$200 / month
2 calls per month (60min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 24 hours or less
Hands-on support
Data analysts are being asked to do more engineering work than ever, without the title, the support, or the compensation.
If you're building pipelines, wrangling APIs, or holding together reporting infrastructure that "just grew" around you, you are doing essential requirements of the job. Getting recognized for it is the part that takes strategy.
When I was an analyst, I was told to "make the reports." What that actually meant was three jobs: data engineer, analytics engineer, and BI developer. I'm about 13 years into my journey on this path.
Sociology, Urban Studies, four years at a major media company, four more at a major tech company. It took me 1.5 years and 12 final-round rejections to get the formal recognition as Senior Data Engineer.
Here's what I learned: being an analyst is a real asset on the engineering side.
Your non-traditional background gives you depth that pure engineers often specialize out of. There's a genuine soft-skills gap in enterprise data engineering. Many engineers are incredibly intelligent and impactful but don't own the business context. That's exactly where you fit in.
Here's where I can help most:
Closing the gap between what you do and what you're called. Figuring out the right target title, building the narrative around your existing work, and knowing which skills to develop versus which ones to frame better on a resume.
Finding the right roles and getting through the door. Job search strategy, screener prep, resume review (direct or gentle, your call), and not wasting time on roles that were never right for you.
Building something real with AI. If you want to get hands-on with LLMs or set up your own home agent, I love working through personal projects with people. This space moves fast and building is the best way to learn.
Where I'm not the right fit:
Formal system design interviews and LeetCode prep.
If that's your focus, I can totally recommend some great folks if that would be helpful to you.
If any of this sounds like where you are or want to go, let's talk!
Mentees who work with a mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than those going it alone. Long-term mentorship means fewer false starts, more focused sessions, and support that builds week after week.
97% satisfaction across all mentors
Personalized feedback and growth plans
Trusted by thousands of mentees
Christopher Adan
Sr. Consulting Data Engineer at Astrodata | ex-Samsung
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Christopher has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Christopher
Connect with Christopher in a quick call (usually under 30 minutes)
One-off sessions with Christopher
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
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Sometimes the fastest way to grow is to get thoughtful feedback on the work you are already doing. This MentorCruise session is designed to help …
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Whatever doesn't fit the mold: Get a full hour with a mentor to discuss your needs. Be it help with coding something, deciding on a …
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Christopher says about their trial:
We'll meet for a quick call (usually under 30 minutes) where we:
- Break the ice and introduce ourselves
- Discuss your goals and how I can support you
- Coordinate logistics like time zones, meeting frequency, and communication methods
