From Occupational Therapy to Data Analytics: Lauren Rosenthal's Journey and Insights
I think the most significant challenge that I’ve faced is that I changed careers entirely at the age of 32. I went from working in a healthcare profession to a more typical 'business' job, and the learning curve was (still is) pretty enormous
In a bold career pivot, Lauren Rosenthal, a former occupational therapist, successfully transitioned into the world of data analysis. Driven by a passion for technology and a desire for a more fulfilling career, Lauren's journey showcases the possibilities of career reinvention at any age. In this interview, Lauren shares her unique path into the data field, the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned along the way, her thoughts on the role of AI (artificial intelligence) in the industry, and her advice to aspiring data analysts. Lauren offers valuable insights for both aspiring data professionals and seasoned analysts. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot in your career, Lauren's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to find your true calling.
Can you share your journey into the world of data analysis? What sparked your interest in this field, and how did you get started?
I love the idea that I’m still helping people, using problem-solving skills, and collaborating with others, just in an entirely different way than I was when I was a practicing OT
Lauren: I got started in data about 2.5 years ago, but my journey actually starts way further back than that. I’m an occupational therapist by background and practiced for about 8 years. Unfortunately, I realized very early on that occupational therapy (OT) wasn’t going to be my end game. I didn’t like the restrictions that insurance companies placed on our services, the documentation, or the work-life balance, and, after trying multiple settings, I decided it was time to figure out what I really wanted to do.
I knew I wanted something in the tech world, and in 2017, I did a UX design Bootcamp. And then absolutely nothing with the new skills I learned. I tried front-end web development and loved HTML and CSS but couldn’t figure out JavaScript for the life of me. It was actually TikTok that finally introduced me to the world of data analytics in January of 2022. The TikToker, Charlotte Chaze, was talking about her role, her salary, what she did every day, and her career progression, and I was so interested.
I ended up taking some courses in SQL, found that I really enjoyed it (and it made sense!), and never looked back. I love the idea that I’m still helping people, using problem-solving skills, and collaborating with others, just in an entirely different way than I was when I was a practicing OT.
The data analysis role can be very demanding. How do you recharge? What are your hobbies outside of work?
Lauren: Outside of work, I love spending time alone (or as alone as I can be with a very attached dog!) or with friends and family. I’m a huge fiction reader and love to bake. Lately, I’ve been determined to perfect both chocolate chip cookies and macarons! I also really enjoy working out, especially riding my Peloton or taking walks with my dog. One of my favorite things that started during the pandemic is my weekly crossword puzzle sessions with my sister. She lives in the UK, and every weekend for the past 3 years, we’ve done the NYT Saturday crossword together on a video call.
What do you consider the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Lauren: I think the most significant challenge that I’ve faced is that I changed careers entirely at the age of 32. I went from working in a healthcare profession to a more typical “business” job, and the learning curve was (still is) pretty enormous. I’m lucky to have an incredibly supportive team that wants to see me succeed.
How do you stay updated with the rapidly evolving data analysis tools and technologies? Some people say that artificial intelligence is a threat to data analysts. What is your take on AI?
My take on AI is this: it’s a powerful tool, and the data analysts whose jobs may be threatened by AI at some point are the ones who don’t learn to use it to their advantage.
Lauren: I work at Maven Analytics, a company whose primary purpose is to teach data analysis tools and technologies, so I am constantly exposed to new courses, projects, etc. to stay up-to-date! I’m also lucky that most of my colleagues are experts in at least one data tool, so when and if I have questions, I can talk to people who know best.
In terms of AI, I think it’s here to stay, but I don’t think it’s a threat to data analysts…yet. At this point, I’m using AI to my advantage. If I know what I want my SQL query to do but I can’t quite figure out how to get there, I’ll ask Gemini to help. But at the same time, it can only do so much. There's a lot of guiding and prompting and “that didn’t work like I anticipated, can you revise your answer” that goes into using AI right now. And on top of that, AI is great at some of the technical stuff: coding, debugging, commenting, etc., but what it’s not great at is the human component: communicating insights, recommending appropriate actions, digging deeper into a problem. My take on AI is this: it’s a powerful tool, and the data analysts whose jobs may be threatened by AI at some point are the ones who don’t learn to use it to their advantage.
What are the most essential skills for aspiring data analysts to develop beyond technical proficiencies?
If you can’t communicate your insights to stakeholders, your analysis isn’t going to mean much...
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Lauren: Coming from someone without a business background... business acumen! Understanding business situations, making decisions based on that understanding, and knowing what needs to happen to have a successful outcome is key.
Aside from that, I would say communication skills, collaboration, curiosity, and critical thinking are all vital. If you can’t communicate your insights to stakeholders, your analysis isn’t going to mean much. If you can’t solve a problem within the data, you’re going to find yourself stuck very quickly. And if you aren’t curious about your data and what it might mean, you may miss major nuances and opportunities to prove your value.
What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers in data analysis who are struggling to find a job?
I absolutely think you need to take advantage of every opportunity to explain who you are and why you’d be a good fit.
Lauren: LinkedIn is your best friend. Optimize your profile, share your projects, and connect and network with jobseekers and people who are hiring.
Think about your resume and figure out if there are ways to make it more data-driven, more quantitative instead of qualitative.
I have no way of knowing for sure, but I think a huge part of the reason I got my first data job (not at my current company) is because of my cover letter. I took time, researched the company, and really customized my cover letter to that specific company. Maybe it was a fluke, but I absolutely think you need to take advantage of every opportunity to explain who you are and why you’d be a good fit.
Is there any project that you are currently working on or plan to work on in the future?
Lauren: I have this dream of doing an analysis on The Great British Bake Off, but I haven’t started it just yet!
Where can people who want to follow your work find you?
Do you have any last words you want to share?
If you’re thinking about getting into data, stop thinking and start doing!
Lauren: If you’re thinking about getting into data, stop thinking and start doing! The quicker you try out a course or a tutorial, the quicker you’ll figure out if data is right for you.
To connect with Lauren, click the links below:
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marketeer at maxtech enterprises
3 周Wel done
Research Data Scientist at Avera Research Institute
1 个月Love to chime in and say I made the jump from healthcare, Medical Lab Science, to data science. It was really a constant hunger to keep learning that drove me to keep learning. I actually stumbled into data science thinking I was doing something where I would learn how to use Excel better.
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1 个月Thanks for sharing.
Data Detective | Leveraging Business Intelligence Tools and Machine Learning for Impact| Delving into e-commerce, marketing, sports, and interested in healthcare.
1 个月Lauren is awesome! Such a role model for the data community! I don’t think it’s coincidence that a month after chatting with her on LinkedIn I landed my first data role!
English Arabic translator
1 个月Good point!