Ben’s Journey from Data Analyst to Data Engineer
Ben turned a natural interest in systems and automation into a successful career change from Analyst to Engineer — proving that with curiosity and the right support, workforce development can unlock hidden potential and drive long-term business value.
At first glance, moving from Data Analyst to Data Engineer might seem like a natural progression. Both roles sit within the same data team, work with similar tools, and are essential to turning data into business value.
In reality, the switch isn’t always straightforward; it’s less of a progression and more of a pivot, where Analysts focus on asking the right questions, and Engineers focus on building the right systems.
Seeing Beyond the Dashboard
As a Data Analyst, Ben was skilled at building reports and dashboards, but his real interest lay in the world behind the visuals: the architecture, automation, and engineering that made meaningful data analysis possible. Ben had a reputation for being the person who didn’t just ask what the data was saying — he asked how it got there.
“I always had the mindset of working smarter, not harder. I became curious about how we could improve the way data flowed through our systems — not just how we presented it.”
At the time, the team was already delivering high-quality reports and insights, but with the business growing, data volumes increasing, and the range of tools expanding, there was a clear opportunity to evolve the team’s capability and prepare for the future.
“We often found ourselves loading more data into Tableau than necessary, or facing delays when joining data from multiple sources. We knew there were ways to optimise — we just didn’t have a dedicated specialist to lead that piece.”
Progression Potential
Rather than view these challenges as blockers, Ben saw them as a natural next step in the team’s development. He recognised that with more advanced infrastructure and automation, the team could spend less time managing data and more time delivering value.
After discussing it with his manager, Harry, they co-created a Personal Development Plan designed around the needs of the business and Ben’s potential. Ben began developing the deeper technical knowledge required to specialise while continuing to contribute in his existing role.
Lifting the Team Through Smarter Infrastructure
As Ben transitioned into his new role, his day-to-day work evolved significantly. Rather than building dashboards, he began building the data foundations that dashboards rely on — managing pipelines, automating processes, and supporting the team with scalable, well-structured data sources.
“Now I focus on creating and maintaining ETL pipelines, using Azure Function Apps and Data Factory. It’s about enabling the team to access clean, timely data — so they can focus on the insights.”
One of Ben’s key contributions was the introduction of hourly data refreshes for critical business reports. This allowed stakeholders across the company to work with near-real-time data, helping them respond more quickly, spot trends sooner, and make more confident decisions throughout the day.
Creating Business-Wide Impact Through Automation
Ben’s work also introduced efficiencies behind the scenes — automating data updates across CRM systems, reducing manual effort, and improving the accuracy and consistency of records.
“One example is how we’ve automated learner completion updates between CRMs. What used to be a manual, repetitive task is now handled automatically — saving time and ensuring consistency.”
More than just a technical upgrade, Ben’s role has helped shift how the business thinks about data. His contributions have laid the groundwork for new governance standards and AI-driven innovation.
“I’ve worked closely with our Systems Lead to create infrastructure that gives us more visibility than ever before. It’s opened up insights we didn’t have access to before — not because they weren’t there, but because the systems weren’t yet built to show them.”
Advice to Aspiring Engineers
Ben’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be fluent in Python or SQL from the start.
What matters most is curiosity, problem-solving, and the willingness to learn. His personalised training plan gave him the space and structure to do exactly that, supported by a manager who recognised his potential and backed his transition into a new technical role.
Ben’s journey also highlights how manager buy-in is crucial for successful workforce development. When leaders create a culture that supports upskilling and career mobility, individuals are empowered to grow, and organisations reap the benefits of retaining ambitious talent and building future-ready teams.
Feeling Inspired?
Whether you’re a Data Analyst ready for a new challenge or someone curious about where a technical apprenticeship could take you, now’s a great time to explore your options.
Apprenticeships aren’t just for beginners; they’re powerful tools for career change, progression, and unlocking your potential in fast-moving fields.
Explore our Data Apprenticeships or speak to our Recruitment Team, and take the first step towards building the skills, confidence, and career you deserve.