Introduction

I’m Pavel, from St. Petersburg, Russia. My educacional path started with earning a bachelor's degree in law, economics and compliance and subsequently I spent several years practicing as a corporate lawyer. However, I eventually transitioned into a project management career. During this time, I had the chance to engage with data analytics within my team and projects. After a few years, I realized I needed to enhance my understanding of data analytics and delve deeper into the subject. In 2019 I applied for a master's degree in business analytics and was accepted at one of the schools in Boston, MA, which led to my relocation to the United States. After graduation in 2020, I started interning and subsequently working as Salesforce Administrator and Salesforce Developer.   Subsequently, I started interning at a software startup, where I took the role of Data Administrator. This was a unique chance for me to dive into practical knowledge in the tech field and renewable energy. I would definitely recommend you all not to wait until after graduation to start looking for internship opportunities. Having an internship early in your career will give you a huge competitive advantage in the future job search or land a job in the same company as it happened to me.   After my internship, I was offered to work as a full-time employee as Salesforce Administrator. What I like about this job is that it gives you the opportunity to develop a very diverse skill set and tooling. It also allows you to choose from a great number of different paths you can develop your career in. My workday varies based on the org. needs and stage of ongoing project. Throughout the day I do user support, including troubleshooting errors or bugs, providing training. Also handling data-related tasks, such as data imports, updates, ensuring data accuracy and integrity by resolving duplicate records, validating data entries, and maintaining clean datasets. Work on configuring and customizing Salesforce based on business needs, this could involve creating new fields, updating page layouts, modifying workflows, or adjusting permissions. Collaboration with stakeholders to gather requirements for new features, enhancements, or changes. Create and manage automation processes using tools like Salesforce Flows, or Apex code. This might involve automating lead assignment, approval processes, or sending notifications. Test newly implemented features, changes, or system updates to ensure they work as intended and do not disrupt existing processes. Throughout the day I interact with various stakeholders, including users, managers, developers, and business analysts.  Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, SUP boarding, rowing, and listening to audio books.

Business Intelligence Fellow

career options

With Salesforce you have a broad selection of specialties you can move towards, allowing opportunities for both tech and non tech professionals:

1
Salesforce Administrator
2
Salesforce Developer
3
Salesforce Architect
4
Project Manager
5
Salesforce Consultant
6

Business Intelligence Fellow

 skills

What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?

1
SQL (Structured Query Language)

Proficiency in writing SQL queries to retrieve, manipulate, and manage data in relational databases. In addition to master’s degree I enrolled in online SQL courses, practiced with real datasets, and worked on projects involving database querying.

2
Salesforce Flows

Building automation processes using Salesforce Flows to streamline business processes and reduce manual work. I had primarily used Salesforce Trailhead a free and in my opinion the best resource to learn Salesforce. In addition, I worked on projects during my internship and full-time employment.

3
Debugging and Basic Coding Understanding

Ability to troubleshoot system errors, read code snippets, and understand basic coding principles. Self-taught through online resources, forums, and hands-on experience in resolving issues.

4
Data Analytics and Visualization

Data analysis skills are crucial in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, allowing for interpreting and extracting insights from complex datasets. Proficiency in statistical analysis, knowledge of data analysis techniques, and familiarity with software and statistical packages commonly used in these fields are essential for effective data analysis.

5
Salesforce Administration and Reporting

Proficiency in configuring and managing Salesforce instances, creating and customizing objects, fields, workflows, and permissions. Building reports and dashboards to provide actionable insights. Learning: Attended Salesforce official training courses, online tutorials, and hands-on experience during projects.

What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?

1
Communication skills

Ability to explain technical things to a person without technical background.

2
Attention to detail

Spotting errors, inconsistencies, or discrepancies in the data.


3

Efficiently allocating and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and goals.

4
5

Pavel

’s personal path

Tell us about your personal journey in

Business Intelligence Fellow

:

Independently from a chosen career path, in my case I started from a totally different field and transitioned to IT later in my career, most important thing is to find internships, which will allow you to land your first job much easier. During my undergraduate degree I managed to get an internship which subsequently led to a full-time job. I would say this is a universal advice to anyone, when you’re inside an organization and get recommendations from your boss, it's a huge competitive advantage.  After graduation from my master's degree in business analytics in 2020, I had very limited experience working in the field, which made it more complicated to land the first job. I started looking for job opportunities, competition was extremely high with more than 100 applicants for almost every job listing. I had to adopt to current circumstances, including limited legal status as an international student, the COVID-19 pandemic and record-breaking unemployment rate and decided to change my job-hunting strategy and steered towards internship opportunities, which was less complicated to find and allowed me to show case my skills and dedication, that subsequently helped me land my current full-time job in the same organization.

What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?

If I were to advise my younger self on building my current career, I would emphasize the importance of aligning my career choice with my strengths and passions. It's crucial to recognize what I excel at and what truly drives my curiosity and enthusiasm. While financial stability is important, it shouldn't be the sole driving factor behind your career decisions. Choosing a path that brings genuine joy and a sense of fulfillment will ultimately lead to a more satisfying and meaningful journey. By focusing on what you naturally skilled at and what genuinely brings happiness, you can pave the way for a career that not only pays the bills but also nourishes your personal growth and long-term satisfaction.

Final thoughts & tips

In times of uncertainty, your passion for learning and your determination to succeed will be your guiding lights. I learnt the following: Adaptation to Challenging Circumstances: When I graduated in 2020, the job market was historically low due to COVID-19 pandemic and the unique challenges I posed as an international student with limited work authorization. What important is - your determination to overcome these or different challenges. Networking: You should leverage your relationships with professors and peers to uncover job opportunities that might not have been publicly advertised. This is one of the most important elements in finding a job opportunity. Learning Attitude: always highlight your eagerness to learn and adapt. Take the initiative to enhance your skillset or knowledge to align with potential job requirements. Resilience: persevere through the setbacks and uncertainties of the job search process. Your resilience and positive attitude can demonstrate your ability to handle challenges in a professional setting.  Stay curious, continue networking, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance along the way. Your professors, peers, and industry professionals are your allies, offering insights and support.  Ultimately, your journey showcases the reality that job hunting is a process that involves multiple steps, emotions, and strategies. The combination of networking, learning, and determination significantly contributes to your success in landing a job that aligns with your goals.

Pavel Shteling

Pavel Shteling

Business Intelligence Fellow

Hi, my name is Pavel, graduated with a master’s degree in Business Analytics from Suffolk University. I’m currently working in a role of a Salesforce Administrator and Data Administrator at Ampion Renewable Energy. Ampion is one of the industry leaders in Community Solar. We provide opportunities to participate in shared solar projects through a concept called Community Solar. Through a software platform, we’re connecting residents, businesses, and other types of consumers with clean energy facilities, primarily Solar Farms. Outside work, I enjoy outdoor activities, rowing, paddleboarding and snowboarding.

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