
Katherine Bell
Katherine’s journey from wanting to be an astronaut as a kid to a pivotal player in data analytics shows the impact continuous learning and transformation can have on your career journey. She dives into her switch from urban planning to data analysis, emphasizing the importance of embracing new challenges -- like branching out as a consultant -- and the instrumental role of feedback in career growth. Katherine and I met through a career development program that pairs women at our company Asana with other women in the middle of their careers to support each other in achieving great things. Katherine shares her immediate goal of up-leveling into a data scientist and her broader aspirations that just might include a graduate degree one day!
Highlights from the Interview
Audrey: Katherine, thank you for joining us today on Women Just Like You. I'm excited to discuss your journey from college to your current role. Let's start from the beginning—when you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Katherine Bell: As a child, inspired by my family's background in the sciences, I dreamt of being an astronaut. The idea of floating in space and experiencing the universe firsthand captivated me.
Audrey: Did you ever try astronaut food as a kid?
Katherine Bell: Yes, I actually grew up near Space Camp in Alabama, where they have a space and rocket center. We would visit the museum and I remember getting freeze-dried ice cream from the gift shop. It seemed so cool back then, though trying it again recently, it tasted like crispy, strawberry-flavored chalk!
Audrey: It's funny how nostalgia colors our memories! Now, although you're not an astronaut, you've taken a fascinating career path. Can you tell us about that transition?
Katherine Bell: Sure, my interests shifted towards urban planning during high school. I was fascinated by the structure of cities and how people interact within these spaces. This led me to major in urban studies in college, where I explored the socioeconomic and political structures of cities. Post-graduation, I worked with nonprofits and consulting firms in the Bay Area, deepening my understanding of urban environments.
Audrey: What prompted your move from Alabama to the Bay Area?
Katherine Bell: A college friend from the Bay Area invited me to stay with her after I expressed dissatisfaction with my job in Birmingham. Around the same time, one of my mother's friends offered me an expiring Southwest voucher, which I used to make the move. I've been here ever since.
Audrey: That's quite a spontaneous move! Speaking of career transitions, how did you pivot from urban planning to becoming a data analyst?
Katherine Bell: My career took a circuitous route. After working in urban planning, I was drawn to the faster pace of startups. I joined an educational startup, initially in an account management role. My curiosity about our data led me to learn SQL and delve into data analysis, which significantly shaped my career path.
Audrey: What challenges did you face in the nonprofit sector that influenced your shift to startups?
Katherine Bell: Working in government and nonprofits felt like navigating a slow-moving ship—lots of bureaucracy and prolonged decision-making processes. I craved a faster-paced environment, which led me to explore opportunities in startups in the Bay Area.
Audrey: How did your role evolve in startups?
Katherine Bell: At the startup, I transitioned from account management to engaging directly with data analysis. This shift was driven by my need to make informed decisions about my accounts, which required understanding the underlying data. This hands-on experience with data was transformative, empowering me to contribute more significantly to the business.
Audrey: It sounds like you've embraced learning and adaptability throughout your career. How do you approach learning new skills?
Katherine Bell: I believe in diving headfirst into new challenges. Whether it was learning SQL to better understand data or embracing new roles in different organizations, I've always been driven by a desire to learn and grow. This approach has kept my career dynamic and continually evolving.
Audrey: You kept learning by participating in a data science bootcamp. What was that like?
Katherine Bell: I was working as a consultant on my own and able to support myself, but I wasn't learning as much as I wanted. Enroling in the bootcamp was a commitment I made to myself to learn as much as I could and make the move to a true data science role.
Audrey: Any advice for those considering a similar career path or facing a crossroads in their professional lives?
Katherine Bell: Stay curious and open to new opportunities. The path may not always be linear, but each experience builds your skill set and understanding. Also, don't hesitate to pivot when a role or industry no longer aligns with your interests or growth potential. Embracing change can lead to rewarding outcomes.