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In this episode of the Data Career Academy Podcast, Albert Bellamy sits down with Samantha Fitzsimmons, a former speech-language pathologist who successfully transitioned into the world of data analytics. Samantha spent 14 years helping patients improve communication and cognitive function before making the bold decision to pivot her career. Today, she’s a job seeker in the analytics field, focusing on healthcare and call center data, with a growing portfolio of Tableau dashboards, SQL projects, and Alteryx workflows.

Samantha’s story is one that so many career changers will relate to. She opens up about the challenges of moving into data from a non-technical background, including:

• Navigating a layoff early in her analytics career, and what it taught her about resilience.
• Learning to manage imposter syndrome, both in speech pathology and in data.
• Building confidence by accepting that she’ll never know “everything” in such a fast-moving field.
• Telling her own story on LinkedIn rather than letting others define it.
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT in a highly structured way to tailor resumes, extract keywords from job postings, draft cover letters, and even refine interview prep.

We also dive into Samantha’s job search strategy, which is remarkably focused and disciplined. Instead of “spray and pray” job applications, she aims for one highly tailored application a day, making sure every resume and cover letter speaks directly to the role. She talks about why she still includes cover letters (even when they aren’t required), how she saves and analyzes job descriptions, and how she balances the exhausting process of job hunting with creating content that strengthens her professional brand.

Samantha also shares how she’s building visibility by publishing SQL tutorials, Tableau dashboards, and healthcare-related content on LinkedIn. She’s even developed a creative series translating medical jargon into digestible posts for people who want to enter healthcare analytics — turning her unique background into a real differentiator.

Some of the biggest lessons from this episode include:

• Confidence is a practice. Accepting discomfort and embracing your background can be just as powerful as technical skills.
• Focus beats volume. A handful of thoughtful, targeted applications will beat 50 generic ones every time.
• Your story matters. Don’t hide your nontraditional path; own it and show how it adds value.
• AI can be an ally. Used strategically, tools like ChatGPT can help you compete in a crowded job market without losing your authentic voice.
• Community matters. Sharing your journey online can help others, while also reinforcing your own learning.

Whether you’re a new graduate, a career changer, or a seasoned analyst navigating today’s competitive market, Samantha’s journey offers encouragement, practical tactics, and an honest look at what it’s like to be “in the fight” right now.

If you’re hiring for healthcare analytics or just want to connect with someone who’s thoughtful, organized, and passionate about data, Samantha is absolutely worth a follow. Check out her GitHub landing page SamaFitz, her Tableau Public portfolio Profile - samantha.fitzsimmons | Tableau Public, and connect with her on LinkedIn (16) Samantha Fitzsimmons | LinkedIn

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