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Breaking into analytics isn’t easy—especially fresh out of school. In this episode of the Data Career Academy Podcast, I sit down with Aidan Karmazinski, now a Financial Analyst with NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command), to hear how he went from applying everywhere with little success to landing a role with the U.S. Navy.

Aidan walks us through his journey: growing up in Maryland, studying business and accounting at Greensboro College, discovering analytics, and pursuing a master’s in Business Analytics at the University of North Florida. Like many new graduates, he started his job hunt with the “spray and pray” method—submitting endless online applications with little to show for it. After weeks of frustration, he changed course, asked for help at UNF Career Services, and discovered the power of in-person connections.

That decision paid off. At a career fair, Aidan struck up an hour-long conversation with the hiring manager who would become his boss. The discussion flowed naturally, mixing analytics ideas with real-world problem-solving and even a shared love of lacrosse. It turned into the opportunity that launched his career.

In this episode, Aidan shares what he learned about refining his job search, balancing technical and soft skills, and why face-to-face conversations reveal more than résumés or Zoom calls ever could. He also opens up about the challenges of starting out—like being humbled in technical interviews, figuring out which skills truly matter, and learning to provide insights that go beyond simply pulling reports.

Along the way, we talk about:

• Why changing tactics is better than doubling down on what isn’t working
• How to prepare for interviews without overselling skills you can’t defend
• The difference between “qualified on paper” and “the right fit”
• Using extracurriculars to show leadership and discipline (and why it worked for him)
• The importance of daily value creation: success at work is always rented, never owned

Aidan also highlights NAVFAC’s Financial Management Career Program, which gave him the chance to rotate through contracting, HR, budgeting, and analytics, and how those experiences accelerated his learning. On the personal side, he plugs his parents’ nonprofit, HHI Incorporated, which helps adults with special needs find employment—including his brother Alex, who has thrived thanks to the program.

If you’re an early-career data professional—or just feeling stuck in the job hunt—you’ll find practical lessons, encouragement, and a reminder that the right opportunity often comes from human connection, not endless online applications.

For more episodes and resources, visit themajordata.com or join my LinkedIn group for first looks at what I’m working on.

Semper Fidelis,
Albert Bellamy

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