Data Visualization Career Transition: Expert Advice

Are you someone who loves to work with data and dreams of transforming raw data into meaningful visuals? Then a career transition to data visualization might be perfect for you.

Understand the Field

Data visualization is a process that involves interpreting and communicating data through visual representations or custom graphics that help make complex data easier to understand. It is an important component in many organizations and industries since it serves as an effective way to present complex data analysis concisely to target audiences, such as executives, project managers and clients.

A successful data visualization professional must be knowledgeable in the latest data visualization tools, have superior analytical and interpretation skills, and be comfortable with coding languages, such as JavaScript and Python. Break down all the components of data visualization and research the available options, such as software tools, methods and data sources, to gain the necessary insight and understanding of the field.

Evaluate Your Skill Set

Before diving in head first, it’s important to evaluate your current skills and knowledge base. Make an important assessment on your current qualifications for data visualization and fill in the gaps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the skills needed to succeed.

Acquiring a good understanding and practical experience of the entire workflow, from raw data to completed data visualizations, is key. Having some knowledge of web development, web design and communication design is also beneficial. Have a good understanding of the basic coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and some data analysis software, such as R, SAS, Tableau and SPSS, helps offer a foundation in formulating data visualizations.

Don’t be Afraid to Get Creative

Many data visualization professionals experiment with different tools, techniques and skillsets to create innovative solutions and custom products. Learning creative coding concepts, like creative visuals, infographics and prototypes, can be an invaluable asset to a data visual professional.

Data visualization professionals can also stay ahead of trends in the industry by researching the current technologies and visualizations techniques used to solve data problems. This keeps you in touch with evolving industry standards and best practices, showing your initiative in the field and opening up more career opportunities.

Take Actionable Steps to Make the Transition

Take the following actionable steps to make this career transition happen:

• Take professional development classes to brush up on data visualization skills, such as data interpretation and analytics.
• Familiarize yourself with the different coding languages and software used to develop effective data visualizations.
• Create portfolio projects to show potential employers your breadth of data visualization experience.
• Find relevant job postings and apply to roles that play to your strengths.
• Be creative and build a personal brand to stand out from the crowd.
• Attend relevant networking events to acquire the right connections.
• Network with data visualization professionals to find potential mentors or advisors.

Conclusion

With the right tools, skills and attitude, making a successful career transition to data visualization is possible. Understand and gain experience in the field, as well as push yourself with creative projects and ideas that keep you ahead of the curve.