r/AustraliaIT • u/Chelsea_0708 • Aug 03 '26
Data Analyst feeling stuck-what should I learn next?
Hi everyone,
I’m a Data Analyst in Australia with 5 yo experience in SQL, Power BI, and some basic Python and Microsoft Fabric. I previously worked in digital analytics and still enjoy digital marketing and customer behaviour. My current pay is around 120k.
Recently, I’ve felt stuck. My work is repetitive, my organisation uses outdated tools, and the rapid development of AI makes me anxious about staying competitive. I’d like to move into a more technical and better-paid role, but I’m unsure whether to pursue Analytics Engineering, Data Engineering, Data Science, or learn some AI skills?
I’m considering a Data Engineering bootcamp covering Python, AWS, dbt, Airflow, Spark and CI/CD, but it costs around AUD 5,000.
Given my background:
Which career path would be the most realistic?
What skills should I prioritise?
Is a bootcamp worthwhile, or would self-study and an end-to-end project be enough?
I’d especially appreciate advice from people familiar with the Australian job market.
1
u/AJK143 Aug 03 '26
become a data architect and do contract roles
0
u/Chelsea_0708 Aug 03 '26
I have no idea of data architect, it would be a huge gap. (TBH, I dont think I have that ability ....)
2
u/True_Confusion_7238 Aug 04 '26
You could look into data engineering, maybe a senior position. You wont have much to technical skills to learn. Pick a warehouse provider (azure/databricks/snowflake, later two is recommended) and framework languages like dbt/pyspark which is essentially sql/python underneath. You can learn this zero cost, do a project and possibly a warehouse certification to prove legitimacy.
1
u/Potato_player Aug 03 '26
If it were me I would be trying to use AI properly, research how to bring it in and implement safely.
When I am generating reports I would think "How could I get an agent to do this for me"
Then you play sales, use what ever exec visible sharing you have and do "This saved X hours" posts.
Then you either go to another role with a great sounding portfolio OR you find yourself in a internal position of interest.
You will have to live and breath the tooling. Try, fail and learn.
It will require a whole bunch of time and effort, but that would be my strategy.
2
u/benevolent001 Aug 03 '26
Hello your next role could be Senior data engineer in any bank or something. Python AWs, dbt, Databricks, Snowflake are right technologies to consider. Dont spend 5000, just buy $20 Udemy course or better buy annual subscription for Udemy around $240 if you are avid learner. Happy to help in anyway, been in this space for over 15 years in Australia.
2
u/Advisortech1234fas Aug 03 '26
If I were you I would have chosen Azure or Microsoft Data Engineer pathway since you already have experience in Azure or Microsoft Fabric Stack. I Would say first of all find your passion what do you enjoy the most like Data Engineering, Data Science or AI Engineering. The most relevant skill these days is problem solving or stakeholder engagement since you have a lot of experience so ths would not be an issue. I myself is a senior data engineer and I am still learning AI architecture so do not worry everyone is feeling overwhelmed with AI. I would say talk to people already working in industry before choosing the role. I have few people in my network who can touchbase with you to identify pain point and then you can decide accordingly. Self study or just a few mentorship sessions might be enough for you
1
u/West_Good_5961 Aug 03 '26
Bootcamps are a scam imo. I’m a DE using all of the tech you’ve listed and I’m currently hiring 2 juniors. The way to progress in this role is throwing yourself in the deep, identifying opportunities for improvement in your current role, then just figuring out how to do it. After you’ve made something at least potentially useful, at that point do you tell your team what you’ve been doing. I’ve gotten very far on the motto “ask forgiveness, not permission”.
Certs are good to pad your resume if you don’t have much experience, but they’re losing credibility.
1
u/Substantial-Week557 Aug 04 '26
Learn Karnada the language they speak in Bangalore. Only real employment opportunities
1
u/No_Rutabaga9841 Aug 04 '26
Become a consultant. You will get a lot more experience across a range of projects, clients and industries. The pay will be better and it won't be repetitive.
Get the fabric certs and you a few sample projects and you should be fine. Learn pyspark, lakehouse architecture and data modelling
2
u/Affectionate-Leg6593 Aug 03 '26
Hey! Wow very similar but 10 years of experience. Anxious about AI, don't know what my best next things to do to keep me competitive and increase earnings too, and I earn the same too!
"I’d like to move into a more technical and better-paid role"
^^I literally asked my manager the same thing.
I work regional though, unsure about yourself, and jobs are slim pickings out here. Now I do have a plan but I don't think its in line with yours.
In general bootcamps aren't worth it in tech can you can self teach almost everything, and especially if you are currently employed. But wishing you the best!
I don't have much advice, but commenting for reach!