How To Become A Data Analyst
/If you are looking for a future-proof career, consider becoming a data analyst. According to recent research, the job market for data analysts is expected to grow by 23% by 2031. Data analysts are also some of the most well-paid professionals, with an average salary of around $62,632. Read on for a complete guide on becoming a data analyst to help you get started.
1. Familiarize yourself with data analytics fundamentals
The first step to becoming a data analyst, especially if you are new to the data analysis world, is learning the fundamentals of data analytics and the data analysis tools such as Python and R, advanced Microsoft Excel, Matplotlib, Spark, and Hadoop.
This will not only help you enhance your resume - gaining an extensive overview of data analytics can help you establish whether a career in data analysis is a good fit. Consider enrolling in data analysis courses to learn fundamental data skills and gain hands-on experience in fields like:
● Data cleaning
● Data management
● Data visualization
● Statistical programming
● Programming languages
Check out courses like Fullstack Academy’s boot camps to learn data analytics and acquire foundation knowledge, abilities, and skills to increase your chances of landing a lucrative job.
2. Hone your skills
Most employers require specific skills before offering you a position in their organization. Such skills include Structured Query Language (SQL), data preparation and cleaning, statistics, R or Python programming, and data visualization.
Research specific visualization tools and programming languages for the roles you intend to apply for and start learning. Be sure to also familiarize yourself with data analysis soft skills to improve your chances of landing a job. Here are essential data analysis soft skills you should be aware of:
● Research
● Communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
● Analytical mindset
● Attention-to-detail
● Logical and methodical approach to problem-solving
● Excellent organization skills
● Ability to meet deadlines
● Domain knowledge
3. Take on projects with real data
One of the most effective ways to hone your skills, put acquired knowledge to work, and have a firm grasp of data analysis fundamentals and tools is by working on projects with actual data. You could enroll in courses or degree programs that include projects with actual data or take on individual projects.
An individual project requires you to handle everything, including selecting topics, acquiring necessary data, determining your project’s direction, designing the project structure, checking hypotheses, and communicating results or findings.
While individual projects could be challenging and time-consuming, they help you stand out when applying for positions as they showcase your ability to research and work independently. Leveraging free datasets for data analysis, such as Datacamp Workspace, Google Dataset Search, and Kaggle can also help you practise your data analysis skills.
4. Build a data analyst portfolio
Creating a portfolio is an excellent way to get in front of prospective employers and stand out from your competition. A portfolio helps you showcase your best work and skills. Be sure to create a portfolio that demonstrates your passions and interests, expertise, and grasp of technical and soft skills.
Be careful not to include cookie-cutter projects that most people have worked on in your portfolio. Instead, research, develop, and complete an individual project to make your project stand out. You should host your portfolio on platforms like GitHub, Kaggle, or Datacamp Workspace. Alternatively, consider building a personal website.
5. Network
Get your foot in the door as a data analyst by creating a good network and making connections. Networking does not only link you to like-minded individuals but also offers a source of support and mentorship as you navigate your new career. If you’re not sure where to begin, below are resources to help you build a professional network both in-person and online:
● Social media: Be sure to create profiles on social accounts like Facebook and LinkedIn
● Online communities
● Student community
● Colleagues
● Meet-ups and conferences
6. Find a mentor
As with other professions, working with a mentor is critical to your career as a data analyst. A mentor can offer you feedback and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Mentors also provide helpful insights, such as the various career paths you could take as a data analyst, how others in the profession stand out, and the pros and cons of different paths.
Consider using your professional network to find a good mentor. You could let your contacts know you are looking for an experienced and reliable data analyst to become your mentor or leverage platforms like LinkedIn to find one. With that being said, ensure you have a goal in mind before approaching a specific mentor. Knowing what you are looking for beforehand can help you make the most of mentorship programs.
7. Apply for jobs
Once you have acquired the relevant skills and abilities and built a solid portfolio, the next step is applying for jobs. Here are tips for landing a job as a data analyst:
● Ensure you have the required skills and education when applying for a specific position.
● Build a professional resume
● Update your online profiles.
A career as a data analyst is an excellent fit for people who enjoy solving puzzles and working with numbers. Learn data analysis fundamentals, hone your skills, work on projects with actual data, create a portfolio, network, find a mentor, and apply for jobs and you’ll be on your way to becoming a data analyst.
