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MARCH 23, 2023 / #DATA ANALYTICS

How to Get Started in

Data Analytics – A
Roadmap for
Beginners
Oluseye Jeremiah

Hello and welcome to the world of data analysis!

If you're considering a career in this field, you're
in good company. Data analysis is a growing and
exciting field that's becoming increasingly
important in today's data-driven world.

Let's face it, we're all drowning in data these days. From social
media posts to financial transactions to medical records,
there's no shortage of information to sift through.

That's where data analysts come in. They're the ones who
help us make sense of all that data and turn it into valuable
insights.

And those insights can be game-changing. They can help

businesses improve their products and services, governments
make more informed policy decisions, and individualsForum
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better choices in their personal and professional lives.
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But it's not just about the impact. Data analysis can also be
quite lucrative. According to recent studies, the median salary
for a data analyst in the US is around $70,000 per year, and
that number can climb even higher with experience and
expertise.

Of course, like any profession, data analysis has its challenges.

There's the occasional headache-inducing data set, the ever-
present threat of imposter syndrome, and the endless
debates over the best programming language or data
visualization tool. But hey, if you're up for a challenge, this
could be the field for you.

So if you're trying to be a Data Analyst, this article is for you.

Hopefully, it saves you a lot of time and effort and you don't
have to waste your time learning a whole lot of irrelevant
things like I once did.
Step 1: Get to Know the Role of
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a Data Analyst
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Are you considering a career as a data analyst? That's

fantastic! Let's take a moment to grasp the gist of it before
moving forward.

You see, a data analyst's job involves more than just crunching
figures and creating charts (although those things can be
pretty cool, too). It involves leveraging data to find insights
and address issues. This means coming up with the correct
questions, organizing and evaluating the data, and explaining
your conclusions to others.

Some core skills and activities that a data analyst typically

performs include:

Collecting and analyzing large data sets to identify patterns,

trends, and insights that can inform business decisions.

Using statistical tools and techniques to draw insights from

data.

Developing and implementing data collection systems and

other strategies that optimize efficiency and data quality.

Collaborating with other teams to identify business needs

and develop data solutions that address them.

Communicating findings and insights to stakeholders in a

clear and actionable way.

So if you're not a math prodigy or a computer whiz, don't

worry. Statistics, computer science, and business are just a
few of the numerous disciplines that are incorporated into the
multidisciplinary topic of data analysis. Everyone who enjoys
learning, solving problems, and making a difference can really
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enjoy it.
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So how can you find out more about what a data analyst does?
You can start by looking through the numerous free resources
that are accessible online. For example, here an article that
discusses what data analysts actually do. And here's one that
discusses data analyst vs data science roles.

Many blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels offer

entertaining and informative content on the subject of data
analysis. I will be dropping some YouTube channels that have
helped me over the years below.

To gain a feel of the skills and qualities needed, you can also
network with other data analysts, go to meetings or seminars,
and study job descriptions.

Don't forget to consider whether dealing with data is

something you enjoy. Do you enjoy finding patterns and
solving puzzles? Do you want to change the world for the
better? Data analysis may be the ideal career choice for you if
the answer is yes.

The first step in your path is to understand what a data

analyst does. Enjoy yourself, take your time, and don't be
hesitant to ask questions.

Step 2: Explore Job

Requirements for Data Analyst
Roles
Now that you have a better understanding of the roleForum
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data analyst, it's time to start looking at what employers are
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looking for. After all, you want to make sure that your skills
and knowledge match up with what's required in the job
market.

But before you start panicking about not having enough

experience, remember that every company is different. Some
may prioritize programming skills, while others may value
communication and business acumen. That's why it's
important to do your research and find out what specific skills
and qualifications are most in demand in your desired
industry or company.

So how do you go about finding this information? Well, one

great place to start is by checking out job listings and
descriptions on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor.
This can give you a good sense of the key requirements and
qualifications for different data analyst roles.

Some examples of what job listings might ask for include:

Proficiency in SQL and experience working with large

datasets

Familiarity with Python and data visualization tools like

Tableau or Power BI

Strong analytical skills and the ability to draw insights from

complex data

Experience with statistical analysis and modeling techniques

Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain

complex findings to both technical and non-technical
audiences
But don't stop there! You can also reach out to peopleForum
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work in the field or who have job titles that interest you. Ask
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them about their experience and what skills they think are
most important for success in their role. You might even want
to consider setting up informational interviews to learn more
about the field and get advice on how to get started.

