From PhD to Data Analyst
Story Edison, a Senior Data Analyst at PYMNTS, shares how she went from a PhD in Sociology & Criminology to a fulfilling career in data analysis.
PhD Paths Profiles is a free newsletter that shares inspiring stories and helpful advice from PhD graduates who have successfully transitioned out of academia into thriving non-academic careers.
👔 The Job 👔
Story Edison works as a Senior Data Analyst at PYMNTS (a media company), where she serves as the product owner for all client projects that use original market research data. She manages a team of 4-7 analysts and writers, overseeing data quality from instrument construction to report publication. Story is also responsible for crafting the overall narrative of each publication and selecting data that is most compelling for clients and readers.
Best parts of the job:
Creative Analysis: "I get to be very creative in the analysis I do. If you have a study idea that would make for a catchy headline, it's easy to get funding for a nationally-representative sample, which is a lot of fun for someone curious like me."
Team Leadership: Leading a diverse team and ensuring high-quality data collection and reporting.
🛣️ The Path 🛣️
Story discovered her role at PYMNTS through LinkedIn. Her journey reflects a shift from academia to the media industry, where she applies her research and analytical skills in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Key steps in her career journey:
PhD Graduate ➡️ Senior Data Analyst
Story emphasizes the importance of creativity in her role and how she leverages her PhD skills in a unique setting.
🧠 The Decision 🧠
Story chose to leave academia after realizing the financial benefits of non-academic careers. She also did not enjoy the "publish or perish" pressures of her field.
💡 The Advice 💡
Reframe Your Skills: "You have more skills than you think. Reword your skills in the language of the job posting. For example, probit models and logistic regression are the same thing."
Network on LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn as a social platform to build connections, not just a job board. Casual connections can lead to career opportunities.
Trust Your Path: Don’t worry if your advisor doesn’t support your decision to leave academia. Do what’s best for you, not what others think you should do.
RESOURCES:
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