From Operations Leader to Supervision Manager: Adam Simpson’s Professional Growth Journey

For six years, Adam Simpson worked as an Operations Leader, managing resources that supported high-value client acquisition, net flows, and practice growth. His daily responsibilities included performing front-line supervision to ensure regulatory alignment and leading the professional development of a team of ten direct reports. Within this capacity, Adam was immersed in operational oversight, risk awareness, and people leadership — all essential components of a high-functioning financial services environment.

As he progressed in his career, Adam found himself increasingly drawn toward data, analytics, and operational problem-solving. He recognised that strengthening these capabilities could open new pathways that aligned more closely with his long-term aspirations. This growing interest marked the beginning of his decision to pursue a structured and focused learning path.

Today, Adam is an Operations Supervision Manager at Cary Street Partners, where he oversees administrative, operational, and supervisory functions across branch locations. His journey represents a powerful example of career transformation fuelled by industry-aligned training, dedication, and clarity of direction.

Navigating the Transition into Data & Analytics

Adam’s motivation to shift his career direction came from a desire to align his professional path with his long-term goals. He shared that he wanted a role that better leveraged his interest in analytics and operational problem-solving, and the Data Science & AI program offered an opportunity to build those skills in a structured way.

A pivotal realisation emerged as he completed the program: the analytical mindset and structured thinking he was developing could expand his career possibilities within his industry. The chance to apply data-focused thinking to complex operational challenges was both motivating and empowering.

Transitioning from familiar responsibilities to a learning environment with new expectations required stepping outside his comfort zone. While Adam didn’t describe a single definitive moment of change, his reflections highlight a gradual but intentional shift toward opportunities that blended his existing strengths with new technical and analytical capabilities.

Breaking Down Barriers

Career shifts often come with uncertainty, but Adam’s main challenge was not a change in industry — it was ensuring that his next role aligned with his long-term direction. He described the most difficult part of the transition as “aligning my career direction with my long-term goals.”

Navigating this meant reassessing his strengths, clarifying priorities, and making adjustments to his job search strategy. With guidance from his career coach, Adam refined his approach and focused on roles that were a true match for both his experience and aspirations. Once he made those pivots, the process moved smoothly.

This experience illustrates a relatable challenge for many career-changers: finding clarity in what comes next, even when the path is not immediately obvious.

The Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program

Adam enrolled in the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program delivered in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The program provided him with an analytical foundation that strengthened his ability to interpret information, analyse complex problems, and think through structured workflows.

Although his role is not purely technical, Adam found the concepts learned through the program to be highly relevant. He emphasised the value of gaining skills in:

• Data interpretation
• Structured workflows
• Critical thinking
• Analytical problem-solving

Working through hands-on exercises and real-world applications helped him build confidence in navigating data-centric conversations and presenting insights clearly. The program’s focus on practical skills, industry-aligned training, and real-world applications positioned him to take on more advanced operational roles.

Career Support: A Game-Changer

The Institute of Data’s career support played a pivotal role in Adam’s transition. He described the experience plainly: “The career coaching and one-on-one support made the biggest difference.”

Working closely with his career coach, Kimberly Goodwin, he refined his résumé, improved his online presence, and built a stronger understanding of how his background would resonate with employers. Adam shared that Kimberly helped him recognise strengths he hadn’t been highlighting and held him accountable throughout the process.

One interviewer even noted that they were impressed with his résumé, which Adam credits directly to the work he and his coach completed together.

The structured coaching helped him stay focused, make strategic adjustments, and move confidently through interviews — ultimately accelerating his job search.

Securing a Role at Cary Street Partners

After completing the bootcamp and committing to the job outcomes program, Adam’s job search moved quickly. He completed his interviews a little over two months after finishing the bootcamp and accepted a role that aligned strongly with his experience and long-term direction.

He now works at Cary Street Partners as an Operations Supervision Manager.

In this role, Adam is responsible for:

• Overseeing day-to-day administrative, operational, and supervisory functions across the firm’s branches
• Ensuring compliance with company and regulatory requirements
• Acting as a liaison between Corporate Supervision, Compliance, and Operations
• Training branch teams on policies and procedures

The role blends his operational expertise with the strengthened analytical mindset he developed during the program. While not technical in nature, the data-focused thinking and problem-solving approaches he learned continue to influence how he evaluates information and provides insight within the organisation.

The Value of Transferable Skills

Adam’s transformation demonstrates the strength of transferable skills. His six years of experience as an Operations Leader equipped him with:

• Supervisory capabilities
• Process oversight
• Regulatory awareness
• Team development experience
• Strong communication skills

The Data Science & AI program added an analytical system of thinking that built naturally on top of these foundations. Adam noted that the program enhanced his confidence in interpreting data and presenting insights clearly — skills essential for operations and supervision roles.

He also shared that he plans to pursue Series 24, 9, and 10 certifications to continue strengthening his supervisory expertise.

Advice for Aspiring Career Changers

Adam’s advice for anyone aspiring to make a career change:

“Have a clear plan and don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working.”

He expands on this mindset through guidance that other career changers can apply:

• Start with your long-term goals. Work backwards to understand which steps will move you in the right direction.
• Be adaptable. Progress isn’t always linear; pivots are often necessary.
• Keep moving forward. Even small steps accumulate into momentum.
• Use the support available to you. Coaches, instructors, and classmates provide insight and accountability that can make all the difference.

His message encourages clarity of purpose, openness to change, and consistent forward movement.

The Power of Networking and Mentorship

Throughout his journey, Adam benefited from structured coaching, peer support, and interactions with instructors. He shared how grateful he was for the guidance he received, noting the value of having experts and mentors who could help him navigate the uncertainty of a career shift.

These connections created a supportive environment that made the process feel collaborative rather than isolating. For many transitioning professionals, this community element becomes a powerful motivator and a key success factor.

Inspiring Others to Take the Leap

Adam Simpson’s transformation from Operations Leader to Operations Supervision Manager highlights the possibilities that emerge when personal motivation meets industry-aligned training and strong support. His openness about the challenges — and his gratitude for those who supported him — reflects a journey defined not by ease, but by resilience and intentional growth.

As Adam shared:
“The transition wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely worth it, and I’m excited for what comes next.”

For anyone considering a similar path, Adam’s story serves as a reminder that career transformation is achievable, even when the direction isn’t immediately clear.

Ready to take your next step? Explore the Institute of Data’s Data Science & AI Program and begin your own career transformation today.