INFORMS Open Forum

Hello to all esteemed members of INFORMS,

I trust every one is doing well in this new year. I just wanted to post this question. What would be the best place to start with if I want to make a career shift into Anlaytics world? Any suggestions and recommendations would be greatly helpful. Thank You.

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Krishna Valluru
Sr. Business Process Engineer
USAA
Charlotte NC
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Hello Krishna,

To learn more about analytics I suggest the following books,

• G. James, et al. An Introduction to Statistical Learning (2023).
• D. Kroese, et al. Data Science and Machine Learning (2020).

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Andrew Acosta
Data Scientist
Milesius Capital Resources LLC
Chicago IL
andrew@acm.org
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Hi Krishna,

Welcome to the world of analytics.
I would suggest taking up some beginner-level courses in SQL, and Python which are essential in any analytical company. These skills are quite important in any analytical setting.
Please find below some links that you find useful:

• w3 schools for SQL
• Python

You can also go through this article on Linkedin: link that talks about how a career in data analytics would look for you, and what are some of the opportunities and career paths that you can explore. It also talks about the distinction between a data scientist and a data analyst. Some core data science skills are mentioned to help with the large amounts of data that the field deals with.

I think this article would be helpful to you as you would be able to find a wide range of questions and answers within this article that is crucial for anyone to understand what they should be expecting before they fully enter into the data analytics field.

My question to others would be what are some of the technical and non-technical skills they think should be of utmost importance for a person in the analytics domain?

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Mrimon (Nemo) Guha Guha
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hi Mrimon (Nemo) Guha Guha,

Thank You for your elaborate reply. This is very helpful. I will review the links and go through them. Thanks a lot once again.

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Krishna Valluru
Sr. Business Process Engineer
USAA
Charlotte NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-24-2024 19:51
From: Mrimon (Nemo) Guha Guha
Subject: Career shift to Analytics

Hi Krishna,

Welcome to the world of analytics.
I would suggest taking up some beginner-level courses in SQL, and Python which are essential in any analytical company. These skills are quite important in any analytical setting.
Please find below some links that you find useful:

• w3 schools for SQL
• Python

You can also go through this article on Linkedin: link that talks about how a career in data analytics would look for you, and what are some of the opportunities and career paths that you can explore. It also talks about the distinction between a data scientist and a data analyst. Some core data science skills are mentioned to help with the large amounts of data that the field deals with.

I think this article would be helpful to you as you would be able to find a wide range of questions and answers within this article that is crucial for anyone to understand what they should be expecting before they fully enter into the data analytics field.

My question to others would be what are some of the technical and non-technical skills they think should be of utmost importance for a person in the analytics domain?

------------------------------
Mrimon (Nemo) Guha Guha
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
------------------------------

Hello Krishna,

It depends on the individual. In general, I would suggest starting with learning SQL, Python, and a data visualization tool like Tableau, Power BI, etc. At the same time, I would also suggest having some knowledge of predictive and prescriptive analytics which should include some statistical concepts. As a Senior Business Process Engineer, you may already have some of those. You can proceed based on your current expertise. I hope this helps. Thank you!

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Mahfuz Haider
Clinical Operations Analyst
University of Toledo Physicians
Toledo OH
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Hi Mahfuz Haider,

Thank You for the reply. Yes, I am exploring SQL and Python. Will take time and review data visualiation tools. Yes, I already have famliarity with predictive and prescriptive analytics. This info is very much helpful to start with. I appreciate your time.

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Krishna Valluru
Sr. Business Process Engineer
USAA
Charlotte NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-25-2024 10:06
From: Mahfuz Haider
Subject: Career shift to Analytics

Hello Krishna,

It depends on the individual. In general, I would suggest starting with learning SQL, Python, and a data visualization tool like Tableau, Power BI, etc. At the same time, I would also suggest having some knowledge of predictive and prescriptive analytics which should include some statistical concepts. As a Senior Business Process Engineer, you may already have some of those. You can proceed based on your current expertise. I hope this helps. Thank you!

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Mahfuz Haider
Clinical Operations Analyst
University of Toledo Physicians
Toledo OH
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Happy to help. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further information.

