What do you do if you want to shift from data analyst to data management?

1 Assess your current skills

The first step is to assess your current skills and identify your strengths and gaps. Data management requires both technical and soft skills, such as data modeling, data quality, data governance, data security, project management, communication, and leadership. You might already have some of these skills from your data analysis experience, but you might need to learn or improve others. You can use online assessments, self-evaluation tools, or feedback from your peers and managers to gauge your skill level and areas for improvement.

2 Learn new tools and concepts

The next step is to learn new tools and concepts that are relevant for data management. Depending on your specific role and industry, you might need to familiarize yourself with data management frameworks, standards, and best practices, such as DAMA-DMBOK, ISO 8000, or FAIR principles. You might also need to learn new tools and platforms for data modeling, data integration, data quality, data governance, data security, and data cataloging. You can use online courses, books, podcasts, webinars, or blogs to learn new tools and concepts, or enroll in a formal certification or degree program.

3 Gain practical experience

The third step is to gain practical experience in data management. You can look for opportunities to apply your new skills and tools in your current or future projects, or volunteer for data management tasks or initiatives in your organization. You can also seek mentorship or guidance from experienced data managers, or join professional networks or communities of practice to learn from others. You can also showcase your data management portfolio on your resume, LinkedIn, or GitHub to demonstrate your capabilities and achievements.

4 Update your resume and profile

The fourth step is to update your resume and profile to reflect your data management skills and experience. You should highlight your data management projects, tools, and certifications, and use keywords and phrases that match the data management job descriptions you are targeting. You should also emphasize your soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, and provide examples of how you used them in data management contexts. You should also update your LinkedIn profile and other online platforms to showcase your data management profile and network with potential employers or recruiters.

5 Apply for data management jobs

The final step is to apply for data management jobs that match your skills, interests, and goals. You should research the data management roles and responsibilities in different organizations and industries, and tailor your resume and cover letter accordingly. You should also prepare for the data management interview questions and scenarios, and demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and attitude. You should also follow up with the hiring managers and thank them for their time and consideration.

Shifting from data analyst to data management can be a rewarding and challenging career move. By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for the transition and increase your chances of landing a data management job.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?