Emma’s Shift into Data Analytics: From Engineering to Solving Business Problems with Data

Emma Roberts did not set out to start a data consultancy. Nor did she expect a mid-career shift would take her from chemical engineering into running her own analytics business. Yet that is exactly where she is today.

Two years after completing the LSE Data Analytics Online Career Accelerator, an LSE online programme developed in collaboration with FourthRev, Emma now leads Nimble Data, helping small businesses and manufacturers modernise their data platforms through analytics, automation and AI.

In a recent Ask Me Anything webinar, she shared what the transition really involved.

A strong career and a growing question

On paper, Emma’s career followed a clear trajectory.

With a Master’s in Engineering, she joined BP through a graduate scheme, became a Chartered Chemical Engineer and later moved to ExxonMobil. Over 15 years, she worked across both manufacturing and office-based roles, some deeply technical, others less so.

Over time, however, something changed.

She found herself missing hands-on problem-solving and working directly with data. As the industry evolved, a more fundamental question surfaced. Did she want to continue on the same path long term?

Working with a career coach helped clarify her thinking. She recognised two consistent motivations: 1) a preference for data-driven decision-making and 2) a desire to help organisations improve performance.

Data analytics offered a way to bring both together without abandoning the experience she had built.

Choosing structure over going it alone

Emma first explored internal opportunities, but when those did not materialise, she assessed her options.

A second degree felt too time-intensive and costly. Self-study, while flexible, lacked structure and accountability.

Instead, she chose a middle path. A structured, part-time programme with clear milestones and support. The LSE Data Analytics Online Career Accelerator runs over six months, part-time and online, building capability across Excel, SQL, Tableau, Python and R before culminating in a live Employer Project.

For Emma, the deciding factor was not just the curriculum, but the support model.

“I was acutely aware I was changing careers mid-way through my working life and wanted support navigating that transition.”

That combination, subject facilitation, a Success Manager and dedicated career coaching, is built into the programme. For those making a career pivot, it can be the difference between starting and following through.

Building confidence through practical work

Emma was candid about her initial concerns.

“University was a long time ago, and my only previous coding experience was a bit of MATLAB during my degree. SQL and Python felt unknown and intimidating.”

What she encountered, however, was a learning experience grounded in application rather than theory.

“It’s very focused on the approach to solving a data problem and equips you with a whole bunch of tools that you can then use to go and find out a way of doing a certain thing or solving a problem later.”

Projects were designed to reflect real business scenarios. The emphasis was not just on learning tools, but on thinking like an analyst.

This came together in the Employer Project.

“And then you have the Employer Project where you work in a team to deliver something, and that’s quite intensive, and it’s the big finale of the course, where you get to bring everything together, there’s not really any rules, you get a pretty generic statement of please go and solve this business problem for someone.”

The ambiguity mirrored real-world work, requiring learners to engage with stakeholders and define solutions.

“It’s very real-world based, you have interactions with the employer to work out what it is you want to do.”

For Emma, this was critical. It meant she was not just learning concepts. She was practising the kind of work she would later deliver professionally.

Reframing experience, not replacing it

A common concern for mid-career professionals is whether prior experience still holds value.

In Emma’s case, it did, just in a different way.

Her background in manufacturing, operations and stakeholder environments became a strength when combined with analytics capability. She could not only build models but also interpret them within real operational contexts.

The programme helped formalise that shift. Structuring analysis, communicating insights clearly and selecting appropriate tools for different business questions.

Even now, she continues to revisit the material.

“Nora, who was our lead facilitator, her weekly lecture material was just perfect, it’s still my Bible, I go back to it most weeks.”

Breaking into the field

Securing her first opportunity in data was not immediate.

“Breaking into data at a mid-career level without 10 years of Python, AWS, Azure, etc., and a computer science background turned out to be very tricky.”

Positioning became key. Emma focused on clearly communicating her hybrid skill set and maintaining visibility, particularly on LinkedIn.

“One tip for anyone considering a career switch: keep your LinkedIn up to date. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t.”

Her breakthrough came through a conversation with a potential client looking specifically for someone with both engineering and data expertise.

One project led to another, and eventually to founding her own consultancy.

Applying analytics in practice

Today, through Nimble Data, Emma supports organisations in modernising how they use data.

“It’s been incredible, it’s been life-changing for me.”

Her approach reflects the structure developed during the programme. Define the problem, analyse the data, test assumptions and communicate outcomes clearly.

“I love it, I love what I do, I’ve now got a really flexible career.”

Support that sustains momentum

Emma credits the programme’s support structure with helping her maintain progress during more challenging periods.

“Success managers are your personal cheerleaders and they check in with you that everything’s okay, they give you little pep talks and make sure you don’t miss deadlines and reminders.”

Balancing part-time study with work can be demanding. Structured milestones, accountability and coaching help reduce the risk of losing momentum.

The programme includes up to 12 months of career coaching, with an extension available if a qualifying career milestone has not yet been reached. This is not a job placement guarantee, but a framework designed to support continued progress.

Looking back

Two years on, Emma’s reflection is measured and realistic.

“Is every day perfect? No, it’s still work. But it’s meaningful, mentally stimulating, and aligned with what I care about.”

Her advice for others considering a similar move:

• Be honest about what you want to change and how you work.
• Do not underestimate your transferable skills.
• Expect moments of doubt. They are normal, especially when you’re doing new and demanding things.

For Emma, the transition into analytics was not about starting again. It was about applying what she already knew in a new and more aligned way.

Interested in exploring the curriculum, structure and support model? Download the programme brochure to learn more.