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According to Data Lab less than 7% of the world was online in 2000, today over half the global population has access to the internet. And with that amount of data, companies that rely on Data to make decisions have started building their data teams to leverage this rapidly growing Analytics jungle. So If you have a passion for working with data and are considering a career as a data analyst, you're in the right place. This beginner's guide is your roadmap to becoming a successful data analyst, equipping you with the necessary steps and resources to kickstart your journey in this exciting field.
So, Data analysis is the process of collecting, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data to discover patterns, extract insights, and support decision-making. And the folks who do this analysis are called Data analysts. They use various tools and techniques to analyze large datasets and communicate their findings to stakeholders. They play a crucial role in helping organizations make data-driven decisions.
When it comes to pursuing a career as a data analyst, it's crucial to evaluate the potential salary and job outlook in the field:
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a data analyst in India is around ₹7.0 lakh per year. However, it's important to note that this figure can vary based on factors such as location, industry, experience, and level of expertise. Data analysts typically enjoy competitive compensation packages that reflect the value of their skills and the growing demand for their expertise.
And when it comes to job outlook for data analysts is highly promising, with a strong demand across various industries. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of leveraging data for decision-making and process optimization, the need for skilled data analysts continues to grow. This trend is driven by the ever-increasing availability of data and the desire to extract actionable insights from it. Industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and e-commerce are particularly in need of data analysts to make sense of vast amounts of data and drive informed strategies.
Now that we understand what data analysis is and who data analysts are, let's dive into how you can become one. While having a background in Math & Statistics, Computer Science, or Engineering has been advantageous in this field, it's important to note that it's still possible to break into data analysis even if you don't come from those backgrounds. Don't let the fear of simple mathematics or business-oriented problems hold you back. As long as you have a keen interest in learning and are willing to embrace the learning process, you can successfully pursue a career in data analysis. Now let’s look at the steps to become Data analyst along with resources to learn them:
To become a data analyst, it's essential to have a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics. Basic math concepts like algebra, calculus, and probability theory provide the building blocks for understanding statistical concepts. You should aim to develop a strong understanding of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis.
Excel is a widely used tool in data analysis due to its versatility and ease of use. Familiarize yourself with Excel's basic functions, formulas, and data manipulation techniques. Learn how to work with large datasets, create charts, and perform data analysis using Excel.
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the default language for data analysts. It enables you to manipulate and analyze data stored in databases efficiently. Learn how to write SQL queries to extract, transform, and analyze data. Focus on acquiring skills in data manipulation, joining tables, and aggregating data.
Course: "SQL for Data Analysis" by Udacity
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Data visualization is a crucial aspect of data analysis and it’s up to you which visualization tools fits your requirements. But I would suggest PowerBI over Tableau simply because its Desktop version is free to use and that’s what makes it beginner friendly. It is also easy to learn to create interactive dashboards, charts, and reports to present data insights effectively.
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Data without a story is like fruit without taste. To become a well-rounded data analyst, learn how to craft narratives around data, present findings, and create impactful visualizations. Effective data storytelling enhances the understanding and impact of data insights.
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Once you have a solid foundation in the basics, you can explore advanced data analysis topics. Some key areas to consider are:
Python and R are widely used programming languages for data analysis. Learn how to manipulate data, perform statistical analysis, and build machine learning models using these languages.
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EDA involves exploring and visualizing data to gain insights and understand patterns. Learn techniques to summarize data, identify outliers, and detect relationships between variables.
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Gain knowledge of machine learning algorithms and techniques. Understand how to build predictive models, perform model evaluation, and make data-driven predictions.
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Becoming a data analyst requires a combination of foundational knowledge, technical skills, and the ability to communicate insights effectively. By following the steps outlined in this beginner's guide and continuously learning and practicing, you can embark on a rewarding career in data analysis. Remember, data analysis is an evolving field, so stay curious, embrace new technologies and methodologies, and never stop learning.
We at Alphaa AI are on a mission to tell #1billion #datastories with their unique perspective. We are the community that is creating Citizen Data Scientists, who bring in data first approach to their work, core specialisation, and the organisation.With Saurabh Moody and Preksha Kaparwan you can start your journey as a citizen data scientist.
