How can I transition from health data analysis to a financial analyst role?

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on breaking into the finance world. I currently work as a data analyst in the public health space, primarily with a county health department. My work focuses on statistical modeling, machine learning (Random Forest, XGBoost, SVM, etc.), I have experience using python, R, SAS and SQL. I’ve developed automated dashboards using PowerBI, built predictive models, and handled large-scale datasets related to public health issues like HIV surveillance and COVID-19 response.

While I enjoy the technical side of my work, I’ve always been interested in financial planning, investing, and data-driven decision-making in the finance world. I recently discovered that many of the skills I use daily overlap with those in finance roles especially financial or quantitative analyst positions.

I’d love to hear from others who’ve made a similar transition or currently work in finance:

What entry-level roles should I be targeting given my background?

• How can I position my public health experience in a way that makes sense for finance?
• Are there specific portfolio projects or certifications I should work on to stand out?
• How much finance knowledge do I need to show upfront?

Any insight or feedback would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!