From Finance to HR: How upskilling in data redefined Sarah's career path

Kaplan · 3 minute read · Published 11 Aug, 2025 Share article

We spoke to Sarah Cornelius, a determined apprentice working as a Staff Establishment Control Analyst (SEC Analyst) at the University of Kent.

Sarah’s career path took an exciting turn after over 16 years in the finance sector, when she decided to make a career change and pursue an opportunity within HR. Now enrolled in our Data Analyst (Level 4) apprenticeship, Sarah is already experiencing how the programme’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours contribute to her professional growth.

Sarah shared insights into her career transition and her apprenticeship experience.

Could you tell us about your career and background so far?

I’ve recently left a Finance career of 16 years as I began to realise that I really enjoyed the systems and data side of my work. Getting to use Unit4 Business World (UBW) and Excelerator to build reports in my first role at the University was the final step in my refocusing on what I wanted from a career.

I worked closely with HR for three years, and then my current role as a Staff Establishment Control (SEC) Analyst became available.

What made you want to start the data analyst apprenticeship?

My new role has endless opportunities. By putting the time in and learning these skills, I can really benefit my team and the University as a whole. The level of reporting that I aim to achieve will support decision-making.

Have you encountered any challenges during your apprenticeship?

The only real challenges so far were juggling my time and working out where to begin. I feel like I’ve got into a good rhythm, so I’m hopeful I’ll maintain this confidence going forward and do a good job.

“I know what I have learnt this week can and will be a game changer for my role.”

How has the support been from Kaplan?

So far, the support has been great. I was a last-minute intake as I didn’t want to miss out on starting with the April cohort. It’s been a whirlwind, but everyone was great.

Before starting your studies, what did you expect? And has it been what you expected?

If I’m honest, I didn’t really have any expectations. I’ve come into the apprenticeship with an open mind. I think it was more of a hope that by doing this, I would be a well-rounded analyst and be able to really start to support my skilled team.

If I had set any expectations, though, it would have surpassed them. I’m really enjoying everything I’ve completed so far.

How have you developed within your job role through your studies?

I have just completed my second module. ‘Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate’ was the first module, and this week I was using Power BI in the ‘Data and Visualisation using Tableau and Power BI’ module. I know what I have learnt this week can and will be a game changer for my role. There are so many things I can start working on, including one larger project for my portfolio.

What advice would you give to others studying or struggling with their studies?

For me, the most important thing is planning. I add time to my diary to focus on my apprenticeship. Also, remember to keep on top of your learning journal - it does seem painful at first, but it gets easier and becomes a habit rather than a chore.

Stay positive and focused - you can do it! It’s not always easy when you have other commitments, but try to keep your focus on completing your apprenticeship as it will be so beneficial.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d really like to become a bit more of a ‘master’ with Power BI and SQL. My main priority is to work hard on both of them as I’m keen to keep developing. I see myself working towards becoming a Developer or Engineer – I like to set the bar high to give myself a challenge and with the future being bright for data, the only way is up! I’m really keen to learn more on the benefits of AI in the workplace too so watch this space!