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Mahfuz Haider
Clinical Operations Analyst
University of Toledo Physicians
Toledo OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-25-2024 17:13
From: Krishna Valluru
Subject: Career shift to Analytics

Hi Mahfuz Haider,

Thank You for the reply. Yes, I am exploring SQL and Python. Will take time and review data visualiation tools. Yes, I already have famliarity with predictive and prescriptive analytics. This info is very much helpful to start with. I appreciate your time.

------------------------------
Krishna Valluru
Sr. Business Process Engineer
USAA
Charlotte NC
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-25-2024 10:06
From: Mahfuz Haider
Subject: Career shift to Analytics

Hello Krishna,

It depends on the individual. In general, I would suggest starting with learning SQL, Python, and a data visualization tool like Tableau, Power BI, etc. At the same time, I would also suggest having some knowledge of predictive and prescriptive analytics which should include some statistical concepts. As a Senior Business Process Engineer, you may already have some of those. You can proceed based on your current expertise. I hope this helps. Thank you!

------------------------------
Mahfuz Haider
Clinical Operations Analyst
University of Toledo Physicians
Toledo OH

We have had several open discussions on this topic. 

Check this article out: An Epidemiologist's Journey to Data Analytics | ORMS Today (informs.org)

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Alberto Aparicio
Data Analyst
Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
San Diego
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Hi Krishna,

I would like to recommend you the book: "Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking" by Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett.

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Shiv Goel
UC Davis
San francisco CA
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Hi Krishna,

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Yuxin Li
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hi Krishna,

Happy new year to you as well! 

You are making a fantastic choice by moving into the analytics field! My fellow INFORMS members have given you really good suggestions.

To piggy back on Mrimon's inquiry on what are the utmost technical & non-technical skills needed in this domain:

Technical: I believe understanding in statistical analysis, data modeling and familiarity with programming like Python & R are fundamental.

Non Technical: Communication, Team Work, project-management, understanding business requirements and managing expectations. These can prove to be key areas which contribute to your advancement as an analytics professional.

I'm curious to know what prompted your crusade in making a switch towards the analytics world?

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"Jaskeerat ""Jas""" Brar
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hello Krishna, 

To succeed in any analytics-based role, I feel it is important to have strong basic math foundations. You could start with courses on Probability, Statistics, and Linear Algebra.

For Probability, you could refer to the book 'A First Course in Probability' by Sheldon Ross.  The text covers fundamental concepts such as probability spaces, random variables, probability distributions, and limit theorems.

Once you understand the foundational concepts well, you can start working with datasets by using tools like SQL and Python, and shift your career into analytics.

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Srinivas Abhilash Chintaluru
University of California, Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hello Krishna, 

I would like to recommend the book by Thomas Neal, "Essential Math for Data Science: Take Control of Your Data with Fundamental Linear Algebra, Probability, and Statistics". I believe this book serves as an essential guide for anyone looking to delve into data science, focusing on the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding and applying data science techniques effectively. It covers key topics such as linear algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics, tailored for practical use in data science projects. This book could be extremely beneficial to your analytics career as it helps understand the underpinnings of mathematics. In addition, its holistic and comprehensive overview will give you great insight into the expectations and nuances of data analytics. 

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Anurag Vedagiri
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hello Krishna,

To learn more about analytics I suggest the book called "Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking" by Foster Provost & Tom Fawcett:

Summary: This book offers a deep dive into the fundamentals of data science and its application in the business environment. It covers key concepts, principles, and techniques from data mining and analytics, and demonstrates how they can be used to make informed business decisions. The authors focus on the practical implementation of data-analytic thinking and the importance of leveraging data as a strategic asset.

Why It Is Helpful: For Krishna, who is considering a career shift into analytics, this book is particularly valuable as it not only teaches the technical skills needed but also how to apply them in a business context. The focus on data-analytic thinking will prepare Krishna for the kind of strategic decision-making required in an analytics role. Additionally, the book's business-centric approach can bridge the gap between Krishna's current role and the analytical skills needed in the new career path.

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Meitong Chen
San Francisco CA
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Zexiang "Charles" Wang
UC Davis
Pleasanton CA
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Hi Krishna,

Data analytics is essential for companies and business. If you're planning to make a career shift into analytics world, here're 2 recommendations I would share with you. 

