Key Points:
- Pursuing a Career in Data as a Veteran: Charlie Apigian emphasizes that veterans interested in data careers don’t necessarily need to start with a four-year degree or technical coding skills. While a degree is beneficial, veterans can start by exploring certifications, nonprofit boot camps like Nashville Software School, or working on personal data projects that build real-world experience. Veterans can leverage their military skills in problem-solving, discipline, and structure to transition into data roles across various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing.
- Building a Portfolio through Passion Projects: For veterans and newcomers, Charlie highlights the value of creating a personal portfolio by solving real-world problems related to their interests. He suggests identifying issues they care about—like sports stats, community initiatives, or church data—and applying data analysis skills. This approach not only strengthens technical abilities but also demonstrates passion and initiative, which can be more compelling to employers than traditional qualifications alone.
- Nashville as a Supportive Tech Community for Veterans: Charlie passionately advocates for Nashville as a hub where veterans and tech newcomers can find opportunities, support, and community. He describes Nashville as a rapidly growing tech city with a unique blend of industry, nonprofits, and accessible networking through meetups and hackathons. Nashville’s collaborative culture and ample local resources make it an ideal environment for veterans transitioning into tech or data roles.
Transcript:
Emily Bose: Welcome back to another episode of Landing Zone Nashville. I am Emily Bose from Transition Overwatch, and so excited to have with me today, Charlie Apigian. He is the founder of Data Inspire, as well as a data strategist with LBMC and a professor at Belmont University. So thank you so much, Charlie, for being with me today. I’m excited about our conversation.
Charlie Apigian: Thank you, Emily. It’s a true pleasure. Anytime I get to talk data and then things that I have passions for in our community, one of those is obviously our wonderful veterans and people in Nashville.
Emily: Awesome. I think a great place to start would be, I know you’re currently working as a professor in a program for people interested in getting into data science. A lot of people coming out of the military are, looking at being a data analyst or a strategist or getting into AI or those types of things. So if someone’s coming out who likely doesn’t have a degree or maybe is working their way there but is interested in getting into data, what would you advise them to do, think about, pursue, look into, to pursue a career in data science right now?
Charlie: Yeah, it’s a great question. And it’s one that I’ve had a lot of experience, especially in the academic space. So I spent twenty years at Middle Tennessee State University. So we were definitely a veteran-friendly university. And then now I’m at Belmont University, and we have a lot of veterans there as well. And what you see is we normally will be the second most majors of veterans in information systems or computer science behind criminal justice. So criminal justice still gets us, but it’s a lot because they get that technical acumen in the military and then they know that they can pursue that.
Charlie: I think the important things to know are that if you want to be in tech, you don’t have to be a coder only. There are so many different aspects. If all you like is talking about data, there are analyst roles. There are administrative roles, like database administrators or network admins, and then you can kind of just pick your flavor. If you like data, there are routes you can go to get there. It doesn’t have to be a four-year degree, even though if you are military, a lot of times you’ll get that funding, and I would recommend it. But if you’re already at a point where you just need to make money for the family, and you’re more interested in finding a certification or a boot camp, I’d recommend something like Nashville Software School, which is a nonprofit. They work with the state for fees. John Wark over there is a wonderful, wonderful individual, and I know a lot of veterans have come through their programs. So there are different ways you can go. The most important is to talk to somebody. Don’t do this on your own. And if I’m that person, reach out to me. I will never say no to a coffee. And I think that’s very important, though. You’ve got to get information from people that have seen what others have gone through.
Emily: That makes a lot of sense. You know, as you were talking, I was thinking about how many different industries are represented. I don’t think everybody realizes that there are data roles in virtually every industry. I’ve done a lot of work in manufacturing, and there were database administrators, data analysts, and people who did specific types of coding—not coding a website, but coding data in certain ways. There’s business intelligence, analysts…so many different directions. There could be two different ways to look at it. One, you’re interested in an industry, like health care or hospitality or manufacturing—three large industries in Nashville. So maybe you start by looking at the types of data roles in that industry. Or maybe you’re interested in a specific role, like a database administrator, and don’t care much about the industry. Do you think that approach makes sense?
