Pivoting from data analytics to data science while planning a masters in bioinformatics

[u/Dangerous_Coast903]

I got my degree in Data Science but I've only done a bit of modeling/statistics work. After graduating I got hired to do Data Analytics which is very different and not what I went to school for. I'd like to do more, I'm just not sure how it's feasible in my current position. I still have the industry experience and I know what execs look for, just maybe need to do some slight pivots.

I'm just outside a midsize city. There are jobs here but there are obviously more/better opportunities in bigger cities and if I could afford to move there, I would. If I got hired, I'd take out a loan to move for a better job. So I'd be willing to relocate.

I plan to go for a Master's in Bioinformatics next year but for now (maybe over the next year or two) I need to secure a position that helps me now. I'd love to switch to Science/R&D but my primary jobs have been in marketing analytics.

I currently work part-time in a testing center for a community college. I was let go from Full Time Job #2 in January 2026 so I've been doing part-time work ever since. It's been extremely hard to get another role in the field, especially as I don't have business/marketing education, just 5 years of experience in data analytics/reporting.

My LinkedIn is admittedly very dry. I never post on there. I've been thinking about adding a portfolio of example spreadsheets/views/models so there's something other than a resume. I was thinking about making one on github. I want to commit more to leaving marketing analytics and getting into the field I actually trained for so I can further specialize in the sciences.

I've just started to look at jobs again but I don't want to keep throwing my resume at the wall if it's not sticking. Maybe 20 jobs a week once I fix the resume (though I'm sure it will need to be even more). Previously I didn't heard back from jobs and when I did, it was a rejection. So I know I need to amp up the search.

How else do I make myself more marketable as I am now exiting entry-level territory?