This is a story of change and transistion. The world is rapidly changing technologywise and in this ever-evolving landscape of technology and data, there’s a tale as old as time “change is inevitable”. My narrative isn’t about the quick leap from one field to another, but a deliberate journey of transformation. I remember in late 1999 when my brother was curious about the trajectory of my life and asked me, “Oto (My native name, what are you going to do with life? I bluntly answered, I want to work with data, mine it, transform it and extract useful insights for it”. Although never having any clue or inclination of what I was talking about. I’ve worked in various technical roles and was a curious technician who, fueled by a passion for discovery and a drive to make a significant impact. However, something was missing so I decided to go back to my first love “data”. About 2 years ago I embarked on a journey into the realm of data analytics and data science. This story is not just mine; it could be yours too.

The Catalyst for Change

I was an accomplished technician. Day in and day out, I was at the frontline, testing machines, low voltage, and RF devices, solving technical issues, troubleshooting hardware, and ensuring that systems ran smoothly. Yet, amidst the hum of servers and the routine of maintenance, signal generators, robotic arm routine process, I felt a stirring. There was a thirst for more, more understanding, more challenges, and a deeper impact on the world.

The catalyst for change was a project at my job, a small signal processing that required collecting network analyzer module test data to process varying sweep rates to meet specification. As I delved into the rudimentary data analysis, the realization dawned: data was not just numbers or charts. It was a refection of real world actions, a story, a way to predict the future, understand the present, and learn from the past. This epiphany was the first step on a new path.

Embracing the Unknown

After my bout with a flood of data I wanted more. How and where do I start? Will I be able to do this, should I do this? All the years I spent as a tecnician will be gone. I was stuck in my mind unable to make a move. Decision paralysis is a formidable foe. It whispers doubts and amplifies fears. For me, the decision to transition from a technical role to one in data science was fraught with uncertainty. Would leaving a stable career for the unknown be worth it? The fear of the unknown, however, is a sign of potential growth.

So my step was to embrace a learner’s mindset. Recognizing that the journey would require new skills, so began with Google Data Analytics  courses in R, MITx introduction to programming with Python, and elementary statistics at Grand Canyon University. Each completed course was a small victory, a step towards demystifying the world of data science. The learning curve was steep, but the more I learned, the more my confidence grew.

Building a Bridge with Transferable Skills

One of the biggest misconceptions about career changes especially for those who have been doing one thing so well and is know for it, is the idea of starting from zero. I began to understand my his years as a technician were not a detour but a foundation that set me up for this. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and an understanding of technology were skills that will serve me well in data science.

The bridge between being a technician and becoming a data scientist was built on transferable skills that I gathered along the way. Project management, communication, and the ability to work under pressure were assets in both fields. Hence recognizing and leveraging these skills helped me navigate the transition more smoothly.

Setting Goals and Overcoming Challenges

With each step forward, I set clear, achievable goals. From completing specific courses to building projects that solved real-world problems, these milestones are my compass. Yet, the journey was not without challenges. I must talk about the imposter syndrome that loomed large, I didn’t feel that I will succeed. For crying out loud I am in my early 40’s and this makes vastness of data science sometimes feeling overwhelming.

The key to overcoming these obstacles was community. I joined data science meetups, participating in forums, and engaged with peers provided both support and inspiration. Each interaction was a reminder that the path to mastery of any endeavor is a journey shared by many.

The Transformation

Today, I am no longer just a technician. I am a data analyst, using my skills to uncover insights that drive decisions and create value. And on my way to becoming a data scientist currently continuing my graduate degree in data science at the University of Pittsburg. The transition was not overnight. It took courage, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of growth. But looking back, I know it was worth every step.

Your Journey Begins Now

If you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling the pull towards data science or any other field, let my story inspire you. The journey from where you are to where you want to be is not a leap into the unknown but a series of deliberate steps designed by the careful guiding hand of your purpose. I encourage that you embrace the learner’s mindset. Recognize your transferable skills. Set clear goals and engage with a community that supports your growth. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. The only question that remains is, are you ready to begin your journey?

My path from an engineering technician to data scientist is not just a career change; it’s a transformation that touches every aspect of my life. It’s about becoming a lifelong learner, embracing challenges, and making an impact. So, take that first step. Your journey begins now.