How I Transitioned from Electrical Engineering to Data Analytics and Automation

Transitioning from one career path to another can be both exciting and challenging. In my case, moving from an engineering background to data analytics and automation was a pivotal moment that transformed the trajectory of my professional life.

Today, I’ll share the story of how I navigated this shift and the key lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The Starting Point ????

Engineering I started my career as an electrical engineer, a field rooted in precision, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. While I enjoyed the technical aspects of my job, I quickly realized that my passion extended beyond circuits and hardware.

I was drawn to the world of data — the potential to make strategic business decisions through numbers intrigued me. I knew that I wanted to be part of the digital revolution, but I didn’t know where to start.

Finding My Way into Data Analytics

In 2018, I made the conscious decision to explore data analytics. It was a turning point, but the journey wasn’t without its challenges. My first step was immersing myself in learning.

I began with online courses in Python and SQL, two foundational tools in data analysis, and later moved on to more complex technologies like Power BI and Tableau.

At first, the learning curve was steep. However, the more I delved into it, the more I realized how similar the logic in programming was to the problem-solving skills I had developed as an engineer.

Breaking Through: Internal Audit and Business Operations

Once I had a grip on the basics, I applied my new skills within my role in Internal Audit and Business Operations. My analytical mindset helped me see inefficiencies and potential for automation, especially in continuous auditing processes.

Over the next few years, I built dashboards, automated workflows, and helped reduce fraud in the telecom industry.         

These projects not only made a tangible impact on business outcomes but also cemented my position as an analytics and automation expert.

Overcoming Obstacles and Building Resilience

Transitioning into a new field wasn’t smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt, especially when I had to compete with those who had years of experience in data science.

What helped me push through was my ability to link my engineering experience with my newfound data skills. I realized that analytics is as much about understanding the bigger picture as it is about the numbers.

It’s about connecting data to decisions, and this mindset helped me differentiate myself.        

Advice for Others Looking to Make the Leap

If you’re contemplating a similar shift in your career, here are a few lessons I’ve picked up:

1. Start Small, But Start Now: Begin with the tools and concepts most relevant to the industry you want to enter. For me, that was Python, SQL, and Power BI. Focus on mastering these before moving on to more advanced topics.
2. Leverage Your Existing Skillset: You don’t need to abandon your past experience. Whether you’re coming from engineering, marketing, or another field, there are transferable skills you can bring into data analytics. Use them as a foundation to build on.
3. Learn by Doing: Theory can only take you so far. Work on real projects, even if they’re small, and apply your skills to actual business problems. This is where you’ll learn the most and prove your value.
4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Surround yourself with people who are already successful in the field. LinkedIn was an invaluable resource for me, connecting with experts who helped guide me in the right direction.

Conclusion

Looking back, the decision to transition from engineering to data analytics and automation was one of the best moves I’ve made. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me something new.

My background in engineering gave me the resilience to push through, while my passion for data opened up new doors. If you’re on a similar journey, remember that no transition is too difficult with the right mindset, a willingness to learn, and the perseverance to keep going.