Breaking Into Business Intelligence: Evan’s TripleTen Review

After six years working in HR and talent acquisition, Evan Rorie hit a career ceiling and began exploring opportunities in tech. He enrolled in TripleTen’s Business Intelligence Analytics Bootcamp (now Data Analytics) in 2024, where he built foundational skills in Excel, SQL, and data visualization through self-paced sprints and hands-on projects. Today, Evan works as a Data Quality Analyst at ServiceTitan, helping companies migrate and manage critical business data. Evan shares what the TripleTen learning experience was like and how the program’s career support helped him land his new job.

Before TripleTen, you were working in HR and talent acquisition. What made you start thinking about a move into data analytics?

After working in recruitment/HR for over six years, I felt like I was hitting a ceiling with no opportunities for advancement or a change in field. I needed a switch because I wanted a more challenging role that could evolve into a better-paying career. Although I wasn't familiar with data analytics, I worked as a tech recruiter, and I recognized that I could see myself in the field. Not having a tech background and being past my early twenties, I needed to figure out how to transition. That led me to start looking into TripleTen for guidance.

Why did you choose TripleTen’s BI Analytics Bootcamp? What stood out in your research?

Yeah, I was highly impressionable at the time and looking for anything I could. I remember scrolling on Instagram and seeing a post about a seemingly normal guy from New York who graduated from TripleTen. He said he made the transition into tech, just as I wanted to, and was happy about his career opportunities because he was working from home.

I liked the idea of working from home. My friend had a huge base pay, was able to travel, and basically had a life I saw myself doing. He made the transition into the field seem easy, requiring only that he complete the bootcamp. This started the ball rolling for me to look into TripleTen. Seeing the link, I figured it couldn't hurt to schedule a call to see what it could do for me. I scheduled a time with a career coach, and we discussed my background and current work. They recommended I look into data analytics because of its similarities to what I'd already done. It was a quick process: I saw a link, applied, spoke to a career coach, and I haven't looked back since.

What is business intelligence? How is that different from data analytics?

I'm still learning the full scope of BI, but the way I see it, a data analyst translates complex data for non-technical stakeholders. This often involves using techniques to turn numbers into clear visualizations and graphs, helping a stakeholder understand their business performance. In my current role as a Data Quality Analyst, I focus on data migration, ensuring that accounts understand how their data has moved seamlessly from their old software to ours, despite occasional mapping issues. Essentially, a data analyst serves as the intermediary, making complex data accessible and appealing to anyone, regardless of their technical background.

What was the day-to-day experience at TripleTen?

The program breaks the curriculum into sprints, which is a major benefit. I ensured I fully understood each sprint. If I had questions, I asked them until I figured it out. Each weekly sprint started with basics, like using Excel and creating formulas, gradually increasing in complexity to build a solid foundation. The tools and concepts were cumulative, relying on previous knowledge. Every sprint ends with a practical exercise applying what was just learned.

This method – learning, digesting, and then practicing in a real-world setting – is how I mastered the subjects. We were given an account or task similar to what one would do on the job, allowing us to apply the lessons. That's what the week-to-week study looked like.

How did TripleTen support you through this learning experience?

When I started the program, I was assigned a career advisor who checked in with me regularly throughout my journey. If I had any questions or was struggling with certain subjects, I could reach out directly. The advisor would either guide me or connect me with someone else for assistance. This person was very helpful. We also had group settings in the community, which were useful for when multiple students had questions or were struggling with the same subject matter. These resources were always available when I needed them.

What was your BI analytics project?

We learned to create visualizations with Tableau and Power BI. These tools taught me how to use the different features and create my own dashboard. I was able to test this on real data, such as Airbnb data, to determine the best properties based on location and time of year. I used this project to build my portfolio, which demonstrated my ability to translate complex data from Airbnb listings. I have about five or six such projects with different companies, each highlighting a specific skill set, such as visualization, SQL queries, or simple Excel tables.

