Roadmap to Become a Data Analyst

ByIshita Juneja
coding-1841550_640

Data Analysis is the current trending topic across the globe. This field is growing, and why not? Data analysis is exciting and much in demand in today’s data-driven world. 

 

Honestly, we are drowning in information these days. From medical records to social media posts and images to graphic media to financial transactions to the hospitality industry – we get data everywhere and just anywhere. The world is a big universe of data. 

 

That is where the Data Analysts sort all the data thoroughly for us to make sense of and turn them into valuable insights. This data turns out to be highly beneficial to one and all. 

 

Governments change policies based on this data, businesses grow their brands with strategies made of data, industries change tactics to grow, teachers use this data to spread knowledge, and even people make better decisions in their personal and professional lives. 

 

Of course, like any other profession, data analysts face many challenges, too, but that is life, and you have to accept it! So, if you are trying to be a Data Analyst and looking for a roadmap for an offline guide or online data analyst course, this article is for you. 

 

Step 1 – What is Data Analysis? 

Data Analysis is the process of collecting and processing the raw data and preparing the required statistics. This analyzed data plays a significant role in making business decisions and identifying customers’ weak points, which eventually helps businesses change their approach for better growth. 

 

Step 2 – Get to Know the Role of a Data Analyst 

The role of a data analyst is to collect data, process them & prepare statistical analysis. But it doesn’t end here. A data analyst’s responsibilities also include further organizing and assessing the data, using the data to uncover insights and solve difficulties, and presenting your findings to others. 

 

Some skills and activities that a data analyst performs are:

  • Collecting and analyzing large data sets to identify patterns, trends and insights that can change business decisions.
  • Using statistical tools to draw insights from data.
  • Developing and using data collection systems and strategies that optimize efficiency and data quality.
  • Working with other teams to identify business needs and develop data solutions.
  • Communicating the findings and insights to stakeholders in a clear and actionable way.

Step 3 – What educational qualification is required to be a data analyst? 

To become a data analyst, you must first earn a Bachelor’s degree, a requirement for most entry-level data analyst positions. Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and Information Management are the relevant disciplines that should be studied. 

 

You can opt for offline or data analyst course online or diploma courses. Besides certification or diploma courses, Data Analytics is also available at the postgraduate level as a stream of specialization in Computer Science and Management. 

 

An aspirant of a postgraduate course in data analytics must acquire 50% marks in a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute or an equivalent qualification. This is the minimum requirement to enter a data analytics course.

 

If you want to graduate in Data Analytics, you can opt for BE, BTech and BSc. For postgraduate courses, you can opt for MBA, PGDM, MSc, MCA and MTech. 

 

There are data analyst online courses that can be opted for. You can gain knowledge in as little as 3 months and master it in 3 to 4 years. 

 

Data Analyst Online Course:

  • Certificate course in Data Analytics from IIT
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate 
  • Business & Data Analysis with SQL 


Step 4 – To Know about the Required Skill Set to Become A Data Analyst 

If you are interested in a job as a data analyst, you need to acquire specific technical skills. Whether you’re learning through a degree program, professional certificate or on your own, these are essential skills you should study to get hired in this competitive world.

In addition to these hard skills, employers look out for good communication skills. In interviews, you may be asked to present your findings, problem-solving ability and domain knowledge in the industry you’d like to work in. 


Step 5 – Explore Job Requirements for Data Analyst Roles 


You know the role of data analysts and how you can pitch in for the job when opting for courses. It’s about time to do some research work on what employers are looking for. 

 

You have to keep yourself updated to match up with the reqirements of the job market. Some companies prioritize programming skills, while others may value communication and business perception. 

 

Do extensive research on the skills in high demand in the market. This information can easily be acquired from job listings and descriptions on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor. 


Some of the things that job listings look out for:-

  • Proficiency in SQL and experience working with large datasets
  • Familiarity with Python and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw insights from complex data
  • Experience with statistical analysis and modelling techniques
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences

 

You can also reach out to people with knowledge or working in the same job title or field. Communicating with them about the required skills and strategies could benefit you. 

 

Overall, you have to put in a genuine effort to acquire knowledge to achieve an excellent job in this field with the best possible skills you can learn in this process as this field is booming and like you, you will find many who are working hard to get established as a Data Analyst. 

 

Becoming a data analyst requires dedication and hard work. You need to have a passion for data analysis. The steps outlined in this roadmap will help you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful data analyst.