The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Junior Data Analyst / BI Developer
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Strong SQL querying, dashboard building (Power BI/Tableau), basic data cleaning, and stakeholder communication. You'd have been focused on getting the data right and presenting it clearly.
You're ready to move on when
- You're independently building complex dashboards that are widely used.
- You're the 'go-to' person for tricky data extraction requests.
- You've started to identify data quality issues and propose solutions, not just report on them.
- 2
EHS Coordinator / Specialist with a Data Lean
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of EHS regulations and operational safety, coupled with a growing interest in data analysis. You'd have been exposed to EHS platforms and seen the potential of data first-hand.
You're ready to move on when
- You're proactively looking for ways to use data to improve EHS processes.
- You've picked up some basic SQL or Excel VBA skills to automate your own reports.
- You're consistently asking 'how can we measure that?' in EHS meetings.
- 3
Graduate Data Scientist / Statistician
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Strong statistical modelling, Python/R programming, machine learning fundamentals, and data visualisation. You'd have a solid theoretical background and some practical project experience.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully built and validated predictive models in academic or project settings.
- You're comfortable with advanced statistical concepts and their application.
- You're keen to apply your advanced analytical skills to real-world, impactful problems like safety.