Hey just posting for a friend. She’s looking to break into tech and wondering what roles would fit her given her background. She has a masters in statistics and works in manufacturing. She’s used to a different programming language other than R or Python but is trying to learn them and machine learning. Any advice for her would be appreciated. Thanks!
SAS? As a statistician by training, data scientist professionally, I'd say she should look at data science and train up in Python/R. It's not a tough transition if you are willing to learn and many companies will hire you with just training knowledge and no professional experience using either if you have different stat programming experience. Additionally, she might already be suited for more SPC (Statistical process control) positions with emphasis on process improvement. Business analysts/business intelligence engineers and program managers at Amazon do this work typically.
I think the software is JMP, thanks for the information. Two follow up questions: Do you remember any resources you used to make the transition? Do you have any teams you may recommend? Seems like the application process for amazon is pretty nebulous.
JMP is only seldom used in tech if at all so she'll need to extend her range of skills to break into the tech side. Coursera and ML/DS books helped. I did a bunch of non-work related projects to break into Python. The ACES teams are a good fit. They're a mix of analytic program managers and BI engineers focusing on process improvement, LEAN, and six sigma work. She may have to come in at a lower level without experience in tech (as do most of us coming from the outside world), but Amazon values impact and thought leadership so she should be able to catch back up after a few good projects and gaining some wins for the organization.