How Do I Become a Data Analyst? Tips to Get You Started

Did you know that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for data analysts will increase by 23% between 2022 and 2032? And did you also know that, according to these statistics, employers are willing to offer very competitive salaries?

This simply means that this is a career that would be quite lucrative for you in the long run. With the right tools, you will be able to earn a living. With different platforms like Alison and Coursera, where you can do certified courses, your journey towards becoming a data analyst can be quite easier than you imagined. Whether you are transitioning into tech, or into data analysis as a career, we curated a detailed e-book on how to become a remote data analyst.

Who is a data analyst?

A data analyst is someone who collects, processes, and analyzes data to extract insights and inform decision-making. They use various tools and techniques to interpret data trends, patterns, and correlations, helping organizations make informed choices and solve problems.

How do I become a data analyst?

Here are some tips to become a data analyst:

1. Learn the Basics: Start by gaining a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, and computer science fundamentals. There are basic courses in data analysis that you can do online. These courses break down the complexity of data analysis, which you will be able to catch regardless of your educational background. You can find courses such as these on Coursera and Alison.
2. Acquire Technical Skills: After you have acquired the basic knowledge required for data analysis, you can move on to learn programming languages commonly used in data analysis, such as Python, R, SQL, and tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI.
3. Data Manipulation: Practice cleaning, transforming, and organizing data to prepare it for analysis. Familiarize yourself with data manipulation libraries and techniques.
4. Statistical Analysis: Develop skills in statistical analysis, including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and predictive modeling.
5. Data Visualization: Master data visualization techniques to effectively communicate insights through charts, graphs, and dashboards.
6. Domain Knowledge: Gain understanding of the specific industry or domain you want to work in, as domain knowledge enhances your ability to interpret data effectively.
7. Practice Real-World Projects: Work on projects using real-world datasets to apply your skills and build a portfolio that showcases your abilities.
8. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest tools, techniques, and trends in data analysis through online courses, workshops, and networking with professionals in the field.
9. Communication Skills: Develop strong communication skills to effectively convey findings and insights to non-technical stakeholders.
10. Gain Experience: Look for internships, freelance opportunities, or entry-level positions to gain practical experience and further refine your skills.

Is data analysis a hard skill to learn?

If this question is posed to a data analyst, they would most likely tell you no, although data analysis is in stages. You do not need to learn all of the skills before you land an entry-level role in an organization.

Do I need to become an expert data analyst before I start working?

No. In fact, with your basic knowledge of data analysis, you can land your first gig as a new data analyst in an entry-level role.

As you work in your entry-level position, you can continue to acquire more knowledge and advanced skills in data analysis. Hands-on practical will help you learn faster, as opposed to if you wait until you have learned everything there is to learn about data analysis before you seek a role in the field.

How to get a freelance data analysis gig

You can decide to render your data analysis service as a freelancer; there are platforms where you can create your profile and get connected to clients that need your services. Such platforms include Fiverr, Upwork, Upstack, etc. On Remote4Africa, you can easily get a verified remote data analyst job, whether full time or freelance.

How much do I earn as a data analyst?

According to the statistics released by Glassdoor and carried out in the United States, the average salary of a data analyst after comparing various salaries received by data analysts is $66,859 per annum. This figure only goes up as the year goes on and as one acquires more experience in their career.