Making a career change is never easy—especially when shifting from a humanities background to a technical field like data analytics. But for Matt Errington, a former historian turned data analyst, this leap became not only possible but successful—thanks to his dedication, curiosity, and the right kind of support from CareerFoundry.
In a recent live webinar hosted by CareerFoundry, Matt shared his inspiring journey from studying history to leading analytics initiatives in global organizations. His story is proof that with the right mindset and a solid learning path, anyone can transition into tech—even from a completely unrelated field.
Why Data Analytics?
Matt’s journey began with a deep interest in storytelling and information. After studying history in graduate school, he worked for over 10 years in retail management, HR, and marketing. What connected all those roles? Data.
“I was constantly working with sales numbers, hiring metrics, and conversion rates,” Matt shared. “Even if I didn’t understand the terms like linear regression or data modeling, I was already relying on data to make decisions.”
When COVID-19 hit, Matt was furloughed from his job. Instead of waiting for uncertainty to pass, he decided to take control of his future and upskill. That’s when he discovered CareerFoundry and their Data Analytics Program.
A Flexible Path to Tech
What made CareerFoundry stand out to Matt was the unique structure of the program—offering both a dedicated mentor and a tutor, personalized feedback, and a job guarantee.
“Many other programs I researched only offered one or the other. CareerFoundry gave me both—and that made all the difference,” he said.
The self-paced program allowed Matt to continue working full-time while studying. He committed to two hours every morning before work, consistently progressing through the curriculum.
“I was able to learn at my own pace, and whenever I hit a wall, I had someone to help me through it. That support was invaluable.”
From History Major to Data Storyteller
At first glance, a degree in history may seem like the furthest thing from data analytics. But as Matt pointed out, the ability to tell a compelling story from raw information is at the core of both disciplines.
“In grad school, I’d read hundreds of pages and ask myself, ‘Why does this matter?’ That’s the same question we ask in data analytics,” he explained. “You can have all the data in the world, but if you can’t explain why it matters, it won’t have an impact.”
Matt’s strong communication and storytelling skills—honed through academic writing—proved to be critical in his data role. He emphasized that communication, curiosity, and empathy are as important as technical know-how in this field.
Yes, You Can Transition Without a Tech Background
One of the most common myths about data analytics is that you need a math or computer science degree to succeed. Matt debunked this clearly.
“You don’t need to be a mathematician—you need to be curious. You need to be willing to ask questions, understand problems, and learn continuously.”
He began by exploring different tech career paths, even starting UX design before switching to data. He researched online, took free coding courses, and eventually found his match in data analytics. CareerFoundry’s Introduction to Data Analytics Course helped him validate his interest before diving deeper.
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Matt’s honesty about self-doubt resonated with many viewers. He admitted to feeling like an impostor in his first data role—especially with the job title “Manager of Advanced Analytics.”
“I had colleagues who were pharmacists, marketers, even former teachers. We all brought something different—and that’s what made our team stronger.”
He emphasized that continuous learning is part of the job. “Technology evolves fast. You’ll always be learning, and that’s a good thing.”
Technical Skills That Matter
So what do aspiring data analysts actually need to learn? Matt highlighted three key technical skills:
- SQL – “You’ll use this every day. I didn’t love it at first, but it’s critical. If you only learn one language, make it SQL.”
- Excel – Still widely used, especially for fast data crunching.
- Tableau – A powerful data visualization tool that helps communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders.
He also mentioned Python and web scraping, which he used to build a personal portfolio project analyzing hotel prices in France. That project impressed hiring managers—not just for the tech, but for the personal passion it showcased.
“Your portfolio should reflect who you are. It’s a great way to stand out and start conversations in interviews.”
How CareerFoundry Helped Matt Land His First Role
Matt’s job search took time—especially since he aimed for a mid-level role. But CareerFoundry’s Career Services Team guided him through every step, from refining his resume to preparing for technical interviews.
Eventually, a recruiter reached out to him for a role that aligned perfectly with his goals. Though the interview process was tough—including live SQL coding tests—he was ready.
“CareerFoundry gave me the confidence and the skills to perform in those interviews—and in the job itself.”
A Day in the Life of a Data Analyst
In his first data role, Matt’s daily tasks were a mix of:
- SQL coding (~20%)
- Dashboard creation in Tableau (~20%)
- Stakeholder meetings and communication (~60%)
It wasn’t just about numbers. Much of his work involved translating data insights into meaningful business decisions—a skill honed through his history and marketing background.
Final Advice: Stay Curious, Keep Learning
When asked what makes data analytics rewarding, Matt said:
“You get to solve real problems every day. You help businesses make better decisions. And that’s incredibly satisfying.”
His advice to aspiring data analysts?
- Stay curious and ask questions constantly.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of communication.
- Build a portfolio that reflects your interests.
- Learn SQL really, really well.
- Lean into your background—your unique experience is your strength.
FAQ: Transitioning to a Career in Data Analytics
1. Do I need a technical background to become a data analyst?
No! As Matt Errington’s story shows, you don’t need a background in math, programming, or tech to start a data analytics career. Skills like curiosity, communication, and problem-solving are just as important—and can be learned through the right training program.
2. What skills should beginners focus on in data analytics?
Beginners should focus on core tools like SQL, Excel, and Tableau. As they advance, learning Python and understanding how to visualize and communicate data insights will be essential. AI-driven tools are also becoming increasingly valuable in analytics workflows.
3. How long does it take to transition into data analytics?
With consistent effort, many CareerFoundry students complete the Data Analytics Program in 6–10 months—often while working full-time. The program is self-paced, so you can tailor it to your schedule.
4. Can humanities majors succeed in data analytics?
Absolutely. Skills like storytelling, critical thinking, and research—often developed in fields like history or literature—are incredibly useful in data analytics. Matt leveraged his academic background to excel in data storytelling and stakeholder communication.
5. What kind of job support does CareerFoundry offer?
CareerFoundry offers 1:1 career coaching, resume and LinkedIn feedback, mock interviews, and a job guarantee. You’ll also build a professional portfolio that helps you stand out to employers.
6. Will I learn about AI or machine learning in the program?
While the focus is on core data analytics skills, you’ll be introduced to how AI is shaping the field—such as automation, smart dashboards, and predictive analytics. These concepts help you stay competitive in a fast-changing job market.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re a beginner wondering whether you can break into data analytics—Matt’s story proves that you can.
With CareerFoundry’s Data Analytics Program, you’ll get everything you need to thrive in a data-driven world where AI and automation are reshaping industries:
A dedicated mentor and tutor to guide you every step of the way
A job guarantee to ensure you’re career-ready
Support from career specialists who help you land your first role
Hands-on training in SQL, Python, Tableau, and more—foundational tools used across industries
Exposure to AI-enhanced tools and concepts shaping modern analytics workflows
A flexible, self-paced learning environment designed for working professionals
You’ll not only learn how to interpret data—but also how to work with AI-powered tools to uncover insights faster, build smarter dashboards, and stay competitive in a fast-evolving job market.
➡️ Ready to begin? Book a free call with a CareerFoundry program advisor today.