The need for data analytics is more than ever. In a world where numbers are not just digits; but an important part of a tech-savvy world, data analytics literally helps every individual, organization and start-ups to make their world into the market.
Data analysts are new-era visualizers and thinkers whose job is to make decisions and generate insights from given data. In simpler words, when the computer system gathers data, data analysts clean it and organize it to identify patterns and make important decisions.
If you are fascinated by the power of data and are thinking about a full-time career in data analytics, this article is for you. We are going to discover the steps you will need to consider when pursuing a career in data analytics.
First, let’s talk numbers!
Ever since companies have started swimming in data, the demand for data analytics has been skyrocketing. Recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports reveal that data analytics jobs are projected to grow by 23% by 2031.
In addition, almost 53% of companies consider data analytics as a key part of their operations. Here’s the juicy juice, job roles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist and Business Intelligence Analyst are among the top 25 best jobs in the world.
The 5 Step Guide
Now you might wonder, how to start prepping for a data scientist job? This section will discover the 5-steps guide to become a data analyst.
#1 – Complete Your Education
Well, to become a professional data analyst, you need to have a strong background in computer science. Aspirants should complete their 10+2 in fields like mathematics, statistics, economics or computer science.
Afterwards, students should enrol in various degree programs including B.Sc in Data Science and B.Sc in Artificial Intelligence. If you are looking for jobs in senior roles, consider pursuing a Masters Degree Program for better job opportunities and higher salary packages.
#2 – Prepare For Your Dream Roll
As intimidating as it sounds, data analytics requires proficiency in various programming languages, data visualization, processing, Machine Learning and much more. Below are some of the essential skills that you need to master.
- Excel – It might sound outdated, but Excel is the king of basic data analytics. Learn PIVOT tables, VLOOKUP and charts using Excel.
- SQL – It is the language of databases. Consider this as your base language and you have to master it to become full-time data analyst.
Power BI – Most of the companies prefer candidates who master Tableau and Power BI, as these tools are very good for showcasing data in a table format.
At AAFT School of Data Science prepares students for advanced data analytics in qualitative data. Throughout the program, students are also given hands-on training on various programming tools including Machine Learning, Python, Power BI / Tableau, Cloud Computing, R and others.
#3 – Master Your Skill
Now that you have learnt the basic tools and programming languages, time to polish the ones you would want a career in. Data Analytics opens doors to various job opportunities. Mentioned below are some potential high-demanding job roles.
Data Analyst – Primarily works with structured data, create reports and draws valuable insights
- Data Scientist – This job role includes proficiency in understanding data, drive trends using machine learning and statistics
- Business Analysts – Focuses more analyzing business trends and implementing strategies to deliver quality results.
- Finance Analyst – Specializes in preparing budgets by forecasting market trends.
- Marketing Analyst – Tracking campaigns, customer’s behaviour and their preferences to plan and implement strategies that drive results.
#4 – Get Real-World Experience
Now that you have learnt the skills, it’s time to get some real-world experience. Working on contractual projects, full-time or part-time internships and freelancing are the best channels to know about the nitty-gritty of the job roles you are interested in.
Try using Kaggle and Google Dataset Search if you want to work on a contractual basis. Moreover, UpWork and Fiverr are some good platforms for freelancing. Aspirants can also build their GitHub portfolio to showcase their work.
At AAFT School of Data Science, you can get access to industry-led masterclasses by experts like Dipanjan Sarkar, Yogesh Gupta to enlighten students and help them understand the corporate domain.
#5 – Networking is Important
The world of data is evolving faster than we can ever imagine. So, it is essential to network and stay updated with the latest trends. Below mentioned are possible options to network.
- Join various LinkedIn groups
- Attempt hackathons, webinars and meetups
- Ben Taylor, Ken Jee and Cassie Kozyrkov are some renowned influencers to follow
- Read blogs from platforms like Analytics Vidhya and Towards Data Science
How Much a Data Analyst Earns?
As an entry-level data analyst, you can expect to earn between 4 LPA to 9 LPA. On the other hand, senior data analysts can expect to earn between 10 LPA to 18 LPA based on their work experience, position and educational qualifications.
Conclusion
Does data get you excited? If you love solving puzzles, enjoy finding patterns and making sense of chaos – data analytics might be your calling. Data analytics is a fun career option – it is a mindset which blends curiosity with logic, creativity and structure.
So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in a Data Science Program now and get started.
