Data Analytics: What Is It and How To Become One Online

Many companies worldwide are experiencing a digital transformation. Hence, there is a lot of data generated but limited knowledge of how to process, manage or use it. This is why one of the most demanded work profiles is that of a Data Analyst. Data analysts use technical skills to make a valuable interpretation of that data and apply it to benefit the business. They collect and analyse data to form meaningful conclusions expressed through visual, written and verbal communication.

The scope of the task is immense, creating a great demand for them. In India, the national average salary for a Data Analyst is ₹6,00,000 per year.

Some of the jobs and fields requiring Data Analysts are

• Telecommunications

• Insurance

• Advertising and digital marketing

• Financial services,

• Healthcare,

• Technology

• Transport

• Research

• Database Administration

• Data Engineer

• Data Analyst

• Data Architect

• Data Scientist

• Business Analyst

• Systems Analyst

• Operations Analyst

• Quantitative Analyst

• Statistician

  The education, manufacturing and government industries are expected to adopt big data analytics in the future.

  The responsibilities of Data Analysts include collecting, cleansing, transforming, and modelling data to find helpful information to support decision-making processes. In order to make the correct investment decisions, every data-driven business needs data analysts to understand their available data. This also helps them understand customer behaviour, assess risks, and decide on funds.

  To become a Data Analyst, you would need the following to fit the following criteria:

• Have problem-solving skills and ease to come up with practical solutions.

• Be comfortable with numbers

• Have an analytical mind.

• Enjoy using your mind.

• Strong communication, both verbal and written.

• Good concentration and focus.

  If you fit the criteria, you may find the field of Data Analyst to be a good fit for you. Here's what you need:

1. Degree and Domain ExpertiseIt is essential to have a relevant degree and domain knowledge to work in the field. But, even if you don't, it is possible if you have knowledge of the required skill sets. A lot of classes online teach you the basics.

2. Programming skillsYou can learn programming languages such as Python, R, and JavaScript online. To solve complex problems, you will need to write programs.

3. Learn Data Analytics Fundamentals Data analysis tools are crucial in the field. Familiarise yourself with spreadsheets, excel, programming languages SQL, Python and R; number-crunching tools like Spark and Hadoop; Tableau, Matplotlib, or ggplot2 to create visualisations. Opt for online Data analysis courses from theGlow & Lovely Careers Foundation (formally known as the Fair & Lovely Careers Foundation) to learn fundamental data skills. Learning probability distributions, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and various classification and clustering techniques will give you a firm footing.

4. Knowledge of Data Analysis and Visualisation Tools Gain experience in working with databases and data analysis tools. Practice and improve your skills in writing SQL queries and procedures, know Microsoft Excel, Matlab, and IBM SPSS to analyse trends and plan to drive accurate insights.Learn to create different business reports using several data visualisation tools like Tableau, QlikView, and Power BI.

   Once you've learned all the required skills, practice on projects with actual data. This will also help you gain hands-on experience with data management, statistical programming, programming languages, data cleaning, data visualisation on all platforms. Use this to develop a portfolio of your work and show it while applying to a job.