How to Become a Data Analyst in 2024

These days, the profession of "Data Analyst" has gained popularity due to the rise in the generation of data. However, there are a few requirements and a set of abilities that must be met to become a Data Analyst. You will discover all the skills required to land this job and gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to become a Data Analyst from this blog, bringing you one step closer to your desired professional path.

Who is a Data Analyst?

A Data Analyst's work involves collecting, preparing as well as analyzing large data sets. Data is created and accumulated daily in every venture, whether it is a small-scale or large-scale business. Such information can be customer relations data, accounts data, logistic data, marketing data, etc.

A Data Analyst is a person who takes this given data and calculates different solutions, including how to enhance customer satisfaction, how to set up a new price for the material, and the way to minimize transportation expenses, and so on. Data Analysts also work on data processing, creating models, and record generation.

Skills Required for Data Analyst

• Microsoft Excel: Microsoft Excel is one of the most recognized tools for manipulating data. Therefore, it is evident that most organizations find it more convenient to collect and analyze their data in Excel. Honing this skill can help you grow as a Data Analyst. 
• Data Visualization: The process of turning your study and findings into a graphical display, chart, or other presentation, is called visualization. It is an important skill as it helps provide information in a form relatable to someone lacking a computational background. Additionally, with Data Visualization, it becomes possible to provide simple business solutions whose implementation leads to maximum recognition. 
• Data Cleaning and Collecting: Data collection refers to the procedures adopted in gathering and organizing data. It is the initial step, and mandatory for anyone who wants to work in a Data Analytics profession. Data cleaning is the process of eliminating and correcting all the wrong information in the set of records. Data cleaning is a desirable skill because a single mistake in data leads to a mistake in the dataset and so the analysis

Is There a Future for Data Analysts?

Definitely Yes! Since the field of Data Analysis is expanding quickly and is expected to do so over the next ten years, there has never been a better moment to enter the industry. Between 2021 and 2031, the need for Data Analytics employment is expected to increase by 23%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

Professionals with expertise in Data Analytics are now essential to any firm. The professionals provide the foundation for organizational growth, and their work is essential for making accurate decisions inside a company. The demand for experts with the ability to gather, process, and present enormous volumes of data is only going to increase. Because of this, there will be a global surge in demand for Data Analytics specialists in the upcoming years.

How to Become a Data Analyst?

Whether you’re just starting in the professional world or shifting to a new career, here are some steps toward becoming a Data Analyst.

• Obtain a Basic education: If you're not familiar with Data Analysis, you should start by learning the basics. An introduction to Data Analytics can provide you with the skills you need to land a job while also assisting you in determining whether this is a career that's a suitable fit. 
• Develop Your Technical Skills:  Getting a job in Data Analysis demands acquiring a particular set of technical abilities. The technical skills are as follows:
  • Programming in R, Python, and Javascript
  • Structured Query Language, or SQL
  • Data Visualization
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Dashboard Utilization
  • Relational Database
  • Robotic Learning

Apart from technical skills, hiring managers also consider soft skills such as communication, creativity, problem-solving skills, and industry-specific expertise.

• Work on Projects Using Real Data: Using data in real-world contexts is the best approach to learning how to extract value from it. Find out degree programs or online certification courses that include practical assignments using actual data sets. A range of readily accessible, free data sets are also available for you to utilize while designing your projects. 
• Create a Portfolio of Your Work: Save the best pieces of work for your portfolio as you experiment with different data sets online or finish practical exercises in class. To hiring managers, a portfolio shows your abilities. Gaining the job might be greatly aided by having an impressive portfolio. In case you have experience working on group projects during your educational journey, think about adding one. Your ability to function in a team is demonstrated by this.

What is The Fastest Way to Become a Data Analyst?

There are a lot of ways to become a Data Analyst but the most convenient and affordable option is to enroll in an online Data Analyst course. The online Data Analyst courses are flexible and give you the freedom to learn at your own pace. Below are a few of the courses to get started on your Data Analyst journey:

• Basics of Data Analytics & Macros in Excel

To stay ahead in any of the fields the most important step is to start with the basics. Hence, the Basics of Data Analytics & Macros in Excel online course is the ideal course to ace the fundamentals. This 4-6-hour Data Analyst certification course gives novices the fundamental skills they need to efficiently handle data and accelerate activities by utilizing Excel's key features.

• Diploma in Data Analytics

Whether you want to upskill yourself or looking to pursue a career in the Data Analytics field a Diploma in Data Analytics provides you with a strong foundation. The methods, problems, and difficulties involved in understanding business data are covered in this Data Analytics course online. Additionally, you will learn how to use data to make important judgments about aspects of business and offer useful insights into Data Analytics, which help firms make well-informed decisions.

• Diploma in SQL: Beginner to Advanced Levels

If you want to become a skilled Data Analyst professional then a Diploma in SQL: Beginner to Advanced Levels can help you do so. The Data Analyst certification course covers the fundamentals of both DBMS and RDBMS, highlighting the critical role that SQL plays in efficient database administration. It also covers stored procedures, views, indexes, join types, aggregate functions, and SQL constraints.

• Mastering of Data Visualization with Tableau

If you want to learn how to make decisions and graphics to communicate stories with the help of Data Visualization then enroll in the Mastering of Data Visualization with Tableau course. Learn how to evaluate and act upon information more quickly by taking this data visualization course. Also learn how to utilize visual components like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools to facilitate the examination and understanding of trends, outliers, and patterns in data. 

Conclusion

We hope this blog gave you a clear idea about how to become a Data Analyst and, what are the best Data Analytics certification to get started. Also, don’t forget to check UniAthena's free learning options to upskill your career.

Bonus Points

• It's critical to embrace AI, stay current on AI technology, improve competency in AI-related abilities, and get an understanding of how to apply AI tools to remain relevant in the Data Analysis field.
• Numerous opportunities are available for Data Analytics at both corporate and industry levels. After graduating from college, the top positions in Data Analysis can pay up to $100,000.