My Story of Changing Careers

Hello everyone! I wanted to take a moment to share my journey of career transformation — a story that spans continents, career fields, and life-changing decisions.

From Accounting to Economics: A New Passion

Growing up in India, I always had a love for numbers. That passion guided me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting, a field that felt natural to me. However, during my studies, I found myself gravitating towards Economics, a subject that intrigued me with its blend of logic, analysis, and the ability to understand larger societal patterns.

This realization prompted me to shift my focus from accounting to economics, marking the first big decision in my career journey. It was during this time that I also began dreaming of studying in the United States, where I believed I could gain exposure to world-class education and unparalleled opportunities.

A New Chapter at California State University, Sacramento

In 2018, I transferred to California State University, Sacramento, to pursue a B.A. in Economics. This decision was both exciting and daunting. As an Indian student, leaving home and adapting to a completely new environment in the U.S. came with its share of challenges — cultural shifts, academic rigor, and learning to navigate life independently.

Studying at Sacramento State was a truly beautiful experience. The campus was vibrant, the professors were incredibly supportive, and the Economics program offered a perfect mix of theoretical and practical learning. It was here that I discovered my passion for data analytics, as the coursework allowed me to explore tools like Python, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, blending my love for numbers with the ability to extract insights and solve real-world problems.

First Steps in the Professional World

In 2021, I landed a year-long internship with SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) as a Finance Intern. SMUD is a community-based utility company in Sacramento, and this opportunity gave me invaluable hands-on experience. I worked with financial datasets, explored business objectives, and used tools that pushed my learning to new heights.

After completing my internship, I graduated in 2022, ready to take on new challenges. I started working as a Budget Analyst at MEAG Power in Atlanta. Although I was there for only seven months, it was a period of immense learning and growth. Soon after, I joined FullSpeed Automotive in Colorado as a Financial Analyst Intern, where I applied my skills to contribute to the company’s financial strategies.

Discovering My True Calling: Data Analytics

While my internships in finance gave me a solid foundation, it was during my time as a Business Data Analyst Intern at Iconic Infosys that I discovered the path I truly wanted to pursue. At Iconic Infosys, I learned how to:

• Automate workflows to improve efficiency.

• Work with cloud computing tools to manage and analyze large datasets.

• Apply my financial background to solve complex business problems from a data-driven perspective.

This experience solidified my desire to delve deeper into the field of data analytics, and I made the bold decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Data Analytics at Westcliff University.

A New Journey at Westcliff University

Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s at Westcliff University, and I must say, it has been an incredible experience. The Data Analytics program is designed to provide in-depth learning with practical applications. The professors are outstanding, always approachable and willing to guide us through complex topics. I’ve been particularly inspired by their stories and the impactful research work they’ve done, which has motivated me to explore new areas in data analytics and machine learning.

The knowledge and skills I am gaining here are helping me prepare for my future career as a Data Analyst and, eventually, a Data Scientist. I am diving deeper into machine learning techniques and algorithms, which are opening up new possibilities for solving real-world business problems.

Challenges of Being an International Student

Being an international student in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster. The challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating visa requirements, and living thousands of miles away from home during uncertain times were often overwhelming. The job market, especially for students like me, is incredibly competitive, and balancing academics, work, and life isn’t always easy.

But through these struggles, I’ve gained resilience. I’ve learned to rely on my community, stay focused on my goals, and take pride in the small victories along the way.

Learning Together

As I continue on this journey, I am excited about the possibilities ahead. I want to share my learning experience with others who are just starting or considering a similar path. If you’re interested in exploring the world of machine learning and data analytics from the ground up, let’s learn together!

Giving Back

This journey has shaped me in ways I never imagined, and I’m deeply grateful to the mentors, peers, and communities who have supported me. I believe in paying it forward. If sharing my story can inspire someone or help others navigate similar challenges, I’m more than happy to do so.

To anyone who is considering a career change, embarking on international studies, or simply navigating life’s uncertainties, remember that growth often lies in the hardest paths. Stay curious, stay resilient, and keep learning.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Let’s continue to support and inspire each other in this journey of growth and discovery!