And speaking of getting started, it's important to remember

that there's no substitute for hands-on experience. As
tempting as it may be to spend all your time watching
tutorials, you'll learn much more quickly and effectively by
actually building things and working on real data analysis
projects.

So take some time to explore job requirements, but don't

forget to keep building your skills and gaining practical
experience. With a little effort and a lot of curiosity, you'll be
well on your way to becoming a successful data analyst.

Step 3: Get Comfortable with

Math and Statistics
Okay, I know what you're thinking. Math and statistics? Yikes!

But hear me out before you run for the hills. For a data analyst
to be able to make sense of data and derive valuable insights
from it, having a fundamental understanding of these
concepts is essential.

So what fundamental statistical concepts and formulas should

you be familiar with?
 Forum
Now, to start, there are measures of central tendency known
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as mean, median, and

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typical value in a dataset. You should know how to calculate
them.

The standard deviation is a measure of how widely

distributed the data are from the average, and you should be
able to calculate it.

And in order to find relationships between variables and

generate predictions based on those associations, you should
also be familiar with correlation and regression.

But it's not just about numbers. You'll also need a rudimentary
understanding of linear algebra, which is employed in many
data analysis approaches. Here's an in-depth course (and
textbook) to get you started.

You may need to employ matrices to modify and manipulate

data, or you may need to use linear regression to forecast
future values based on historical trends.

If you don't have a solid math background, this may seem

difficult. But don't be concerned! There are numerous
resources available to assist you in your learning.

For example, Khan Academy offers lessons and practice tasks

in math and statistics. If you prefer books, "Data Science for
Beginners" by Andrew Park is an excellent resource that
covers both statistical and mathematical principles in an
accessible manner.

freeCodeCamp is developing a math curriculum which you

can read about here.
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And here's a guide on the statistics you need to know to get
into data science and
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The key is to start small and build up your knowledge

gradually. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help when
you need it. With a little practice and persistence, you'll soon
find that math and statistics are actually kind of fun (no,
seriously!).

Step 4: Master Excel for Data

Analysis
Excel is a vital tool in a data analyst's arsenal. It's used by
virtually every organization out there, and mastering it will
help you clean, manipulate, and analyze data with ease.

With Excel, you can create formulas and functions to perform

calculations, pivot tables and charts to visualize data, and use
data analysis tools to make predictions and identify patterns.
Excel is particularly useful for regression analysis, forecasting,
and scenario analysis.

If you're serious about becoming a data analyst, it's essential

to master Excel. Fortunately, there are plenty of online
resources available to help you learn. Check out ExcelIsFun,
Excel Chandoo, Tutorials Point, Ashutosh Kumar , and
MyOnlineTrainingHub for tutorials on Youtube. Also, the
following courses will guide you on how to get the most out of
Excel.
1. Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel by Coursera
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2. Data Analysis
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freeCodeCamp's YouTube channel

3. Excel Skills for Business Specialization by Coursera

4. Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Excel by EdX

Remember, Excel is just one tool in your data analysis toolkit.

But it's a crucial one that you'll use daily as a data analyst. By
mastering Excel, you'll be well-equipped to handle any data-
related task that comes your way.

Now let's move on to the next skill and also one of the most
important skills you'll need as a data analyst.

Step 5: Master SQL for Data

Extraction
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a critical tool in data
analysis. As a data analyst, one of your primary
responsibilities is to extract data from databases, and SQL is
the language used to do so.

SQL is more than just running basic queries like SELECT,

FROM, and WHERE. It's a complex language that allows you
to manipulate and transform data in countless ways. SQL is
used for joining data from multiple tables, filtering and
aggregating data, and creating new tables and views.

To be an effective data analyst, it's essential to master SQL.

You should be comfortable with writing queries, creating
tables, and understanding how to optimize your queries for
performance.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you
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learn SQL. Some great places to start are Khan Academy SQL,
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W3Schools, SQLZoo, SQLbolt, Luke Barousse, Alex the
Analyst, Microsoft Power Tools, and finally some SQL games
like SQL island and SQL Murder.

Additionally, there are many online courses and books

available that cover SQL in-depth. Here are a few to get you
started:

1. Learn SQL and Databases – Full Course for Beginners

2. Relational Database curriculum from freeCodeCamp

3. Collection of free relational database courses

By mastering SQL, you'll be able to extract valuable insights

from databases and manipulate data in ways that provide
meaningful business insights.