Charlie: I like the idea of going to the industry that interests you. The last thing I want is somebody getting into data or tech just because they think it’ll make them money, but they don’t like it. So find what you’re passionate about, and talk to people. Now what you’re talking about is a difference between skills and education. I’m a big proponent of combining both. If I’m teaching you Python code for data science, that’s a skill—something you could learn on YouTube. But where I add value is on the education part: problem-solving, learning independently, communicating in groups, and knowing what to do when you fail. A lot of veterans already have the mindset that lends itself well to a tech or data career. Now add in some data and tech components, and you have a leg up.
Emily: Yes, I’ve seen and heard the same thing. And I think it’s a great point. Sometimes people feel they need to have the problem handed to them. I know people who come to me with portfolios of, “I downloaded these problems and datasets from the internet and solved them.” Nothing wrong with that, but it’s even more compelling to tell a potential employer that you went out, found a problem you’re passionate about, and worked to solve it, whether it’s for your church, a local nonprofit, or your kids’ football team.
Charlie: Exactly. And I think it’s easy to romanticize tech roles, especially if you haven’t been around one. You think it’s going to be a certain way, but then you’re sitting in a manufacturing plant running an Excel spreadsheet on widgets, and you realize, “This isn’t Google; I’m not riding a unicorn.”
Emily: (laughs) Yes, exactly.
Charlie: And if someone’s thinking, “I want to be a data scientist and build predictive models,” most of what they’ll actually do is clean data, get buy-in to clean more data, and then spend maybe ten minutes building a model. I mean, that’s what I do most of the time. Honestly, I’m solving problems.
Emily: I love that realistic perspective. And I know you’ve done a lot of work with nonprofits in the Nashville area, using your data skills to make an impact. Could you share some projects that have really resonated with you?
Charlie: Thank you. I’m passionate about this. One project I’m proud of was around health inequities in Nashville. We worked with Nashville Health, a nonprofit founded by former Senator Frist, to understand why, although we’re called a healthcare city, we’re still one of the sickest. We looked at hypertension in Nashville and identified specific areas, like North Nashville, where health disparities are significant. I presented the findings to Mayor Cooper. We didn’t ask for money; just wanted to share our data. We ended up talking for ninety minutes, and by the end, he offered a million dollars to launch a wellness opportunity zone in North Nashville. That project’s impact shows how data storytelling can make a difference. And that’s my role—empowering others with data to take action.
Emily: That’s amazing. And I think for veterans or anyone transitioning, it can be incredibly inspiring to see data work directly benefiting communities.
Charlie: Absolutely. And for those wanting to get started, go to a hackathon or a meetup. Even if it’s not your idea, being around others in the field is so valuable. If you’re unsure what to do, do something. That’s the best advice. I have a little company, Data Inspire, where we take on nonprofit projects to give eager people real-world experience. It’s a way to make an impact and build skills at the same time.
Emily: Yes, I love that. It’s such a great way to get hands-on experience. And we see that a lot in Nashville—it’s a place for networking and collaboration.
Charlie: It really is. Nashville has become a tech city, and it’s a great place for veterans to transition. If you’re transitioning, don’t try to do it alone. Go to meetup.com, find your interest, and get connected. And I’d say reach out—people in Nashville love coffee chats.
Emily: Perfect advice. Thank you so much, Charlie, for sharing your insights and your passion. We’ve covered a lot, and I think this is a great place to wrap up.
Charlie: Thank you, Emily. Keep doing the great work you’re doing, helping people in transition. It’s so needed.
Emily: Thank you, Charlie. And for anyone listening, don’t hesitate to reach out and make connections here in Nashville!
