And you’ve decided that becoming a Data Analyst is the path you want to go down. Well, firstly I think you have made an excellent choice as not only is it a highly employable career that is well paid, but it is a job of today and of the future. There are now many types of organizations who collect data and use it to make or improve decision-making.
But before we get ahead of ourselves I am sure you have a few questions you want answering like; What exactly does a Data Analyst do? What qualifications do I need? What is a Data Analyst Salary? Which organizations need a Data Analyst?
To answer all these questions let’s delve into this detailed article on How to become a Data Analyst and find out all there is you need to know.
Table of Content
What does a Data Analyst do?
We live in a time when companies and organizations receive an enormous amount of information and data. This data is gathered and analyzed by a Data Analyst, who will then provide the organization with the results that can help improve decision-making and predictions for their future business.
All types of organizations benefit from data analysts from the health care industry to retail, food sector, marketing and more. The data gathered could be based on a variety of subjects like; How to improve customer experience, How to reduce material costs, Which new products to develop and much more. All this collected data is to improve procedures and boost the profits of the company and organization.
The role of a Data Analyst
Whether you are working for a client or organization in the food sector or marketing your day-to-day role as a Data Analyst will have some similarities. It will start with defining the problem, then collecting and cleaning data, then on to spotting patterns and finally creating reports and visualizations.
Define the Problem
The first and most important part is determining what the client or organization actually needs. So, that means defining the problem whether its analysis on a product, a dashboard or reports. Once you have that defined you can create a plan of action along with time frames which you may need to communicate to the rest of the team.
Collect & Clean the Data
A key part is collecting your data which may come from multiple sources (databases, backups, flat files or APIs) which you then need to put together into one place. You will be working alongside the programmers to extract this data. Once you have this data it will need to be cleaned up as inevitably it will be messy. It’s important the data collection is well organized, and the Data Analyst will work to develop a methodical technique which can be easily modified. Specialized tools and software are used to create this infrastructure. This is a critical part of the process as it means later on the data is easier to manage and use again.
Spotting patterns
A successful Data Analyst can spot patterns in the data, which could form its weekly, monthly or quarterly reports depending on how often the client wants the reports. These significant patterns help the Data Analyst find trends which they can use to make recommendations to the client or organization.
Collaborating with others
You may be led to believe that a Data Analyst works pretty solitary, but actually, it’s quite the opposite of the truth. The majority of Data Analysts responsibilities mean that they collaborate not only with their immediate data science team like database developers and data architects, but they also work closely with other employees in the organization like executives and marketers. Another key ingredient a Data Analyst needs is the ability to communicate well with his/her peers when delivering findings and the final presentation.
Create Reports & Visualizations
This is the final part of the process when the Data Analyst produces the reports or visualizations, which can be created automatically, and provided to the client or organization with the latest data as regularly as they would like it. These reports will give management an insight into new trends and areas that the company may need to improve on.
What you need to know to become a Data Analyst?
There are some key subject areas that you need as a building block to become a Data Analyst. By putting together these key skills, you will have the ultimate package in becoming a Data Analyst. Or maybe you already have knowledge in some key subject areas, and you are lacking in others. Below I have highlighted these specific subject areas and recommended courses to help you on your Data Analyst path.
Programming
It is the core skill that any Data Analyst needs, and you need to be proficient in at least one programming language. If you are familiar with more than one programming language then even better. Starting with either Python or R programming languages and then branching out to Java, MATLAB and PHP will give you a great foundation.
Recommended Programming Courses
Learn to Program: The Fundamentals – This course is brought to you by Coursera and partnered with the University of Toronto. This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming and teaches you how to use the programming language Python.
Statistics
A strong foundation in statistics is an important part of becoming a Data Analyst as this will help you to analyze and explore the data you are working with.
Recommended Statistics Courses
Statistics and R – This course is brought to you by edX and partnered with Harvard University. This course introduces the basic statistical concepts and R programming skills necessary for analyzing data.
Math
Being comfortable and familiar with numbers is another key component in becoming a Data Analyst. A knowledge of algebra is necessary to manipulate algebraic expressions and to solve equations.
Machine Learning
Having an understanding in machine learning algorithms enables data professionals to make predictions or calculated suggestions based on a huge amount of data. The three main types of machine learning that data analysts should know are supervised learning, unsupervised learning and reinforcement learning.
Recommended Machine Learning Courses
Machine Learning – This course is brought to you by Coursera where you will learn to master machine learning fundamentals in four hands-on courses.
What skills does a Data Analyst need?
To be a successful Data Analyst you need a variety of Technical, Practical and Soft skills. These must-have skills will help you to stay competitive and industry ready in your role. Below the table I have highlighted and described in detail what I consider the most important skills from the above list.
