Want to Become a Data Analyst? Follow this Roadmap

Due to the use of big data in dealing with various concerns that come with the modern world, data analytics skills are now considered as essential. 

The job of a data analyst is highly trendy and in demand globally. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, data analysis and data science roles are among the top emerging jobs, with data analysts being in high demand across various industries. The report also states that the need for data analysis skills is expected to grow by 30% by 2025.

Role of a Data Analyst:

If you are planning for a future job as a data analyst, then you will get plenty of information regarding what kind of action plan to plan in future from this guide.

Data analyst involves use of data on employment where data is collected or acquired and analysed solely for the purpose of the intended employment. They handle voluminous data, employ numerical instruments, and develop models to facilitate data analysis. It will therefore be expected that these individuals must possess technical skills and knowledge and have to analyse jobs in the field.

1.Educational Foundation:

As mentioned earlier the education field does not require any particular educational background. The degrees that can be useful are: university degree preferably in computer science/statistics,mathematics/engineering /economics. These degrees ensure a well balanced program of a set of tangible content knowledge and skills in problem solving, skills which are very vital in the processing of data.

If one has more specific goals in mind then it would be best to get a Master’s in Data Science, Business Analytics or any related degree. This advanced education may make the holder well placed for new higher level jobs, as well as for taking on difficult tasks.

2.Technical skills:

These are some of the core competencies every data analyst will be required to possess in order to function properly in his or her line of duty.

Here are some key areas you should focus on:

a) Basic Excel and Spreadsheets Excel is one of the most common tools in the field of data analysis. Knowledge of Excel and its functions such as pivot tables and methodologies of data visualization is essential. Although it may appear rudimentary, Microsoft Excel remains the first tool used in many data-related processes, particularly in SMEs.

 b) SQL Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language for managing and querying databases. Being a data analyst you often deal with databases for data retrieval and processing. Mastering SQL will allow you to effectively manipulate big amounts of data residing in relational databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Microsoft SQL Server.

 c) Mastering programming languages. Although programming is not mandatory for data analysts, having knowledge in any programming language such as python or R is advantageous. Python is preferred due to its ease of use and availability of powerful packages such as Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib for data manipulation and plotting.

d) Familiarization with Data Visualization Tools. It is fundamental to disseminate all information in an understandable and easily interpretable format. Some of the widely used tools for dashboards and reports are Tableau, Power BI, and Google Data Studio. This knowledge of these tools will assist in presenting your findings to the stakeholders in the best format.

e) Attaining Knowledge in Statistical Analysis . It is crucial to comprehend statistics in order to be able to understand data properly. Probability, hypothesis testing, regression, clustering are basic concepts. With this knowledge, you will be able to understand the information correctly and apply the correct analytical approach.

3. Building a Portfolio:

The biggest asset of the analyst is practical experience. Acquiring numerous projects to work on will not only enable you to practise the skills gained but also market yourself when seeking employment.

Here are some ways to build your portfolio:

a) Take Online Courses and Bootcamps. Services such as Coursera, edX, and Udacity have courses in data analysis that entail practical assignments. Passing these courses along with their projects is a great way to exhibit your potential.

 b) Work on real datasets. Kaggle is an online community for data science and machine learning that offers real-world data sets and competitions. Engaging in these challenges will expose you to solving real world problems.

c) Internships and Freelance Projects: Industry experience is very important and internships are good avenues to gain experience. Today, numerous organisations in India offer internships that enable you to tackle real business issues and collaborate with industry veterans. Besides, freelance projects can provide you with an opportunity to get paid while creating your portfolio.

4.Gaining Industry Knowledge:

In addition, knowing more about the industry that you are operating in is important when using data analysis. It can be finance, healthcare, retail, or technology – each sector has its peculiarities, many tasks, and different needs in terms of data. By acquiring domain knowledge, one will understand how data should be analysed and presented in a better way.

5.Networking and Professional Development :

Developing a professional network is important in almost every field. Become a member of the industry associations, go to conferences, and join data science societies. Networking creates avenues to employment, professional coaching, and partnership. Also, one can become a member of professional bodies like the Data Science Society or the Analytics Society of India. Such organisations may offer opportunities to get access to various resources, receive certifications, attend events that will be helpful for professional growth.

6.Certifications:

Adding Value to Your Resume is not obligatory but useful in enriching one’s resume.

Some popular certifications include:

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: This certification programme is gentle in its approach and offers a sound understanding of data analytics that is accredited internationally.

Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate: This certification deals with data analysis through the use of Microsoft Power BI.

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): A higher level of accreditation that provides assurance that not only have you mastered analytics tools, but you can also solve real life data problems.

7.Applying for Jobs:

So, now when you have improved your skills and collected a portfolio, it is time to send applications to the vacancies.

Here are some tips for crafting a standout resume:

a) Emphasise on Relevant technical skills:Ensure that your resume brings out your technical competencies such as SQL, Excel, Python, tools for data visualisation among others. Furthermore, remember to consider any other projects such as internships or freelance work.

 b) Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description:For each application, use your resume to focus on only those skills and experiences that match the job descriptions. It is recommended to incorporate the particular keywords found in the job description in order to maximise your chance of having your resume reviewed.

c) Prepare for Interviews: Technical tests and questions with analytical problems are also incorporated in the interview process when recruiting a data analyst. Be ready to describe and explain your prior works, describe your analysis techniques, and show your familiarity with necessary tools. Use industry blogs, take advanced courses, and attend workshops to ensure that one keeps abreast with industry trends.

8. Career Progression:

Opportunities for career progression will arise as you gain more experience. Over time, you might become a Senior Data Analyst, a Data Scientist or even a Data Analytics Manager. In each of these positions, there is more responsibility to handle, more complicated programs and higher pay.To ascend through the hierarchy, concentrate on acquiring expertise in specialised areas such as machine learning, big data or advanced statistical modelling. This will become increasingly important when you move into management roles.

Conclusion

Becoming a data analyst in India is an interesting journey which requires technical skills combined with practical experience and industry knowledge. This roadmap will help one to create a successful career in data analysis leading to increased demand for data- driven decision making within Indian market whether one is starting from scratch or wants to advance within his/her current position.This guide outlines the steps you need to take towards realising your career aspirations in the field of data analytics.