From accountant to automotive data analyst

I started out as an accountant and had just completed four years of studying and exams to achieve my AAT certification. I was incredibly proud of that accomplishment, but I began to notice that I wasn't enjoying the work itself anymore. There were parts of my job that I genuinely loved, particularly working with spreadsheets, analysing figures, and spotting trends and patterns. That's when it clicked that I might be better suited to something more analytical and data-focused rather than traditional accounting. A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love Formula 1, which was actually the inspiration for one of my data projects during the bootcamp!

I first heard about the bootcamp from my friend, Rebecca Short, who had completed it a few months earlier. She spoke so highly of the experience that I decided to look into it. At first, I was unsure. I knew I didn't want to stay in accounting, but I wasn't certain what direction to go in next. After a few weeks of brainstorming and researching options, the bootcamp idea popped up again, and I decided to find out more. I visited The Curious Lounge and met Matt. After talking with him, seeing the space, and learning about what the course involved, I left feeling genuinely excited and determined to get a place on the course.

Going into the bootcamp, my main goal was to build solid technical skills. I was particularly excited to learn SQL and Tableau, as well as to strengthen my existing Excel and spreadsheet skills. I also wanted to gain confidence in applying my problem-solving abilities to real-world data challenges.

A typical day started with a warm welcome from the amazing team. They even remembered your coffee order, and the coffee was delicious (and free, which was always a bonus!). The learning experience was very hands-on and practical. The classes were small, with no more than eight people, so there were plenty of chances to ask for help and have interactive discussions. We were expected to complete pre-learning material before class, which meant that the actual sessions focused on applying the theory rather than just hearing about it. Most of the time was spent working on real-world projects using example datasets. It was a challenging but incredibly effective way to learn, and every day felt like a step closer to becoming a data professional.

Throughout the bootcamp, I developed strong foundational skills across several areas: SQL for data extraction and manipulation, Tableau for data visualisation and storytelling, Excel for advanced data cleaning and analysis, data storytelling to communicate insights clearly and effectively, and team collaboration through group projects and presentations.

For my portfolio piece, I chose to build a dashboard about Formula 1. I've always been passionate about the sport, and I wanted to explore the data behind it, from race results to driver performance and constructor trends. The biggest challenge was managing the sheer amount of data and deciding how to display it meaningfully. Midway through, I discovered (the hard way!) that Tableau doesn't automatically save your work. I lost a big chunk of progress and had to rebuild my project from scratch. As frustrating as that was, it ended up being a valuable lesson in persistence and proper version control.

I'm proud of how quickly I was able to apply what I learned. I landed a Data Analyst role shortly after graduating, and I've already made an impact by introducing my team to more efficient Excel techniques, like using XLOOKUPs instead of VLOOKUPs and proper use of absolute cell references. It's rewarding to see how small efficiencies make a big difference in day-to-day processes.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was group work. A few classmates were very quiet, which made collaboration tricky at times. I took the initiative to involve them and explain concepts in different ways to encourage participation. When that didn't always work, I reached out to other groups for feedback and collaboration. This actually helped me build more confidence in my own ideas and become more independent in solving problems.

My biggest "aha" moment was realising how powerful good data visualisation is. Tools like Tableau can completely change how people understand data. I learned that if your KPIs or visualisations require heavy explanation, they aren't doing their job. Data should speak for itself.

I also discovered a superpower I didn't know I had: I actually enjoy presenting! I used to find it nerve-racking, but after spending weeks on my final project, I felt genuinely confident about the material. That preparation paid off and showed me that with the right knowledge and practice, presenting can be one of my strengths.

The bootcamp mimicked a fast-paced, real-world environment. Each week we worked with new datasets and collaborated with different people. It taught me to adapt quickly, think critically, and approach problems from multiple angles, all key skills in a professional data analytics role.

The Curious Academy itself is an incredible place. The atmosphere is bright, modern, and full of greenery, which makes it a lovely space to learn in. The team goes above and beyond, from remembering your name and coffee preferences to genuinely caring about your progress. That level of support makes it so much easier to focus and succeed.

I'm now working as a Data Analyst in the automotive industry. My role involves reviewing monthly accounts from car dealerships and updating key reports that help business leaders make data-driven decisions. It's been a fantastic start, and I'm continuing to learn every day. Looking ahead, I want to further strengthen my SQL skills, especially as my current company uses large-scale databases with millions of records.

Coming from an accounting background, I bring a strong understanding of numbers, accuracy, and attention to detail. Combined with the analytical and technical skills I developed during the bootcamp, this gives me a solid foundation for interpreting and communicating insights effectively. What excites me most about this career is the endless possibilities of using data to make meaningful changes, uncovering inefficiencies, highlighting opportunities, and influencing real business decisions. I see it as a career where I'll never stop learning, and that's what keeps it exciting.

My advice to anyone considering a similar bootcamp would be to throw yourself in completely. Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with your peers. Always complete the pre-learning work, as it makes such a big difference when you come to class already familiar with the theory, so you can focus on applying it in practice. And don't be afraid to make mistakes, because that's where you learn the most.

Finally, if you work in data or know someone who does, I'd love to connect and learn more about your experiences. I'm always looking to expand my network, discover new tools or techniques, and keep improving in my role. And if you're looking for a career change, I couldn't recommend The Curious Academy enough. Their bootcamps are amazing, and the whole experience was exactly what I needed when I felt so lost in my career.