Analytics Managers Have the Most Career Optionality
And you want options, trust me.
There's one answer to job security:
Optionality.
You can't guarantee that you won't lose your job. But you can guarantee that you have options in the worst case scenario.
Don't be in a position where you can only do one job, in one industry, for one company. You need options.
Which job gives you the most options?
The Analytics Manager.
Option 1: Move up the corporate ladder
Sr. Manager, Director, Sr. Director, VP, Head of Analytics.
You choose how high up you climb, the ceilings are high.
This option maximizes pay, status, power, authority, influence, and impact. But it also maximizes responsibility (and stress).
When you operate at the higher levels of the organization, you have experience that very few people do.
Use that experience to keep your options open.
Option 2: Become a Staff Analyst
This is the ultimate IC position for analytics professionals.
You have power and authority without having direct reports. You can focus on using your technical skills to solve problems for the business. You get to dive deeper into technology and learn the cutting edge methods.
You're seen an an expert.
This is a sweet position if you can get it.
Option 3: Back to Sr. Analyst
This is a step down the ladder but nothing to be ashamed of.
If you discover management isn't right for you and you're not ready to be a staff or lead analyst, going back to Sr. Analyst is the right choice. You're able to implement your expertise and can act as a mentor for your peers.
It's not back to square one.
Once you're back to Sr. Analyst you can continue to strategize your next steps.
Option 4: Pivot to data science or data engineering
If you got into analytics because you like technology, you might be suited to pivot into a new vertical.
If you're fascinated by advanced statistical methods, predictive models, and the use case of AI, then data science could be your next path.
If you love building things and solving data puzzles, data engineering is where you can pivot. There is overlap with analytics and might be an easier transition than data science.
Figure out what comes naturally to you and take a step in that direction.
Option 5: Be a career manager
Maybe you love being a manager and love your industry.
Don't change.
You don't need to pivot, strive for a promotion, or make moves if you like where you are. Embrace the manager role and become the best manager you can. Learn the leadership skills that will build your reputation and allow you to make an impact at your current company.
When you stick around in one role, it's easier to attain mastery.
Option 6: Manage in a different industry
The best thing about being a great manager is optionality.
Once you learn how to manage and lead, you can take those skills anywhere. You know how to be a manager in any company, any industry, during any time period. You learn timeless skills that will serve you for the rest of your career.
Leadership skills never go out of style.
The principles of leadership apply to analytics, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, product, etc.
Manage well, manage anywhere.
Implementation
Identify the clearest path to management and take the first step.
Can you become a manager at your current company? Or do you need to switch companies where the path is more clear?
Once you answer that, start building your leadership skills.
Prepare for a management role before you get one.
Management gives you options, don't pass them up.
If you want help getting on the management path, find me on LinkedIn and sign-up for my newsletter below.