be evaluating you based on your true skills rather than comparing background. And you may get chance to have fast track to the final interview.
Follow your heart, do not let yourself regret after couple of years.
Another thing will be try to get some industrial certificates like AWS, Google which can remedy your short of background.
Thanks lot! I'm trying!
Alex
Maria Cristina Villalobos
Maria Cristina’s Answer
Hi Alex, good that you took the step to follow your interests. I also change of roles two years ago and I know it can be challenging. For me I knew that I would lost some of the years of experience but at the end will be beneficial because I liked a lot more what I am doing now.
My recommendation will be to find ways of demostrate your knowledge maybe get some certification of courses with actual diplomas to add to your resume. Also you may want to try with programs for basic entry level like the ones for graduate students but that could work for you. An be more expresive in your job interviews, use your previous experience in your favor and combine the best of your knowledge to be a better candidate you can also offer to do some technical interviews to demonstrate your knowledge.
