In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Sadie Cassidy (Data Analytics Career Track) talks with her former career coach, Anne-Marcelle Kouame, about how she recognized—and owned—the transferable skills she’d been building all along.
Sadie shares how she went from being a whitewater raft guide to pursuing data analytics, why stability became her north star, and how leaning into personal interests (yes, anime, spreadsheets, and passion projects) helped her build real skills, real proof, and real confidence.
Key Takeaways
Career transitions aren’t only about learning something new—they’re often about seeing yourself differently. Sadie’s story is a reminder that:
- Transferable skills are everywhere—you just need the language (and examples) to surface them.
- Passion projects can become proof points when you treat them like real work.
- Stability, flexibility, and personal values can be powerful career drivers—not “nice-to-haves.”
As Sadie puts it: “You can have it all.”
And just as important: “It’s okay to ask for help.”
Tune in to learn:
- How Sadie connected her everyday interests to in-demand data skills
- Why stability and remote work shaped her goals—and her job search strategy
- How creativity can be a career advantage in data analytics
- What Sadie did after a setback (including getting laid off) to rebuild momentum
- Why community support made the biggest difference in her transition
Listen to full episode!
Join Anne-Marcelle and Sadie for a conversation about goal-setting, creativity, and building confidence through real projects—plus a few anime moments that prove your personality can be part of your professional story.
Podcast Transcript:
Anne-Marcelle:
Welcome to another episode of Promoted, a podcast about leaving low-wage work for good. My name is Anne-Marcelle Kouame. I’m today’s host and a Merit America career coach.
Today, we’re talking about the importance of goal-setting on your career journey—and how it can help you achieve your dream career. I am so excited to welcome today’s guest: a creative go-getter who’s passionate about the world of data analytics, among many other things.
Sadie—welcome!
Sadie:
Hi! Oh my gosh, hi!
Anne-Marcelle:
Do you remember how we first met? Like, how we instantly clicked?
Sadie:
Oh, absolutely. We were watching anime together, if I’m not mistaken.
Anne-Marcelle:
Yes! For those listening, Sadie and I are huge anime fans. I remember you sliding into my Slack DMs asking for anime recommendations. We could talk about that all night—but let’s rewind for a second.
Before Merit America, what were you doing?
Sadie:
I moved to California and was a whitewater raft guide in Northern California—which is significantly different from data analytics.
Anne-Marcelle:
I love that contrast. Growing up, we all get asked that question: What do you want to be when you grow up? What were your career aspirations as a kid?
Sadie:
Honestly, I wanted to be a teacher—elementary school. I really pushed for it. But people kept saying, “Are you sure? Teachers are overworked and underpaid.” I let that discourage me, and I regret that sometimes.
But I really like where I am now. I think it’s actually better. After joining Merit America, my goals became clear—I wanted to work remotely and have stability.
My partner is getting his PhD right now, and I’m supporting him through that. When he finishes, we can go anywhere, and I’ll still have my job. That flexibility and stability means everything.
Anne-Marcelle:
That’s huge. Stability is so important—and often overlooked. What sparked your interest in data analytics?
Sadie:
I joined Merit America thinking, I’m a millennial, I can do tech stuff, but I didn’t want to do tech support.
Once I joined your squad, I realized—oh, this is it. I could really flourish here. And honestly, you were a big part of that. Your enthusiasm—and the fact that we nerded out together—made me feel like I could conquer a mountain.
Anne-Marcelle:
There’s a clear anime connection here. Who’s your anime character?
Sadie:
I started One Piece a couple years ago. Everyone thinks they’re Nami or Robin—but no. I’m Chopper, and I’m okay with that.
Anne-Marcelle:
Why Chopper?
Sadie:
He always wants to help. He sees the good in people. He leans on others but is strong in his own way. He knows his strengths and isn’t afraid to shine—and that really resonates with me.
Anne-Marcelle:
You can have it all. And it’s okay to ask for help.
Sadie:
Exactly. You wrote me a recommendation that I have framed on my Notion resume site. It genuinely helped me land my first data analyst role.
Anne-Marcelle:
That’s the ripple effect. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. How did you approach breaking into the field?
Sadie:
The capstone project helped a lot. It taught me you can analyze anything if you care about it.
I made a Pokémon spreadsheet. I analyzed Harry Potter movie scripts—who spoke the most, how often Dumbledore was mentioned. I have anime spreadsheets, wedding spreadsheets—spreadsheets on spreadsheets.
Anne-Marcelle:
You took it to the moon.
Sadie:
I don’t enjoy financial quarterly reports—but I do enjoy analyzing rafting data, river flow history, anime episodes. Once you care, you just keep going. And then you make the data look pretty. I love that.
Anne-Marcelle:
You’re one of the most creative learners I’ve coached. How did you communicate that creativity in your job search?
Sadie:
You pushed me to post my Pokémon project. Once people reacted positively, I gained confidence. I realized—I do have talent.
Anne-Marcelle:
There were setbacks too. How did you handle them?
Sadie:
I landed my first data analytics job and loved it. Then company cutbacks happened—I got laid off. That was devastating.
But I bought the full version of one of the tools we used in the program and practiced every day. Interviews are half skill and half “Do I want to work with this person?”
I think I warmed my way in with personality—and then proved I was talented.
Anne-Marcelle:
That line alone is gold.
Sadie:
If I could talk to someone just starting out, I’d say: practice, yes—but more importantly, build a support system. Community is everything.
Anne-Marcelle:
Community, community, community. What are you doing now?
Sadie:
I took a customer service job—even though it wasn’t ideal. But I started helping with spreadsheets, improving systems, and now I’m up for a promotion to purchasing agent. I’m getting back into data—and I’m thrilled.
Anne-Marcelle:
And on-brand for a podcast called Promoted.
Sadie:
I didn’t even think about that!
Anne-Marcelle:
What’s next for you?
Sadie:
I just got engaged—so I have five wedding spreadsheets. I’m trying to build my own RSVP system instead of paying for one.
Professionally, I want stability. I want to organize systems behind the scenes so everything runs smoothly—and help people by taking things off their plates.
Anne-Marcelle:
We’re just closing this anime arc—not the whole story. Sadie, thank you for being you and sharing your journey.
If Sadie’s story resonated with you and you’re interested in exploring how Merit America can guide you toward a rewarding career, visit meritamerica.org.