👋 Hello my internet friend! If you want to join the brand spanking new study group, click here --> discord.gg/aes885cU ✅ To figure out what we all want out of the study group and to not get spammed or distracted constantly, please fill out this form --> www.sophzhang.com/data-study-group I will close the form at the end of day on Sunday 6/30, and then will build the server out how people want it. 🗯It's my first time facilitating, so the discord server may be a too quiet OR too chaotic at first. But ya live and ya learn I guess. Let's figure it out together!
Hi Soph, I started over at 29 and became a Data Analyst by my 30th birthday. All self taught. I'm wishing you the best of luck. Be delusional about it. Believe you are already a Data Scientist, and everything else fits. Work on projects. You've got this girl, I'm rooting for you.
Hello @Mhiz, if you don't mind me asking you, what did you do to become a data analyst? What was your path? I say that because I'm currently a high school math teacher looking to transition into data analytics. I have a STEM degree, and I am finishing up a Coursera certificate program called, *"Google Professional Data Analytics Certificate"* and I'm also starting and planning on finishing a certification for Microsoft's Power BI Data Analyst Certification as well. In your opinion, do you believe my background and certifications should be sufficient to land me a entry-level role as a data analyst? Thanks for the insight!
I'm 28 turning 29 next month, finished my boot camp 2 months ago, I don't have any degree bi I have done some personal projects, sometimes I feel drained and left out, what advice can you give pls
i am 48 from egypt i am computer engineer and started as Ai developer , since 2 years i studied too hard, and finally i started to do my projects also i started my MSC, .... go forword, we live to spend what we have, and get what we want, .... go ahead ...you is great
Ngl I definitely had similar thoughts for starting "late" relative to my peers - I started med school at 28 and will be in my late 30s by the time I get to make a "real" salary. Graduated college in 2016. No spouse or kids yet either, so there's *that* pressure too! But the prevailing thought for those of us in this long career who are older than the average is that, you're going to be X age anyways, why not be that age while doing or becoming something you want to become? Everything else will find a way to make way for it.
I had over 10 years in supply chain in the US and 3 years in demand planning. Finishing up a data analytics bootcamp. Over 40 yo and think anything is possible.
I’m 31 and I’m doing my degree in economics (second year) and also I’m doing data science on the side(self taught and it’s been 2 years) I’m busy with my projects now and honestly I’m going to get a job in data science before the year of 2024 ends We’ve got this 💪🏾
I'm an Electrical Maintenance Engineer and decided to pivot last year at 34. Still on the journey. It's a slow journey but if you really take your time to learn the little stuff, you should be alright.
Wow so happy I stumbled upon this. Python is def as important as SQL too. Do not be so hard on yourself rn because the job market is not the best. I am wishing you all the best and rooting for you! 🤗
Excited for your journey! I’m a data analyst trying to transition to data scientist, and I also turned 30 this year! Got some life things going on so it might be better for me to interview next year, but I was going to give interviewing a shot later this summer just to test the waters!
hello fellow 30yo! just wanted to tell you to start early interviewing, im an experienced 5yoe DS and even then its rough for me, im actually having thoughts of transition to data engineering 😂
Having an MBA will make you a better data scientist. You’ll have a better understanding of business problems and how to communicate with stakeholder. I’m a year into a competitive masters in data science program and have a year left. Good luck on your journey
And for some positions I’ve even seen employers requiring a PHD. I think folks might be meshing data analytics and data science up together. In my experience data science typically requires a graduate degree, but on the other hand data analytics doesn’t necessarily even require a degree.
Subbed. Wishing you well on getting that Data Scientist goal. I am in IT myself but on the desktop support side and am making way more money than I thought possible doing it and now am trying to transistion to Sysadmin or Cloud support so I know the "over 30" pivot struggle. Self study is a whole discipline in itself.
from searching I’ve found the data scientist positions are more mid-senior level roles. Lot easier to switch from analyst to data scientist within a company, unless you already have years of experience with as a DS. but there are exceptions, keep up the great work 🙌
I'm 25 and I'm in the same boat. I plan on becoming a data scientist, at least for this decade of my life. I'm not going to pay outrageous fees for more years of study, much less a bootcamp that is just as expensive as a regular degree. I just finished my bachelor's degree for crying out loud. If I'm going to be 26 next year, I might as well pass the time working on things that are for my good. Keep it up, and keep studying. I just subscribed to your channel. Let's do our best to get our goals completed!
Hello Soph, thanks for shaing your story. I am 30 now and I am also looking to change my career in to data science. I am wishing you best of luck for your journey. Really hope that you make it big in to data science field.