The first one is the website of https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/data-analytics/how-to-become-a-data-analyst/. This website clearly marks 6 steps if you want to switch your career into analytics. Moreover, under each step, it lists out the detailed steps that you would like to follow. For example, the website lists out the tech skill that you will need to learn before applying. For example, the tool you will need to use like Python, R, SQL will need to be learn before interview. Also, the roadmap listed that you will need hard skill (tech skill) and soft skill (team collaboration) combined to become a good analyst.

The second one is the book "Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic. It's an important book because it tells you fundamentals of data visualization and how to communicate effectively with data. This is critical to the business because you will need to do visualization for the data to make it more easy to understand and let the team to do strategy or make any decision.

Hope this will help!! Thank you!!

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Zexiang "Charles" Wang
UC Davis
Pleasanton CA
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Hello Krishna,

Having experienced career transition from a sales management background to the field of Analytics myself, I deeply understand how you feel. It can be a challenging yet rewarding journey indeed! To immerse yourself effectively in the world of data analytics, I highly recommend exploring real-world case studies and datasets. Kaggle (https://www.kaggle.com/) is an excellent platform where you can access a plethora of analytics cases. Engaging with these cases will provide you with a practical understanding of how data analytics is applied to resolve complex business problems. Also, If you're not sure where to start, given your background in business process management, a strategic starting point would be to examine the type of data collected in your domain. Analyze how this data can be leveraged to optimize and innovate within your sector. This approach allows you to blend your existing expertise with new analytical skills, making the learning process more relevant and engaging.

Regarding the acquisition of coding skills, I understand that there are numerous educational platforms available. But based on my personal experience, I recommend exploring Datacamp(https://www.datacamp.com/). While there're hundreds of coding education platforms out there, this offers a focused curriculum tailored specifically towards data science and analytics, making it an ideal resource for beginners in the field.

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Ji Hyun Kim
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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I recommend starting with the book "Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking" by Foster Provost and Tom Fawcett.

This book is an excellent resource for understanding the fundamental principles of data science and its application in business. It offers a comprehensive overview of key concepts, including data mining and analytics, and teaches how to think analytically about data. The authors focus on practical applications, providing real-world examples to illustrate how data science can solve common business problems.

This book is particularly helpful for you, who is looking to shift into the analytics field, as it lays a strong foundation in both the theory and practice of data science. It not only covers technical aspects but also emphasizes strategic thinking, making it a valuable resource for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and business applications. Additionally, the focus on real-world examples makes it easier to understand how these concepts can be applied in a business setting, which is crucial for someone transitioning into this field.

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Yujia Yang
University of California, Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hello Krishna, 

First, I would like to recommend this website: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/data-analytics/how-to-become-a-data-analyst/. The website is about the roadmap to become a career in the analytics world. The website tells you the steps to start your career, emphasizing the importance of learning your professional tech skill with combination of your soft skill. Under each step, it lists out each detail step, which include the job description of data analyst, soft skill and tech skill, and what step you need to take for learning the hard skill and tech need to familiar with for your career.

For the book, I would like to recommend the "Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic". This book provides the fundamentals of data visualization and how to communicate effectively with data with your team. This is critical in current business world to provide clear visualization and let the team do strategy or other decision more effectively.

Thank you! Hope this help!

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Zexiang "Charles" Wang
UC Davis
Pleasanton CA
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"The Data Science Handbook" by Carl Shan, William Chen, Henry Wang, and Max Song.

This handbook contains interviews with 25 of the world s best data scientists. We sat down with them, had in-depth conversations about their careers, personal stories, perspectives on data science and life advice.

It will be a tremendous asset for you as you pivot into the analytics realm. It's like having a mentorship session with 25 of the industry's best, each sharing their unique paths and practical advice. As you transition from a Senior Business Process Engineer to analytics, the strategies and career insights from leaders like DJ Patil and the heads of data science at Uber and Airbnb will be particularly instructive. Their experiences can help tailor your approach to entering and excelling in the data science field. This book is not just about learning data science; it's about understanding how to weave it into the fabric of a successful and fulfilling career.

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Himani Bhatia
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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