From Neuroscience to Data Analytics
Celebrating one year of career transition
More than a month ago, congratulations poured in from LinkedIn and the multiple work group chats. I made it through my first year!
This milestone felt much more special than my first job, where many years of education training has prepared and qualified me for the role. Nothing prepared me for this — office politics, unlearning habits acquired from a toxic manager, and even technical skills.
In the midst of adapting to a new career and ramping up my technical skills, the pandemic hit. 80 hours work week came to a halt and I was left to my own device. A change in resourcing also placed me in a higher work function, increased client interaction & management and multiple projects. My learning curve became exponential, technical and soft skills, and my work speed increased.
I learnt a few things in this very memorable year (2020!):
Make friends at work
In my first year of my research role in Singapore, I received complains about causing my colleagues to feel awkward aka greeting everyone in the morning. Over the years, I have shared too much about myself and then shared too little because my previous workplace was toxic. 3 months into my new role, the world shut down. I no longer see my colleagues except on zoom calls. I was one of the lucky few who managed to make some friends before I don’t get to see anyone. In the a new world that we will not see our co-workers, I made it a point to be casual and have a chat with anyone new, and hopefully make my workplace a better place.
Manage your imposter syndrome
If anything helps, I have been chanting to myself “fake it till you make it” in my head for the past year.
Recognize your transferable skills
Experience always count, even when corporate does not always appreciate academia experience. In my undergraduate years in Australia, I was taught ways of storytelling and presentation that the world in Singapore was still catching up to. I bring the same concept and eye for details throughout my career in academia and into consulting. My role now require a lot of data story telling but that is a whole journey on its own! My PowerPoint skills have been something that I am proud of and have continuously find ways to improve. These skills have helped me to be highly visible to my managers and opened up opportunities.
Always have alcohol!
What more do I need to say about this!