I’m in the exact same boat. I found out I enjoy the thought process that goes into deciphering data than I do with negotiating customer margins. The courses on Coursera definitely helped me understand data science a bit more, I at least feel comfortable enough to work on projects, but I’ve only scratched the surface. Good luck to you. I’m subscribing to learn a few things myself lol.
7:26 she tell the truth bout why we all start new position " Money " that that's good thing instead of bluffing about instead i like that that's why i join and all
i started over at 31 end of the year and switch from game to IT/tech. It took me 7months to finally land a job. And even then i wasn't able to land the role i want. The high paying tech roles entry barrier is really very hard to get in...and i even went for a transition program..
Time flies! I've also taken the long road in my life, but when it's over it's just over. You don't feel any different. You will just have gotten what you wanted and that's it. I mean this in a good way. Like you will feel great regardless of how long it took
@@derickd6150 but it does feel nice to have a degree to prove your hardwork. And here in europe, german degrees are highly recognised anyway, so that's a big plus
lol, I'm 34 and I'm doing it. I've been working in finance and the risk management arena, but it's time. I'm starting off with python and the advanced mathematics portions.
Took a 3.5 year break for health reasons. Just starting back a few months ago, it’s been rough, but things are picking up. The industry does not like extended breaks…. People are not empathetic or understanding .
Currently I’m a Senior Data Analyst in federal government for the last 10 years and I’m looking to pivot into a Data Scientist position and I’m 38 What I’m doing now is looking at my transferable skills such as communication, data analysis, research skills, statistics, SQL, and Python. And go from there. I have a Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance with a minor in Economics, and I have MBA. For practice I’m using, Leetcode, and DataCamp to learn Machine Learning and Generative AI. So I’m right there with you, and I definitely want a change and I think the Data Scientist position is worth working towards.
Randomly stumbled across this vid as someone who got into data sciencey position a bit later in life (at 27). One thing I noticed was you didn't think Python was important, I would say it is more important than SQL for a data scientist position in my opinion (you'll probably be spending a lot more time with Python for analysis, modelling etc. and SQL is more for just for aggregating, collecting, cleaning data). Although it probably varies depending on the exact company. Anyways good luck on your applications!
Thank you for the insight! Would you mind sharing what genre of DS you are in? Is it more ML type roles? I'm curious. No worries if you don't feel comfortable sharing ☺
@@SophZhang No worries, my role is a quantitative analyst (not in finance though), which is pretty similar but leans a bit more into maths and stats than DS typically.
I am going through the same thing right now. At the age of 36, and trying to get a better paid job in tech, and realizing this area is quite competitive now.
I'm a PhD student in computational and applied mathematics, aiming to become a data researcher/scientist. Looks like we'll be entering the field around the same time, but likely focusing on different tiers of data science.
Hi Soph, I rarely drop a comment on RUclips but since I have similar path with u let me drop a comment :). I have a bachelor in IE and MBA as well and was born in Cali as a Chinese descent. Now in my 40's I decided to change my career from supply chain to data science. Wishing u luck and the best for the next.
At the end of the day, the only data that will be used is the data that pushes the company product or what makes the most money for the business. At least you will get paid more in the new job. But you will still find the same behavior from managers / VPs.
I am also a data analyst at a ed tech company, I feel like most of the time my analysis did not help much to the business, and I do not like sitting around and do analysis stuff. One day, I really want to switch to a technical side.
this 100% - if anything machine learning is a much harder of a use-case for most businesses to actually implement value and make decisions on. it's hard enough for the basic analytics. I work in a team of DE's, AE's, + DAs who do ML/BI, and even with our mature team, the business is still learning how to extract value/make decisions from "basic" analysis. However, maybe being a product DS might not be the same experience!
I have some sort of bad news for you. Data Science is not really a junior career and often expects prior work as a data analyst or software engineer. On top of that, the market for these jobs is really bad, so you'll be competing against people with prior experience, CS degrees, and master's degrees. I have my eyes set on Data Science or ML/MLOps as well, with a CS degree, a masters in CS that I'm working on, and prior experience in software engineering/a data science internship. I've sent close to 400 applications now and while I've heard back from some ML jobs, I haven't heard back from any data science gigs. Location could impact these results a lot, so that's something to keep in mind. My advice to you: keep at it, and don't give up, but don't be afraid to pivot to something else in the meantime. A data analyst job could be more realistic for right now. I would also suggest getting a Master of CS. With your prior experience, and a masters in CS you will be a lot more competitive for these jobs.
