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
Senior L&D Performance Analyst (Internal Promotion)
Typically 3-5 years as a Senior AnalystSkills to master
- Mastering end-to-end project ownership, developing strong stakeholder influence, and demonstrating initial mentorship capabilities. You'll have built a reputation for reliable, impactful analysis.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led 5+ complex impact analysis projects independently.
- Consistently delivered actionable insights that led to programme changes or strategic decisions.
- Mentored at least two junior analysts on multiple projects, with positive feedback.
- Proactively identified and proposed new analytical approaches or tools for the team.
- 2
Lead Data Analyst / Data Scientist (from another domain)
Roughly 8-12 years in a data role, with a strong interest in people analytics.Skills to master
- Transferring advanced analytical and technical skills (SQL, Python, BI tools) to the L&D domain, quickly learning the nuances of learning data and the Kirkpatrick/Phillips models. You'll need to demonstrate a passion for people development.
You're ready to move on when
- A strong portfolio of complex analytical projects from previous roles.
- Demonstrable experience with experimental design and statistical modelling.
- Clear evidence of strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A genuine interest in learning and development, perhaps through personal projects or prior exposure to HR data.
- 3
Consultant (People Analytics / HR Tech)
Typically 5-8 years in a consulting role focused on HR or learning analytics.Skills to master
- Adapting consulting experience (client management, project delivery, strategic recommendations) to an in-house context. You'll need to demonstrate a deeper technical 'build' capability beyond just advising.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed and delivered multiple people analytics projects for various clients.
- Experience with different HRIS/LMS platforms and data structures.
- Strong ability to translate business problems into analytical questions and solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to build and implement analytical solutions, not just design them.