In February of 2022, I decided to learn data analytics for fun. I created a Tik Tok account, and started documenting my journey to learn this new hobby (@anniesanalytics). Very soon, I realized that every day I was waking up and just wanting to write SQL, build visualizations, learn Python.... Work with data! So, I decided that once I finished graduate school (in Healthcare) in July, I was going to become a data analyst. Along the way, I have shared here and on Tik Tok everything I can about what it's like to learn data analytics, and how you can do it for free or at least very cheaply. I've shared about the ups and downs of job searching. I've even shared about how I have built a portfolio, and set myself up as a real analyst. Now that I am officially a data analyst, I am going to continue sharing my story and journey, and any tips I come across as I go along! I believe that if I can teach myself a whole new career that it turns out I adore, everyone else should be able to as well. Want to see my Portfolio? It includes projects I have completed in each of the above skill sets. https://anniesanalytics.wixsite.com/annie-nelson/projects-6 My background in Occupational Therapy (MS), Psychology (BS), and Leadership and mentoring has given me insights into working with people and understanding how to ask the right questions. This has been an essential part of my success and journey so far. I am also the founder of Aspiring Data Analysts LinkedIn Group and Discord with > 1000 members working together to develop analytics skills. If you are new to analytics and would like to join a community of people who are on the same path as you; or you are a seasoned veteran in data and would like to give back to others at the start of their journeys, you can join the channel here: https://discord.gg/T6QA9v4nBD Or the LinkedIn group here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12635532