@@SophZhang Likewise! These videos will probably do you well. Sorry for not being more optimistic. The job search has honestly been so rough. I'm someone who worked really hard in school and I've continued that trend. It doesn't feel like anything is enough for employers in today's market :/
@@secretnobody6460 It will likely continue to grow in size, but with that has come more efficient processes for handling that data. Some functions of data analysts from ten to twenty years ago have been automated with machine learning tools today. Another big thing is that the era of Big Data has died down since it's inception in the early 2010s, when all the big corporations would flaunt about how they could collect and use large amounts of data to improve their businesses. This will likely lead to decreased hired over the next few decades.
👋 Hello my internet friend! If you want to join the brand spanking new study group, click here --> discord.gg/aes885cU
✅ To figure out what we all want out of the study group and to not get spammed or distracted constantly, please fill out this form --> www.sophzhang.com/data-study-group
I will close the form at the end of day on Sunday 6/30, and then will build the server out how people want it.
🗯It's my first time facilitating, so the discord server may be a too quiet OR too chaotic at first. But ya live and ya learn I guess. Let's figure it out together!
Hey Soph, the discord link is now invalid.
Is it too late to join? I just discovered your account. Thanks!
Would like to join in your adventure! I'm 31 and started on a data analyst journey but have many things to learn.
Hi Soph, I started over at 29 and became a Data Analyst by my 30th birthday. All self taught. I'm wishing you the best of luck. Be delusional about it. Believe you are already a Data Scientist, and everything else fits. Work on projects. You've got this girl, I'm rooting for you.
You are the sweetest 🥺 Thank you
Hello @Mhiz, if you don't mind me asking you, what did you do to become a data analyst? What was your path? I say that because I'm currently a high school math teacher looking to transition into data analytics. I have a STEM degree, and I am finishing up a Coursera certificate program called, *"Google Professional Data Analytics Certificate"* and I'm also starting and planning on finishing a certification for Microsoft's Power BI Data Analyst Certification as well. In your opinion, do you believe my background and certifications should be sufficient to land me a entry-level role as a data analyst? Thanks for the insight!
I'm 28 turning 29 next month, finished my boot camp 2 months ago, I don't have any degree bi I have done some personal projects, sometimes I feel drained and left out, what advice can you give pls
hi
HI , same journey. Currently learning dl . Applying for jobs now . Lets see
That’s where I am at right now. I can’t believe I came across this video. Who else is studying for data science? Let’s make a study group!
I'm there right now. . I'm in for the group
Im in as well^
Definitely I’m in my master program for computational science, hopefully to land a role in data science. Let make a group.. I’m down.
I would like to join too guys
Would love to join also
i am 48 from egypt i am computer engineer and started as Ai developer , since 2 years i studied too hard, and finally i started to do my projects also i started my MSC,
.... go forword, we live to spend what we have, and get what we want, .... go ahead ...you is great
Ngl I definitely had similar thoughts for starting "late" relative to my peers - I started med school at 28 and will be in my late 30s by the time I get to make a "real" salary. Graduated college in 2016. No spouse or kids yet either, so there's *that* pressure too! But the prevailing thought for those of us in this long career who are older than the average is that, you're going to be X age anyways, why not be that age while doing or becoming something you want to become? Everything else will find a way to make way for it.
I had over 10 years in supply chain in the US and 3 years in demand planning. Finishing up a data analytics bootcamp. Over 40 yo and think anything is possible.
I’m 31 and I’m doing my degree in economics (second year) and also I’m doing data science on the side(self taught and it’s been 2 years) I’m busy with my projects now and honestly I’m going to get a job in data science before the year of 2024 ends
We’ve got this 💪🏾
I started over at 30, I was a salesman, became a full time software developer at 31 after studying for 10 months. It's really hard, but you got this!
I'm an Electrical Maintenance Engineer and decided to pivot last year at 34. Still on the journey. It's a slow journey but if you really take your time to learn the little stuff, you should be alright.
Wow so happy I stumbled upon this. Python is def as important as SQL too. Do not be so hard on yourself rn because the job market is not the best. I am wishing you all the best and rooting for you! 🤗
Excited for your journey! I’m a data analyst trying to transition to data scientist, and I also turned 30 this year! Got some life things going on so it might be better for me to interview next year, but I was going to give interviewing a shot later this summer just to test the waters!
hello fellow 30yo! just wanted to tell you to start early interviewing, im an experienced 5yoe DS and even then its rough for me, im actually having thoughts of transition to data engineering 😂
Having an MBA will make you a better data scientist. You’ll have a better understanding of business problems and how to communicate with stakeholder. I’m a year into a competitive masters in data science program and have a year left. Good luck on your journey
And for some positions I’ve even seen employers requiring a PHD. I think folks might be meshing data analytics and data science up together. In my experience data science typically requires a graduate degree, but on the other hand data analytics doesn’t necessarily even require a degree.
