Career Clarity — Data, Analytics & AI with Saumik Barua

Target audience: Students, fresh graduates and career switchers.

Navigate Your Career in Data, Analytics & AI — 1:1 Mentorship

15 years of industry experience | Data & Insights | Digital Analytics | Business Intelligence | Data Strategy | Product Ownership

Are you looking to build a career in data, analytics, or AI but unsure where to start, which skills to develop, or how to take your career to the next level?

I can help you navigate that journey.

With 15 years of professional experience across data science, digital analytics, business analytics and reporting, data strategy, and product ownership, I have experienced the evolution of the data industry from traditional reporting and descriptive analytics to data-driven business transformation.

Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of business, technology, and data—translating complex business problems into analytical solutions, driving digital growth, developing data capabilities, and leading teams to deliver measurable business outcomes.

My experience spans customer and marketing analytics, digital channel optimisation, business intelligence, data modelling, data governance, data strategy, and product management. I have also led cross-functional teams and collaborated with business stakeholders, technology teams, and data professionals to turn data into actionable insights.

Through my 1:1 mentorship sessions, I aim to help aspiring and early-career professionals understand the opportunities within this evolving landscape and make more informed decisions about their careers.

### How I Can Help You

1. Finding Your Career Path in Data & Analytics

Not sure whether to pursue data analytics, business intelligence, data science, digital analytics, data engineering, or data strategy? We can explore the different career paths, understand the skills each requires, and identify the options that best align with your interests and strengths.

2. Building a Practical Learning Roadmap

Confused by the overwhelming number of courses, tools, and certifications available? I can help you prioritise the skills worth developing, identify relevant learning resources, and create a structured roadmap aligned with your career goals.

3. Understanding How Data Works in the Corporate World

Learn how organisations use data to solve business problems, measure performance, understand customers, improve decision-making, and drive revenue growth. I can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical realities of working in a corporate data and analytics environment.

4. Growing from Analytics into Data Strategy & Leadership

For professionals already working in data, I can help you explore how to move beyond reporting and dashboard development towards business partnering, strategic problem-solving, data governance, product ownership, and leadership roles.

5. Exploring Digital Analytics & Business Intelligence

Understand how digital analytics, customer behaviour, marketing funnels, campaign effectiveness, business KPIs, and performance reporting come together to drive business decisions. We can also discuss how to develop stronger analytical thinking and communicate insights effectively to business stakeholders.

6. Navigating the AI & Analytics Transformation

Interested in AI but unsure how it fits into your existing data or analytics career? We can discuss the evolving data and AI landscape, identify relevant skills to develop, and explore potential career paths in AI-driven analytics, data products, and analytics transformation.

7. Career Planning, Interviews & Professional Growth

Whether you are preparing for your first analytics role, considering a career transition, or looking to move into a more strategic position, I can help you think through your options, articulate your experience, identify skill gaps, and develop a practical career action plan.

### Who Is This Mentorship For?

- Students and aspiring professionals looking to enter the data, analytics, and AI industry.

- Early-career professionals seeking clarity on which technical and business skills to develop.

- Working analysts looking to expand beyond reporting into business analytics, digital analytics, or data strategy.

- Experienced professionals considering a transition into product ownership, data leadership, or AI-driven transformation.

- Career switchers looking to understand how their existing skills and experience can translate into opportunities in the data ecosystem.

### What Can You Expect from a Session?

My approach is practical, candid, and tailored to your individual goals.

Rather than offering a generic career roadmap, I want to understand where you are today, where you want to go, and what might be holding you back. Together, we can identify potential paths, evaluate your options, and establish actionable next steps.

You will leave with greater clarity on your career direction, a better understanding of the skills and opportunities relevant to your goals, and concrete actions you can take to move forward.

My philosophy: A successful career in data is not built on tools alone. It comes from combining analytical thinking, technical understanding, business context, communication, and the ability to turn insights into impact.

If you are looking for an honest conversation with someone who has worked across multiple dimensions of the data and analytics ecosystem, I would be happy to help you navigate your next step.