What Skills Are Required for Data Analyst?

Every day more and more companies are realizing the importance of effective strategies that have data-driven methodology at their core. It is also a general agreement that the need for professionals who can provide the required knowledge and consistency needed to collect information is at an all-time high.

Many individuals are now considering the option of transferring their goals towards a career in data analytics. Let’s find out what skills are required for a data analyst.

What Skills Are Required for Data Analyst

While it may take a special kind of resolve to tread a data analyst’s path, doing so isn’t as complicated as many have previously assumed. However, despite the route being carefully laid out with the internet’s help, the dedication and hard work needed to succeed is still relative to the individual. Today, you will understand the different aspects of becoming a data analyst.

Let’s start by understanding the prerequisites for Data Analyst.

Prerequisites for Data Analysts

People looking to become data analysts don’t need to bother themselves with endless hours looking for the best ways to succeed in the field. The existence of meaningful and informative online outlets will save you time and resources allocated towards more critical avenues. That being said, there are still hurdles that one must overcome before taking it easy.

Some of the most successful data analysts in the industry today place their trust faithfully in their acquired skills over the years. However, here are some of the starting points for which you can begin to digest information to lessen the unnecessary hours you may spend on other methods. 

The need for skilled data analysts only grows every second that our society continues to digitalize the modern world. Listed below are some of the current data analyst skills in demand that surface every time the question “What skills are required for data analyst?” is asked.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

The most diverse and probably essential prerequisite of becoming a data analyst is the mastery of structured query language. SQL is an industry-standard and ubiquitous language that is often regarded as the premium upgrade to Microsoft Excel due to its ability to handle larger datasets.

It may be quite the news to most people to know that almost every company requires someone with SQL knowledge. Some of the most common needs for SQL-ready workforces are managing and storing extensive data, connect and relate databases, and building data models for structural use towards projects. Check out the best course to learn SQL/MYSQL online.

The salary alone for people who make their lifelong profession to master SQL sits around $75k and above. While it can be tempting to make a living off of programming languages, data analysts have an even higher pay grade, especially if you know SQL.

Microsoft Excel

Surprisingly, many people still have the common misconception that spreadsheets are the only reason they stay relevant. However, the process of mastering Excel is a far more intricate skill than you may have thought. The program has more than two decades of development, giving it the most optimization out of all the applications on this list.

There may be arguments regarding the preference of newer applications such as R or Python over Microsoft Excel, but there are specific scenarios where the latter is a better choice. Advanced techniques such as writing Macros, utilizing VBA lookups, and even preference for Excel’s simplicity are reason enough to use it in modern society still.

If you have got the skill of Excel VBA then you are already a step ahead of others. If not make sure you learn from the list of our highly recommended courses for Excel VBA.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

The term “critical thinking” maybe a relative concept, but the idea is that professionals in this field need to manipulate data to their advantage. This means that data analysts need to find and meticulously dissect different data connections to make clear conclusions of various datasets.

One can improve this particular part of training by enrolling on logic and critical thinking course.

Data analysts often use the saying “Think and breathe like an analyst” to hone their skills daily. The consistency in asking yourself basic questions about the current problem will help train your brain in becoming more efficient and grounded even in difficult situations.

R and Python-Assisted Programming

Combining your existing knowledge of Microsoft Excel with these two modern applications can boost productivity and efficiency tenfold. R and Python are exponentially more capable than Excel in statistical programming, predictive and advanced analysis on large datasets.

A data analyst’s true test is the level of expertise between SQL, Microsoft Excel, and one or both of these languages. R language and Python are both open-source and free applications, but most organizations don’t care which program their employees use as long as the job gets done. Some of the most in-demand data analyst skills are those with proficiency in programming languages.

Visualization and Presentation

It isn’t enough to learn the different ways in actualizing datasets; a proper data analyst must know how to present and visualize information at any time. Expressing an adequate idea in relation to the data presented is crucial in creating a positive atmosphere inside the presentation room.

It would not be easy to specify precisely what skills are required for data analyst students, but having a responsible learner’s fundamental traits is a great place to start. The best data analyst skills are those acquired through consistency and the drive to succeed.

Background in Machine Learning

 Due to the rising number of artificial intelligence-based systems, machine learning has become one of every successful data analyst’s main strengths. It is also worth noting that while not every data analyst is assigned to environments with machine learning, it is still worth investing time to learn the field.

Benefits of Becoming a Data Analyst

There are many tangible benefits to having a capable data analyst in a company, but some of the biggest companies agree that the services are similar across multiple industries. However, the results are relative to the person’s passion and drive working as a data analyst.

• Customer Acquisition and Retention
• Specified Target Campaigns
• Verification of Risks and Potential Issues
• Innovation of Existing Products and Services
• Intricate Network of Supplier

There aren’t many real disadvantages to having a data analyst apart from the more significant salary percentage required to retain them. However, most organizations would choose the higher paygrade employees rather than keep much less experienced personnel.

Best Courses for Data Analysts to Learn Online

• Data Analytics Masters Program – Edureka
• IBM Data Analyst – Coursera
• Data Analyst by Udacity
• Apache Spark SQL for Data Analysts – Coursera
• Data Analytics in Finance
• Data Analytics with R Certification Training – Edureka
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate by Google – Coursera
• Introduction to Data Analytics – Coursera
• The Data Analyst Course: Complete Data Analyst Bootcamp 2021 – Udemy
• Become a Data Analyst – Future Learn
• Data Analyst Course – Edx

Summary

The road to becoming a full-fledged data analyst may seem complicated at first, but you too can attain the profession you desire with the right tools and courses. It takes a special kind of resolve to stay consistent and motivated during the learning process, but hopefully, this article can help you make that decision today. Feel free to share this helpful article with your friends to know what skills are required for data analyst.