Best of luck to you on your journey! I want to be a data scientist as well. Just started my first role as a data analyst
Subbed. Wishing you well on getting that Data Scientist goal. I am in IT myself but on the desktop support side and am making way more money than I thought possible doing it and now am trying to transistion to Sysadmin or Cloud support so I know the "over 30" pivot struggle. Self study is a whole discipline in itself.
from searching I’ve found the data scientist positions are more mid-senior level roles.
Lot easier to switch from analyst to data scientist within a company, unless you already have years of experience with as a DS.
but there are exceptions, keep up the great work 🙌
I'm 25 and I'm in the same boat. I plan on becoming a data scientist, at least for this decade of my life. I'm not going to pay outrageous fees for more years of study, much less a bootcamp that is just as expensive as a regular degree. I just finished my bachelor's degree for crying out loud. If I'm going to be 26 next year, I might as well pass the time working on things that are for my good.
Keep it up, and keep studying. I just subscribed to your channel. Let's do our best to get our goals completed!
Hello Soph, thanks for shaing your story. I am 30 now and I am also looking to change my career in to data science. I am wishing you best of luck for your journey. Really hope that you make it big in to data science field.
I’m in the exact same boat. I found out I enjoy the thought process that goes into deciphering data than I do with negotiating customer margins. The courses on Coursera definitely helped me understand data science a bit more, I at least feel comfortable enough to work on projects, but I’ve only scratched the surface. Good luck to you. I’m subscribing to learn a few things myself lol.
7:26 she tell the truth bout why we all start new position " Money " that that's good thing instead of bluffing about instead i like that that's why i join and all
Go for your dream it’s never too late to start love the mentality of you!!
i started over at 31 end of the year and switch from game to IT/tech. It took me 7months to finally land a job. And even then i wasn't able to land the role i want. The high paying tech roles entry barrier is really very hard to get in...and i even went for a transition program..
So happy for you that you successfully made the jump!
@@SophZhang i hope to hear from yours soon!
I took the long road. Started a new bachelor related to data science. Coming from tourism
Time flies! I've also taken the long road in my life, but when it's over it's just over. You don't feel any different. You will just have gotten what you wanted and that's it. I mean this in a good way. Like you will feel great regardless of how long it took
@@derickd6150 but it does feel nice to have a degree to prove your hardwork. And here in europe, german degrees are highly recognised anyway, so that's a big plus
Wow!!! Love that i got this video rn. I’m 24 and currently heading for a masters, definitely will be learning with you!!
lol, I'm 34 and I'm doing it. I've been working in finance and the risk management arena, but it's time. I'm starting off with python and the advanced mathematics portions.
I’m curious to know if money is your motivation to switch to data science since finance pays pretty well?
Took a 3.5 year break for health reasons. Just starting back a few months ago, it’s been rough, but things are picking up. The industry does not like extended breaks…. People are not empathetic or understanding .
I am starting at 45. So all of you are OK 😂
Currently I’m a Senior Data Analyst in federal government for the last 10 years and I’m looking to pivot into a Data Scientist position and I’m 38 What I’m doing now is looking at my transferable skills such as communication, data analysis, research skills, statistics, SQL, and Python. And go from there. I have a Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance with a minor in Economics, and I have MBA. For practice I’m using, Leetcode, and DataCamp to learn Machine Learning and Generative AI. So I’m right there with you, and I definitely want a change and I think the Data Scientist position is worth working towards.
Randomly stumbled across this vid as someone who got into data sciencey position a bit later in life (at 27). One thing I noticed was you didn't think Python was important, I would say it is more important than SQL for a data scientist position in my opinion (you'll probably be spending a lot more time with Python for analysis, modelling etc. and SQL is more for just for aggregating, collecting, cleaning data). Although it probably varies depending on the exact company. Anyways good luck on your applications!
Thank you for the insight! Would you mind sharing what genre of DS you are in? Is it more ML type roles? I'm curious. No worries if you don't feel comfortable sharing ☺
@@SophZhang No worries, my role is a quantitative analyst (not in finance though), which is pretty similar but leans a bit more into maths and stats than DS typically.
Shatter The Glass Ceiling Everyday!
You're and We're all Destined For Greatness! 💯
Good Luck on your Journey!!! From one tall girl to another!
Wow! Perfect😊I just started to become a software developer. On Thursday I have a technical interview at my favourite company.
Best of luck to you!!! Go get em!!!💪💪💪
Thank you so much:)
All engineering and data roles right now to a hit. You just need that one company that you align with and the role fits what your current skills are.