Technical
Practical
Soft
Python and R
Creative and Analytical Thinking
Strong and Effective Communication skills
SQL
Presentation Skills
Team player
Tableau/Power BI
Challenge thinking
Clear explanation of complex concepts
Microsoft Excel
Offer opinions
Good listening skills
Google Analytics
Problem-solving skills
Domain Knowledge
SQL
SQL or (Structured Query Language) is the industry-standard database language. It is often thought of as the graduated version of Excel and is for handling larger datasets that Excel simply can’t.
Recommended SQL Courses
Introduction to SQL – This course is brought to you by Datacamp where you will master the basics of querying tables in relational databases such as MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. The class is 4 hours long and ideal for beginners.
Python and R
Like SQL, R and Python can handle what Excel can’t. They are powerful statistical programming languages used to perform advanced analyses and predictive analytics.
Recommended Python Courses
Python for Everybody Specialization – This course is brought to you by Coursera and partnered with the University of Michigan where you will learn to program and analyze data with Python, develop programs to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data.
Presentation Skills
Being comfortable presenting to a room of people isn’t something we should take for granted, actually most of us get very nervous and feel a sense of dread about standing in front of people. Like most things in life, with practice you will begin to feel more comfortable.
Recommended Presentation Skills Courses
Business Presentation Skills – Excellence Made Easy – This course is brought to you by Udemy which will help you become a confident presenter. You will learn how to give clear, confident and effective business presentations.
Creative and Analytical Thinking
Another important skill as a Data Analyst is to be able to look at problems with a creative and analytical eye. This way the Analyst is able to ask interesting and thought-provoking questions which will make the client or organization think outside the box.
Feeling comfortable conveying your findings in a strong and effective way to your audience (the client or organization) means they will trust what you are saying and be on the same page.
The role of a Data Analyst means being an active team player who can collaborate and work with programmers, IT specialists and executives. To be a Data Analyst, you should feel comfortable joining forces with others.
The field of Data Analysis is still fairly new, so the salary results are based on job search sites like Glassdoor, Monster and Indeed. The average Data Analyst can expect to have an annual salary of $70,000.
Data Analyst (Entry level): $45,000 – $60,000
Data Analyst (Mid-level): $65,000 – $85,000
Data Analyst (Senior level): $85,000 – $110,000
It’s important to remember that careers in the Data Analytics field are highly employable, and it’s an industry that is ever-growing and most definitely is a job for the future.
Popular Data Analyst Courses and Platforms to consider?
Learning and training online is becoming more and more popular due to its convenience and cost. So getting job ready qualifications to become a Data Analyst is no different. I have highlighted the most popular courses from the most reputable elearning platforms.
Datacamp
Why choose Datacamp?
Datacamp is an online platform that specializes in topics like data science and analytics. It offers more than 350+ courses which are taught by expert instructors and its courses are partnered with top Institutions and Organizations. Its courses are engaging and interactive and many are ideal for beginners. If you’re interested in reading in more detail about Datacamp, check our detailed review here.
What is the course/learning program?
The Data Analyst Certification is designed to prepare you for a role as a Data Analyst. It is verified proof that you know how to navigate data systems, extract meaning from data and efficiently communicate your findings. The certification
What prior skills should I have?
You will need to know the fundamentals of data management, exploratory analysis, analytics, visualization and reporting. Plus you will need to be comfortable working with SQL and either Python or R.
How long is the course/learning program?
The completion of the certification depends on how much preparation time you’ll need to reach the required skill. In terms of the exam, they can be completed in under one hour and the case study in around 4 hours.
How much is the course/learning program?
The Data Analyst Certification is included in the Datacamp Premium plan that costs $300 annually.
Udacity is a platform that offers learning programs on courses that focus on programming, business, data science and more. Its courses are designed to give you real employable skills that are based around real-world projects.
What is the course/learning program?
Become a Data Analyst: A Nanodegree learning program where you will learn Data Analysis with Python and SQL. The program will cover Introduction to Data Analysis, Practical Statistics, Data Wrangling and Data Visualization with Python.
What prior skills should I have?
You should have experience working with Python (specially NumPy and Pandas) and SQL. This includes Python standard libraries and working with data Pandas and Numpy.
How long is the course/learning program?
The estimated time is 4 months working 10 hours a week.
Coursera is one of the most prestigious online educational platforms that offers courses on Data Science, Business, Health and much more. Coursera’s learning programs are partnered with 200+ top Institutions and Universities like (Imperial College and Stanford) and when you successfully complete a learning program with Coursera you will receive a verified certificate.
Udemy is one of the largest online educational platforms that offers over 150,000 courses on pretty much any topic you could imagine. Udemy’s courses are affordable and self-paced and you will receive a certificate of completion.
Datacamp is an online platform that specializes in topics like data science and analytics. It offers close to 350 courses which are taught by expert instructors from Datacamp as well as top Institutions like Duke University. Its courses are engaging and interactive and many are ideal for beginners.
What is the course/learning program?
Data Analyst with R: This career track will help you gain the analytical skills to import, clean, manipulate and visualize data in R.
