By Ijeoma Cynthia
How do I Become a Data Analyst?
A Step by Step Guide
Who is a Data Analyst?
A data analyst collects, processes and performs statistical analyses on a large dataset. They discover how data can be used to answer questions and solve problems to enable businesses to make data-driven decisions.
Here’s one path to getting started.
Get a foundational education.
Build your technical skills.
Work on projects with real data.
Develop a portfolio of your work.
Practice presenting your findings.
Get an entry-level data analyst job.
Consider certifications or an advanced degree.
Join data communities.
- Get Foundational Education
If you’re new to the world of data analysis, you’ll want to start by developing some foundational knowledge in the field. Getting a broad overview of data analytics can help you decide whether this career is a good fit while equipping you with job-ready skills. And one course to start with is the Google Data Analytics course.
- Build your Technical Skills.
Getting a job in data analysis typically requires having a set of specific technical skills. There are some essential skills you’ll likely need to get.
Data Analyst Road Map for all.
Statistics
Excel
Data visualisation (Tableau or Power BI)
SQL
Programming language (R or Python)
- Work on Projects with Real Data
The best way to learn how to find value in data is to work with it in real-world settings. Look for courses that include hands-on projects using real data sets. You can also find a variety of free public data sets you can use to design your own projects. I also made a thread on that.
- Develop your Own Portfolio
As you play around with data sets on the internet or complete hands-on assignments in your classes, be sure to save your best work for your portfolio.
A portfolio demonstrates your skills to hiring managers, a strong portfolio can go a long way toward getting the job.
Sign up for a GitHub account and start posting your projects and code to the site. You can also write about your progress on
- Practice Presenting your Finding
It can be easy to focus only on the technical aspects of data analysis but don’t neglect your communication skills.
As a data analyst, you must be able to interpret findings and explain them to a variety of audiences.
When you’re able to tell a story with the data, you can help your organization make data-driven decisions. Have you read the book “Storytelling with Data” by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic?
Here is the link to the book https://t.co/UaBnQ8dJXh
- Get an Entry Level Data Analyst Job
After gaining some experience working with data and presenting your findings, it’s time to polish your resume and begin applying for entry-level data analyst jobs.
You don’t have to master all the tools before you can start applying for.
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