Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?
Every journey starts with a question.
This was the question that I was asking myself towards the end of my time in academia.
If you’re a teacher, lecturer or researcher who’s asked yourself this, too, know that you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place. This blog is a space built for the curious, the driven, and the quietly bold professionals who are ready to explore what else is possible. Specifically, it’s for those who are eyeing a career in data, whether that’s analytics, engineering, science, or another path. Here’s why I created this — and why it matters.
Why I’m writing about the transition from Academia to Data
For many educators and academics, the leap into the data world can feel like going from the familiar structure of a classroom to the wide-open complexity of tech.
Yet there’s a powerful intersection between these two spaces:
- Educators are inherently analytical, constantly interpreting data to guide students.
- Academics are trained researchers skilled in pattern recognition, reporting, and inquiry.
- Both have to use varied communication styles depending on who they speak with.
This blog exists to demystify the shift, translate the language of tech and data into something accessible, and build a bridge between two worlds that are more connected than they appear.
I never wanted a career in data or tech. Heck, growing up, I wanted to be an astronaut! That childhood ambition guided much of my educational journey and things I got up to in my spare time (think skydiving, flying, and spending time in the middle of the Utah desert on a Mars simulation).
I was still on this path whilst doing my PhD. Once I finished, I was bang in the middle of the COVID pandemic, not knowing what I’d be able to do next. At the time, I took the straightforward option: continuing as a post-doctoral researcher.
Don’t get me wrong — I loved research and teaching! I was also good at it! I loved developing new knowledge and insights at the cutting edge and then distilling that knowledge for the next generation of Engineers. (For the curious, check out one of my public lectures here)
Things changed for me when my wife became pregnant, and I couldn’t bear the thought of continuing life on an uncertain path, one fixed-term postdoctoral position at a time, with the hope of converting to a tenured position one day.
I reflected on what I was good at, what I enjoyed doing, and most importantly, what was valued in the market. I then came across Technical Instruction, Corporate Training, and Data Coaching. It leveraged the wealth of expertise I had as a qualified teacher and lecturer, and combined that with the technical skills I developed as a professional research engineer.
The rest, as they say, is history.
What makes this transition so hard — and so worthwhile
Leaving academia isn’t just a career change. It’s an identity shift. You’ve built a name for yourself in a field that values expertise, credentials, and traditional markers of success. Suddenly, you’re a beginner again. It’s uncomfortable. It’s humbling.
But it’s also liberating.
You’re stepping into a fast-moving field where what you know is less important than how fast you learn. The opportunities are vast — from business intelligence to machine learning to public health — and the need for critical thinkers and communicators has never been greater.
If you’re here, it’s probably because:
- You crave better work-life balance
- You’re frustrated with your current role
- You want more growth and earning potential
- You are after something more secure and stable
- You’re curious about data but not sure where to begin
- You’ve seen others make the leap and wonder, “Could I do that too?”
Yes. You can. And I’m here to make that transition easier for you.
What This Blog Will Cover
This space is built to empower, not overwhelm. Expect practical, bite-sized guidance in areas like:
- Mindset shifts: How to think like a data professional
- Learning guides: What to focus on first (and what to ignore)
- Transferable skills: How your background in education or research sets you apart
- Career path breakdowns: What’s the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
- Real stories: From teachers and academics who’ve made the leap, including my own personal experiences
I want you to feel seen, supported, and equipped. Not with fluff, but with tools that make action possible.
My mission is to deliver high-quality, impactful technical upskilling to enable academics and teachers to transition successfully to a fulfilling career in data. Over time, I want to see more people making the leap and sharing their success stories to inspire others.
Final thoughts
This isn’t about abandoning who you are. It’s about expanding what’s possible.
Your teaching experience, research mindset, and communication skills are not things to be erased. They’re your superpowers. The key is learning how to reframe them and talk about them in a way that resonates in the data world.
I’m here to help you do that.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need to stay curious, stay open-minded, and take one step at a time.
Let’s make that step together.
Please sign up to stay informed about our exciting developments. You’ll also receive a free checklist to help those transitioning from academia to data.
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