What prior skills should I have?
You don’t need any coding experience.
How long is the course/learning program?
The course is 77 hours and 19 courses
How much is the course/learning program?
The Standard Datacamp subscription is $25.00 which will give you access to this career track.
edX is an elearning platform that offers learning programs on subjects like Data Science, Computer Science, Business, Engineering. Design and much more. It’s 3,000+ online courses are partnered with the world’s best Universities, Colleges and Organizations. When you successfully complete a course you will receive an accredited certificate.
What is the course/learning program?
Analytics: Essential Tools and Methods – This course will teach you essential analytic tools like R, Python, SQL and you will learn fundamental models and methods of analytics and how and when to apply them.
What prior skills should I have?
You don’t need any prior experience.
How long is the course/learning program?
The course will take 10 months to complete whilst working 8–10 hours a week.
Treehouse is an online technology platform that offers 300+ courses in programming and design. Treehouse courses are designed around real-life projects which help to prepare you with the skills for a career in your chosen path. Its learning programs are self-paced, and it offers a 7-day free trial that gives you full access to the platform.
What is the course/learning program?
Data Analysis Basics – In this course you will learn how to make better decisions with data. You will learn how to use data analysis to create better outcomes.
What prior skills should I have?
You don’t need any prior experience, this course is designed for beginners.
How long is the course/learning program?
The course is only 75 minutes.
How much is the course/learning program?
The Courses subscription plan is $25 a month, but you will have a 7-day free trial as a new user.
Pluralsight is an elearning platform for technology related topics like IT, Data, Software Development and much more. It has a library of over 7,500+ courses which focus on developing the skills of tomorrow. Its courses are self-paced and you it offers a 10-day free trial to try out the platform.
What is the course/learning program?
Data Analytics: Hands On – In this course you will learn all the key concepts in the world of data analytics. This course will walk you through everything you need to know and introduce you to every key area.
What prior skills should I have?
You don’t need any prior experience, this course is designed for beginners.
How long is the course/learning program?
The course is 5 hours 1 minute.
How much is the course/learning program?
You can pick either the monthly $29 or annual $299 which includes a 10-day free trial.
I hope this detailed review has given you an insight into what it takes to become a Data Analyst. It’s important before taking any course or qualification to consider the following strengths and weaknesses of a career as a data analyst.
Data Analyst Pros
High Demand: The role of a Data Analyst is in high demand in various industries, that include technology, healthcare, finance and marketing.
Competitive Salary: Data Analysts typically earn a competitive salary, especially with experience and specialized skills.
Professional Development: Data Analysts have opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and programming which can be valuable for career advancement.
Diverse: The job opportunities can be really diverse working in different industries and sectors.
Data Analyst Cons
Heavy workload: A career as a data analysis can involve long hours and tight deadlines, particularly when projects are coming to a close.
Technical Experience: For many roles in the data analysis world you will need to have the knowledge and the experience.
Review Updates:
09/05/23 – General update
03/03/23 – Data Analyst Pros & Cons
16/02/23 – Updated Data Analyst Links
18/08/22 – Datacamp Data Analyst Certification
Catherine Cooke
Hey. I am Catherine and I have been working as a freelancer for many years now. In 2005, I graduated from a BA honours in Art & Design from BCU and then went onto complete a Master’s Degree in Teaching from UEL. The skills I gained from learning and teaching have led me to create Upskillwise, a place for learners like myself to find the best possible resources and courses to train and upskill themselves, either personally or professionally. If you have a question, please feel free to ask me anything or leave me a comment.
Subscribe
13 Comments
Newest
OldestMost Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Laxman katti
8 months ago
Hi, I have read a lot from this blog thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you for such a great post. I was searching for a good Data Analyst online course to become a Data Analyst. Your detailed information is really helpful to choose a better course.
Hi,
Nice blog on data science. The skills are clearly explained, which is helpful. The courses and modes to study are helpful as well. At last, I want to say anyone who is choosing to become a data scientist has a good career ahead.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Hi, I have read a lot from this blog thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you for your comment 🙂
Hello,
Thank you for such a great post. I was searching for a good Data Analyst online course to become a Data Analyst. Your detailed information is really helpful to choose a better course.
Thanks, Jennifer. So happy the article was helpful and good luck on your Data Analyst journey 🙂
Hi I have read a lot from this video thank you for sharing this information.
Hi I have read a lot from this blog thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you for your comment. Happy you enjoyed the blog 🙂
Hi, I have read a lot from this blog thank you for sharing this information
Thank you for your comment. You are welcome 🙂
Hi,
Nice blog on data science. The skills are clearly explained, which is helpful. The courses and modes to study are helpful as well. At last, I want to say anyone who is choosing to become a data scientist has a good career ahead.
Thanks for your comment 🙂
Hi, I have read a lot from this blog thank you for sharing this information
You are welcome 🙂