Non-traditional Path to a Big Data Career

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My degree is in Geography and Urban Planning, but I have strong analytical skills and strong attention to detail. I have about 5 years of geodatabase experience, so I am wondering how to break into a Big Data career. Is it doable?

I have been teaching myself Oracle SQL, and learning other Big Data applications on my own (no classroom or on-the-job training). So, I have a few questions:

1. Are prospective employers really picky about where one gets their experience?

2. With a non-STEM degree, are my efforts futile and pointless?

3. How can one "wow" an interviewer when many companies are using automated applications?

Just get an entry level IT job and get promoted into a big data position.