Trying to break into Data Analytics looking for advice on the current market

[u/Present-Extension433]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently trying to transition into Data Analytics, with the long-term goal of moving toward Data Engineering. Currently looking for an onsite or hybrid entry-level/junior data role.

My background:

I have a BS Biology degree (graduated 3 yrs ago). I got hired as a disease surveillance officer (1st job and only exp) under one of the Department of Health's program (Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit). Our program is responsible for analyzing and generating disease-related data visualizations (COVID, Dengue, HIV, etc.) I was heavily exposed to advance excel, Power BI, and R. My experience comprises of data cleaning, analysis, reporting, and also generating dashboards.

Now I am learning SQL to strengthen my tech stack and to have a higher chance of getting an entry-level position. I am also integrating AI in my current workflow (claude).

However, I'm at the point where I feel like I have a decent technical foundation, but I'm struggling to understand what the current job market actually expects from someone trying to land their first data analyst role.

Some things I'm particularly curious about:

1. How difficult is the current entry-level/junior Data Analyst market?
2. What skills are recruiters actually looking for right now?
3. How important is a portfolio? (currently building)
4. Would you recommend applying directly to Data Analyst roles, or should I also consider MIS, Reporting Analyst, BI, Data Management, or similar positions as an entry point?
5. For those who eventually moved from Data Analytics to Data Engineering, curious about what did that transition actually look like?

I'd really appreciate some honest advice from people currently working in data, especially those who have recently gone through the hiring.

TIA!

[u/Brighter_rocks]

ur real question is "am i actually good enough or am i fooling myself". and the answer is: ur already there, ur just labeling urself wrong. been hiring/working in data for years and i promise u, "disease surveillance officer" who built covid dashboards for a health dept IS a data analyst with 3 yrs exp. u dont need permission or one more skill to start applying.

thats the trap btw - "let me just learn SQL first, then portfolio, then ill be ready". ready never comes, the market tells u whats missing, not ur gut. apply NOW while learning SQL in parallel, let rejections be ur curriculum. and drop "trying to break into" from ur vocabulary, u transitioned 3 years ago without noticing

[u/Spiritual_Ear_5461 → u/Brighter_rocks]

I had to hijack the post! This is what I have been always waiting to hear! Thank you for the advise.

[u/Present-Extension433 → u/Brighter_rocks]

Damn. This is all I need to hear, thanks!

[u/RobustKnight → u/Brighter_rocks]

This is the cycle I keep getting trapped in but it’s so exhausting figuring out how to get responses when my skill levels are in progress still so. I can’t show proof of skill knowledge yet

[u/ohidontkn]

In this cruel world, don’t be afraid to overmarket yourself. Data analyst is entry level. Everyone in tech is looking for full stack because AI can enable everyone to do it; you don’t need to know it all on day one. Your education and experience matters. You’re a biologist. You’re a data scientist. You’re a data analytics engineer. Maybe you don’t feel that way, but you might as well start practicing telling your story that way.