Businesses across different industries are relying on the data to make critical decisions. It is also used to identify problems and inefficiencies making data an important asset. A data analyst plays an important role in such organizations. The analyst gathers and performs data analysis and helps to address the problems, gain insights into the latest trends, and use it to make better decisions. The role of data analysts is in great demand with many job openings for people with data skills. If this role interests you but does not have a relevant qualification, here’s what you should do to become a data analyst from scratch.

 

Earn a degree or learn concepts: The first thing to do if you want to pursue a career in data science is to have a bachelor’s degree. Consider specialization in computers or math or subjects that emphasize on analytics and statistical skills. If you are looking for a change in job, then going back to college may be difficult. In that case, you can learn about data science and how it works by going through online books or attending courses. A data analyst needs to master the following:

  • SQL
  • Python
  • R

Once you have a fair command over these topics big data analytics training courses can be opted to deep dive into learning data science.

 

Practical learning: Once you have understood the concepts, it is best to have some practical experience by working on sample projects. That will give you first-hand information on the challenges faced while working on real projects. There are many online platforms that provide real-time projects, choose one, and complete it. That will enable you to be prepared when you have an interview or a job.

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Consider getting certified: Certification is a great way to get an edge over others who are applying for similar data analytics jobs. The benefits of getting certified are:

  • Gain credibility: It is an industry credential that can enable you to gain credibility especially when you have a degree in a field not related to data science. The certification provides proof that you have the desired skills and acts as a validation of the same.
  • Employer prefers certified candidates: A certification from a reputed organization is often a desirable qualification that employers put out in their ads. It is also considered as a bonus as you have earned it out of your own will.
  • Boosts your market value: If you are looking out for a job, agile development certification gives you an edge during the hiring process in this competitive market.

Work as an intern: Getting a full-time data analyst job without any experience is difficult. So the best way to gain experience is through an internship while pursuing a degree or through freelancing. That will help you obtain valuable experience and also insights about where you should develop more skills. Many people who start from scratch also take up entry-level positions of technicians or statistical assistants. The inters, can makes use of the training sessions conducted in-house. Show your desire and willingness to learn so that you can move up from entry-level jobs to data analysis work.

The key to success when you are pursuing any job from scratch including that of a data analyst is to keep learning and have faith in your knowledge. With a little patience and a lot of perseverance, opportunities are bound to come your way. Seize them when they present themselves!