What career support did TripleTen provide during the program? 

Right after finishing my last sprint, I transitioned into the Career Acceleration program. This program is designed for graduates who have completed all courses and built their portfolio. It provides a structured game plan to increase the odds of landing a role with the acquired knowledge. Every two weeks, I met with two individuals. One offered tips on improving my resume and portfolio; the other provided interview preparation, including how to answer specific questions and optimize my LinkedIn profile. This required constant effort: the goal was to send out 10 job applications and network with 10 people each week. I tracked these efforts on a dashboard to ensure I stayed on top of the process. Career Acceleration was essential in leading me to my current position.

How did you land your current job as a Data Quality Analyst at ServiceTitan? 

The job search took about six months after finishing TripleTen's program. I applied like any other candidate and heard back. The full interview process took a little over a month and was the most extensive I'd ever experienced, with six different 30-minute rounds. They were very organized, scheduling interviews weekly to avoid idle time, which made the process pretty effortless on that front.

It was a stressful period, as I took each round very seriously, knowing that each one increased the chance of getting the job but also the risk of not getting it. After the sixth round, they took a couple more weeks, then reached out and offered me the role. I was very excited, shocked, and fortunate to get that call.

What are you working on at ServiceTitan? 

My job focuses on handling the crucial data migration for companies in the service industry – like electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers – when they switch to our software. These companies need to track invoices, AR, and customer data. We are a top provider in this space.

Many of these are family-owned or corporate businesses that bring in over a million, so accurate, clean data is essential to their growth. Our software is known to help businesses significantly scale their revenue within a year. My role is vital in starting that journey when they join ServiceTitan.

How are you using the skills you learned at TripleTen in your new role?

I'm currently using a lot of what I learned. My Excel skills are the main one, which I use constantly. I know how to create tables, use quick tricks to migrate data, and clean it up better, which is very useful. I also use a lot of SQL for additional filtering. I'm building my knowledge on the job, and TripleTen gave me the foundation to understand what a query looks like, which prepared me for their training. Overall, the most beneficial tools I consistently use are Excel, SQL, and the ability to speak and read the language of data.

Looking back, what part of the program do you think helped you the most in making this career change?

If I had to pick one thing, it's the community and the resources. Knowing that when I had questions, there wasn't just a person to answer them, but a whole resource library of answers, was invaluable. It's easier when you feel like someone is there to help guide you. I now have things I can keep, links I can continue to use, and a full portfolio to show my experience.

The self-paced aspect of TripleTen also helped a lot. I was working two jobs and didn't have time every day. The flexibility to dedicate just an hour or two a day, or three hours at some point, meant I could figure it out. This self-paced aspect allowed me to schedule things and finish on time as I went along.

Was TripleTen worth the investment for you?

I would definitely say so. The trajectory of my career accelerated once I got this opportunity, and I know this is just the beginning. It's been worth the investment, not just for the financial reasons, but also for the better work-life balance. I have more opportunities and less stress. Overall, this program has improved my outlook on life.

What advice would you give someone considering TripleTen or a shift into business intelligence/data analytics from another field? Would you have done anything differently?

I wish I had started the program sooner, perhaps a year or two ago, but I didn't know about it then. For those looking to start, the main thing is patience and time. I remember knowing this initially, but sometimes I forgot during the journey when I was eager and frustrated. It’s good to know the hard work eventually paid off, even if it wasn't exactly what I expected. That’s life – you have to be patient and wait for your turn.

For anyone considering the TripleTen program, I advise you to keep reminding yourself why you started – whether it was for better pay, work-life balance, or general self-improvement. Whenever you struggle or stumble on a subject, remember that original reason. Once you finish, you'll see how it all ties together. Just stay patient.

Patience and persistence are valuable when making a bold move. Thank you, Evan, for sharing your story.

Find out more and read TripleTen reviews on Course Report. This interview was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with TripleTen.