Adriana Dugbartey didn’t start in data analytics, but today, she’s a field expert with rich experience from one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. She has five years of experience, and we have the details.

Adriana Dugbartey is a Ghanaian mentor, financial program manager, and data analytics expert with five years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Statistics and a Master’s Degree in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics. At SkillBridge, she is recognized for the valuable insights she gained while at Zenith Bank, where she contributed to major financial data initiatives. Delve into this Q\&A for expert-level advice, whether you’re transitioning into financial data analytics or still charting your career path.

“Personally, I didn’t jump right into the data analytics field. I thought data analysis was for computer engineers. Instead, I began my career with great enthusiasm for opportunities in finance. I always dreamed of being a CFO,” Dugbartey says. “But as I progressed through my finance career, I could see the field changing in front of me, and I knew I needed to expand my expertise to grow as a professional and achieve my career goals.”

In the following interview, Dugbartey discusses how she broke into data analytics, shares early-stage career advice, and highlights the critical skills she has relied on throughout her journey.

Breaking into the field
It can take time to find your footing professionally. Many change their minds about majors, jobs, or career paths at varying life stages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that older millennials held an average of nine jobs between 18 and 36, with more than half of these jobs being held between 18 and 23. Additionally, more than half of Americans would change at least one education decision if presented with the opportunity to do it again.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self as you were seeking your first role?
I encourage my younger self to keep an open mind and heart to all opportunities, pushing myself to stay open to all locations and role types. Moreover, I encourage myself to evaluate each opportunity from an unbiased place where I think thoughtfully about how the decision can impact my long-term goals and the path that I will be on.
I didn’t select the best job for my future goals at the time. I selected the job that met some very biased criteria. If I had accepted the role with the company that would have best positioned me for future success based on my goals, I likely would have navigated fewer bumps in the road early in my career.

Is there anything else someone just starting should know?
I always tell folks starting their careers or making a career shift to remain optimistic while being patient. In other words, give yourself grace. If you know you are doing the best thing for yourself, don’t judge it; just move forward with a growth mindset. Also, always remember there will be things out of your control, so don’t let “no’s” or delays force you to lose sight of your goal.

What type of education was most helpful as you were beginning your career?
My Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Statistics was instrumental in launching my career in finance and data analytics. It exposed me to the subject matter and the resources to connect with companies hiring in my field.
Later, my Master’s Degree in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics, earned in the United States, helped me deepen my technical skills and sharpen my ability to interpret and drive insights from complex data.

What tools have you had to master to be successful in your career?
Some of the tools I had to master throughout my career include spreadsheet tools (e.g., Excel and Sheets); SQL; word processing tools (e.g., Word and Docs); presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint and Slides); database tools; ERP systems like Oracle and SAP; and other more ad hoc company/role-specific productivity tools.

Mastering the craft
At Zenith Bank, Dugbartey initially served as a Financial Data Analyst, where she led critical financial data projects.

Which skills are you surprised that you utilize most often in your role?
Effective communication is the most essential skill that has supported my career progression, and developing active listening skills further enhances it. Particularly in large organizations, not everything is said directly, and much can be left to interpretation. This requires a strong understanding of the macro and micro issues impacting one’s area of focus. This more profound and holistic understanding is instrumental when communicating goals, celebrating wins, and solving problems in situations with considerable ambiguity.

How do you continue learning and growing in your field?
I need to stay informed about the issues that affect the organizations I work with and, in turn, impact project outcomes. I stay current with industry news and maintain regular touchpoints with professional networks, enabling me to anticipate changes that may be forthcoming or forecast drivers that can influence financial data practices.

Success in retrospect
Dugbartey continues to leverage her expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in data analytics and financial program management.

What three key things have made this stage of your career possible?
Three key things that have made this stage of my career possible are experiences (successes and failures), strong relationships with peers, which have had as much, if not more, impact now than relationships with leaders, and developing a strong understanding of the type of work that both leans into my strengths and gives me joy.

Which of your job tasks do you find to be the most engaging?
I am most engaged when I am coaching teams. In the early years of my career, I lacked the experience and expertise to do this. Still, with the benefit of time and patience, I was able to develop and empower others, enabling them to have successful careers.