I am going through the same thing right now. At the age of 36, and trying to get a better paid job in tech, and realizing this area is quite competitive now.
Me being a software developer from past 7 years now at the age of 32, I've started learning data science. let me see what comes ahead 😊
Just what I needed to see. I’m not 30 yet but also trying to break into data science space🤞🏼
I'm a PhD student in computational and applied mathematics, aiming to become a data researcher/scientist. Looks like we'll be entering the field around the same time, but likely focusing on different tiers of data science.
You just need python and you're already good to go.
@@MyWatermelonz That's a tremendous oversimplification.
Hi Soph, I rarely drop a comment on RUclips but since I have similar path with u let me drop a comment :). I have a bachelor in IE and MBA as well and was born in Cali as a Chinese descent. Now in my 40's I decided to change my career from supply chain to data science. Wishing u luck and the best for the next.
Wow the similarities. What are the chances! Best of luck to you too!
I am 30 and would like to start it from today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Wishing you luck on your journey!
You can try World Quant Uni's Applied Data Science....Really beginner friendly
Hi soph, I'm transitioning from supply chain to data science who's above 30. . Man these algorithms know it all.
At the end of the day, the only data that will be used is the data that pushes the company product or what makes the most money for the business.
At least you will get paid more in the new job. But you will still find the same behavior from managers / VPs.
Life is full of challenges
I am also a data analyst at a ed tech company, I feel like most of the time my analysis did not help much to the business, and I do not like sitting around and do analysis stuff. One day, I really want to switch to a technical side.
Hi same journey , age of 29 . But i was an upsc aspirant. All the best.
same as you, i am also switching my career in data field (ML/AI engineer)
to be fair julia fei is looking for senior roles better than her spotify role! dont be discouraged!
thank you 🤗
Hi
I don’t think that changing from data analyst to data science would solve the problem of data-driven decisions.
this 100% - if anything machine learning is a much harder of a use-case for most businesses to actually implement value and make decisions on. it's hard enough for the basic analytics. I work in a team of DE's, AE's, + DAs who do ML/BI, and even with our mature team, the business is still learning how to extract value/make decisions from "basic" analysis.
However, maybe being a product DS might not be the same experience!
What are you studying? Are you taking a course
No courses - just learning the material I mentioned in the video 🤓
I am afraid to say that being a data scientist is not much different from data analyst, you are likely to face the same kind of job dissatisfaction
Link to join discord please.
Are you still working full time during this? Very impressive either way
Yes I am. It's definitely difficult but I'm managing to the best of my ability ☺️
Really nice video! I am sure that you gonna land in a job soon😊
Root for you!
💯
I have some sort of bad news for you. Data Science is not really a junior career and often expects prior work as a data analyst or software engineer. On top of that, the market for these jobs is really bad, so you'll be competing against people with prior experience, CS degrees, and master's degrees.
I have my eyes set on Data Science or ML/MLOps as well, with a CS degree, a masters in CS that I'm working on, and prior experience in software engineering/a data science internship. I've sent close to 400 applications now and while I've heard back from some ML jobs, I haven't heard back from any data science gigs. Location could impact these results a lot, so that's something to keep in mind.
My advice to you: keep at it, and don't give up, but don't be afraid to pivot to something else in the meantime. A data analyst job could be more realistic for right now. I would also suggest getting a Master of CS. With your prior experience, and a masters in CS you will be a lot more competitive for these jobs.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! Best of luck 🫶
@@SophZhang Likewise! These videos will probably do you well.
Sorry for not being more optimistic. The job search has honestly been so rough. I'm someone who worked really hard in school and I've continued that trend. It doesn't feel like anything is enough for employers in today's market :/
I am 33, and someone called me old 😂
Hahaha at 5:45 the edit😂
Declare me a hater if you wish, but data science was a bubble that already bursted.
Do you think all the data we have now will stop getting bigger?
I was thinking the same. But, I’m sure there are some niches that can still be filled. She should do it, if it’s interesting to her.
@@secretnobody6460 It will likely continue to grow in size, but with that has come more efficient processes for handling that data. Some functions of data analysts from ten to twenty years ago have been automated with machine learning tools today.
Another big thing is that the era of Big Data has died down since it's inception in the early 2010s, when all the big corporations would flaunt about how they could collect and use large amounts of data to improve their businesses. This will likely lead to decreased hired over the next few decades.
I think you might be right, but we’ll just have to see how it plays out.
Hater
i've found stratascratch to be really good for sql and not leetcode. some of SS' product questions are good too
Thank you for this! I've not heard of stratascratch until your comment. LOVE that it says which company asked what questions FOR FREE 🥰