Step 6: Learn Python for Data

Analysis
I know there's a lot of speculation as to whether or not a data
analyst needs Python – some say they do while some say they
don't.

For me, I'd like to say it depends on the company you're

working for – but it's nice to have an edge by learning Python
as it's one of the most widely used programming languages in
the world of data analysis. Python is known for its simplicity,
readability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for data
analysts.
Python has a vast array of libraries and tools that can Forum
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data analysis easier, such as Pandas for data manipulation and
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analysis, NumPy for scientific computing, and Matplotlib for
data visualization. It also has the ability to automate tasks,
making data analysis more efficient and effective.

Learning Python for data analysis is a great investment in

your career as a data analyst. Not only will it allow you to
work with powerful libraries, but it will also open up many
opportunities to work with larger datasets and more complex
analyses.

There are many resources available to help you learn Python,

from free online courses to paid online programs and
textbooks. Some resources include freeCodeCamp,
DataCamp, CodeBasis, Programming with Mosh and
Microsoft Learn.

By learning Python, you'll be able to perform more complex

data analysis, automate tasks, and work with a broader range
of datasets, making you a valuable asset in any data-focused
organization.

Step 7: Master a Data

Visualization Tool
As a data analyst, it's essential to be able to communicate
your findings in a clear and concise manner. One way to do
this is through data visualization. Data visualization tools like
PowerBI and Tableau can help you create interactive charts,
graphs, and dashboards that make it easy for others to
understand your findings. We'll talk about them more in a
minute.
Here's a Tableau for Data Science and Data Visualization
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course you can check out.
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While SQL is great for querying and manipulating data, it can't

fully bring your data to life. This is where a data visualization
tool comes in. These tools allow you to transform your data
into insightful and easy-to-understand visualizations that can
be shared with stakeholders.

You can learn data visualization basics in this in-depth free

course on freeCodeCamp's YouTube channel.

PowerBI is a great choice for data visualization as it is easy to

learn and integrate with other Microsoft products. This makes
it an ideal tool for organizations that use Microsoft Office.
Tableau is also a popular choice and has a strong community
of users and a wide range of features.

Learning a data visualization tool like PowerBI or Tableau will

enable you to create compelling visualizations that help you
better understand your data and communicate your findings
to others. There are many online courses and tutorials
available to help you learn these tools, such as the official
Microsoft PowerBI training and Tableau's own training
courses.

By mastering a data visualization tool, you'll be able to create

interactive and engaging visualizations that will help you
better understand your data and communicate your findings
to others, making you an invaluable asset to any data-focused
organization.

You can also dive into other popular data viz tools like D3.js -
here's a course on it to get you started.
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Step 8: Learn
Network with Other
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Data Analysts and Developers
Networking is an essential part of any profession, and data
analytics is no exception. By networking with other data
analysts and developers, you can learn from their experiences,
get insights on the latest industry trends and technologies,
and potentially find job opportunities.

Here are a few ways to network with others in the field:

1. Attend industry events: Look for conferences, meetups, and

other events related to data analytics and attend them. This
is a great way to meet others in the field and learn about new
developments and technologies.

2. Join online communities: There are many online

communities for data analysts and developers, such as
forums, LinkedIn groups, and social media groups. Join these
communities and participate in discussions to connect with
others in the field.

3. Reach out to others: Don't be afraid to reach out to other

data analysts and developers, whether through social media,
email, or in person. Introduce yourself, ask for advice, and
build relationships.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. Be willing to offer

help and advice to others in the field as well. By building a
strong network of contacts in the data analytics field, you can
enhance your career opportunities and stay up to date on the
latest industry trends and technologies.
Step 9: Don't Forget about "Soft Forum Donate

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One final skill that I think needs to be worked on before you
can be a great DA is your soft skills which involves your ability
to communicate, solve problems etc

After all is said and done, practice and practice and build
projects.

Conclusion.
Becoming a data analyst requires dedication, hard work, and a
passion for data analysis. Following the steps outlined in this
roadmap will help you gain the necessary skills and
knowledge to become a successful data analyst.

From understanding the role of a data analyst, to mastering

SQL and Python, to networking with other developers, each
step is crucial to achieving success in this field.

Remember to stay curious, never stop learning, and always be

willing to adapt to new technologies and methodologies. With
determination and persistence, you can achieve your goal of
becoming a proficient data analyst and unlock a world of
exciting career opportunities.

Oluseye Jeremiah
Data Scientist||Machine Learning Engineer|| Data Analyst|| Microsoft
Student Learn Ambassador
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