#118: From Teacher to Business Intelligence with Jim Long

<p>What if your next career could combine problem-solving, data, creativity, and the communication skills you already developed as a teacher?</p><p>In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Megan Johnson talks with former middle and high school math teacher Jim about his transition from 14 years in the classroom to a career in business intelligence and data analytics. </p><p>Jim shares how he discovered the field, taught himself the technical skills he needed, built a portfolio, and ultimately landed a data analyst role before advancing into business intelligence development.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>What data analysts and business intelligence developers actually do</li><li>Which job titles to search for when exploring careers in data analytics</li><li>Which technical skills are most important for getting started</li><li>How Jim used Coursera, DataCamp, SQL, Excel, and Tableau to upskill</li><li>Why you don’t necessarily need another degree to become a data analyst</li><li>How to build a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to employers</li><li>Which transferable teaching skills can give you an advantage in data-focused roles</li><li>What Jim’s four-round interview process looked like—and how his presentation skills helped him stand out</li><li>Why staying within the education industry can give transitioning teachers an advantage</li><li>How career growth and earning potential can change after leaving the classroom</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>If you enjoy problem-solving, working with information, finding patterns, and explaining complex ideas in a way others can understand, data analytics may be a career path worth exploring. </p><p>Jim’s story is also an important reminder that you don’t have to already possess every skill—or have the “perfect” degree—to begin building toward something new.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Links from Episode:</strong><br /><strong>» Join my Free Masterclass:</strong> <a href="https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/masterclass-registration" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey.</a><br /><strong>» Keep Learning With Me: </strong><a href="https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/home3" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy</a><br /><strong>» Join our FB Group: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnworld/?mibextid=oMANbw" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A thriving community of support and resources.</a><br /><strong>» Download the Career Directory:</strong> <a href="http://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/directory" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Discover over 200+ alternative careers.</a><br /><strong>» “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast”</strong> If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career.<strong> </strong><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-classroom/id1741667553" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Click here</a><strong>, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”.</strong><br />» Also, if you haven’t done so already,<strong> follow the podcast.</strong> I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-classroom/id1741667553" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Follow now</a><strong>!</strong></p>