Top 10 skills required to become a Data Analyst

Introduction

Over the past several years, the market for big data and business intelligence has grown quickly, going from over $122B in worldwide sales in 2015 to $189B by 2020 and on its way to a predicted $274B in 2022. However, a position in data analytics won’t be rewarding without a lot of preparation and work. In addition to cleaning up unsanitized data, assessing data quality, and creating reports for their business, data analysts also have to keep up with technology trends and maintain a swift pace.

As a result, to succeed in their line of work, they need a specialized set of talents, and their foundations are primarily technical. But a few soft skills are also necessary for individuals in the field. Whatever path you choose, you must have a solid set of abilities if you want to succeed as a data analyst.

In this article, let us go through the Top 10 Skills essential for every Data Analyst out there.

1. Python

For aspiring analysts, mastering Python should come first. If you are familiar with Python, you may use scripts to quickly clean, filter, and simplify your data. Data analysts will have to be proficient in Python if they want to stay relevant in the increasingly AI-focused professional environment. Those who are interested in deepening their understanding of Python must also look at its supporting libraries, such as NumPy, which helps Python users with compute – intensive jobs, or Pandas, a public data analysis method that works in tandem with Python’s programming language. 

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2. SQL and Database Tools

A number of database languages are necessary if you want to get started in data analytics. Every company uses SQL to some extent. The demand for it has remained high among businesses due to its functionality and continued efficacy, and there are no signs that this trend will soon change. And if not for the purpose, then at least for your career chances, learn SQL. Branded SQL implementations like MySQL present chances to learn more about RDBMS. SQL continues to be the de facto method for processing and accessing RDBMS technologies in modern analytics.

3. Data Cleaning

Even straightforward algorithms can produce astounding insights when given a clean dataset. There is no getting past the fact that effective data cleaning abilities are a prerequisite for data analyst certification. The information you would want to analyze won’t initially be usable. You must sanitize your data before you begin. It must be accurately formatted, and any corrupt, duplicate, inaccurate, etc. data must be removed.

4. Data Visualization

Data visualization, as the name suggests, is the presentation of data findings using graphics or other visuals. This has just one simple goal: Even for individuals without formal training in data analysis, it makes it easier to comprehend data-driven insights. Data analysts can use data visualization to assist decision-makers in a firm who may not have sophisticated analytical skills in seeing patterns and quickly comprehending complicated concepts. With this capacity, you are more equipped to comprehend a company’s condition, share insightful information with leaders, and even influence business decisions for the better.

5. MATLAB

MATLAB is a mathematically driven programming language with support for numerical computing environments that facilitates the construction of algorithms, the manipulation of matrices, and the charting of data. Because MATLAB enables analysts to significantly reduce the time spent on prepping data and makes rapid work of data cleansing, organizing, and visualization. Hence organizations taking an interest in big data have started to turn to it. The ability of MATLAB to run any deep learning model created in its environment on several platforms is its most notable feature. It’s fairly simple, learn it!

6. R

It comes with several convenient, built-in data organizing commands by default. All types of data science, metrics, and visualization projects use the free, open-source software R analytics (also known as the R programming language). R is a powerful, flexible programming language which can be with BI platforms like Sisense to help you make the most of business-critical data. Learning R should be a top priority for any prospective data analyst to rise in the popularity and functionality.

7. Excel/PowerBI

When a job is offered on a hiring website like Indeed or Monster, the credentials section typically includes the phrase “Excel skills.” Even though Excel seems to have low-tech features, businesses frequently employ it. Additionally, for improved data analysis, Excel automates several functions and operations. VBA, an Excel-specific programming language, is used to develop macros (AKA templates that store pre-recorded commands). When used properly, VBA can significantly reduce the amount of time needed by human analysts to do routine tasks like bookkeeping, invoicing, or program management. Get a headstart by watching the Excel for Data Analytics Webinar

8. Machine Learning

While not all researchers will work on machine learning algorithms, having a basic familiarity with associated concepts and tools may provide you an advantage over rivals in the job market. Understanding machine learning can make you more competitive in the recruiting market for data analytics even though it isn’t a skill in the same way that data cleansing or mastering a programming language may be. Being over prepared is preferable to being underprepared.

9. Linear Algebra & Calculus

In analytics, two branches of mathematics—linear algebra and calculus—take center stage. Because it enables vectors, matrix, and tensor operations, linear algebra has implications in deep learning and machine learning. Calculus is also used to develop the objective, cost, and loss functions that show how to teach algorithms how to accomplish their goals. It won’t hurt you to brush up on college level engineering math.

10. Critical Thinking

Looking at data isn’t enough; you also need to comprehend it and consider its ramifications considering more than just the statistics. When you can think critically, you can analyze data, spot trends and draw out knowledge and ideas that can be put to use. You must put in extra effort and commit yourself to thinking rather than just processing. Though developing critical thinking abilities can be tricky, you can do so by pushing yourself. The following time you are faced with an analytical assignment or exercise, attempt to consider:

1. What is the significance of the pattern I see?
2. What can be learned about what is being accomplished from the data?
3. What flaws does it point out?

When preparing for a profession in data analytics, don’t undervalue the significance of developing your critical thinking abilities.

Conclusion

Data analytics is a competitive and highly rewarding industry where you must develop your coding skills, become proficient with the PyData stack (Pandas, Sklearn, Keras, etc.), get your hands dirty constructing practical applications, and make good use of library documentation and the internet.

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