Introduction

Let’s start with basics – What do Data Analysts do? A data analyst is entrusted with managing tremendous volumes of data produced every day. They are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data to meet business needs. A data analyst helps an organization by taking various data points and presenting complete reports after analyzing them to serve the organization’s best interest. Multiple organizations use data analysts for their abilities and experience to analyze various patterns of business data. They can forecast the upcoming business trends, sales projections, market trends, etc.

It is very important to consider getting hired as a data analyst, since data analysts hold an integral role in any organization. They work along with management, tech teams, and data scientists to set goals. Their job mainly includes extracting and filtering data obtained from external sources, analyzing and interpreting results, providing reports for management, and fixing data-related issues. However, to do the job of a data analyst successfully, requires some key skills. We have listed down the skills needed to source jobs for data analysts.

8 Key Skills Needed To Source Jobs For Data Analysts Are

1. Microsoft Excel

The prime skill needed to source jobs for data analysts is Microsoft Excel. Excel allows the user to make powerful and better decisions with its easy to use record entry tools, formulas, pivot charts, and slicers that help to represent the data visually and build user-friendly dashboards. Microsoft Excel has become the foundational tool that helps the study of data in all organizations, over the last few decades.

2. Structured Query Language (SQL)

SQL or structured query language is the most used industry-standard database language and perhaps the most significant skill for a data analyst. SQL is a domain-specific language used in programming and design for managing data. It is advantageous in handling structured data. SQL is an advanced form of Excel and can handle large datasets that are difficult to compute in Microsoft Excel. Medium and large organizations need SQL experts to manage and store data, connect various databases, as well as to build or change database structures.

3. Visualization Tools (Examples: Power BI or Tableau)

Data visualization is the portrayal of information or data in a diagram, outline, or other visual designs. It is significant because it showcases patterns that are observed by analyzing data. With a huge amount of information and various changing data variables, it has become necessary to interpret more prominent data continuously. Data visualization softwares such as Tableau or Power BI have become an indispensable part of data analytics. As businesses face huge volumes of data, they need a method to represent data to analyze it quickly, and more efficiently.

4. Communication And Presentation Skills

Good communication and interpersonal skills are always appreciated and increase productivity within the organization. Communication is vital in teaming up with colleagues, for instance, working together on a project or explaining data to subordinates and managers. Any form of miscommunication can lead to significant losses, both for business and individual workers. Written form of communication is also essential for analysts as they are required to write up their analyses and recommendations almost daily. Being clear in communicating the work done is very important because if an analyst lacks these soft skills, they will not be able to get their point across and facilitate effective decision making.

5. Domain or Industry Knowledge

Domain knowledge is all about studying topics about a particular industry or company. For instance, if someone is working in the automobile industry, they need to be aware of the trends involved in the industry. Similarly, if someone works for a corporation with an online store, they might need to comprehend the different stages of e-commerce. Industry trends and knowledge constantly changes with business cycles and it is very important to keep updating your knowledge with these trends by researching and analyzing trends, patterns, information, and forming strategies to adapt to them. No matter which industry an analyst works in, if they do not understand the sector whose data they are analyzing, it is impossible to work effectively and provide good results. Thus, to secure a job, a data analyst should have prerequisite knowledge about the industry.

6. Statistical Programming (Python or R)

Statistical Programming is the technique of using statistics to study a dataset. A statistical model is a mathematical representation of experimental data. Almost every organization needs an expert who understands statistical programming. When data analysts use various terms for the information they are examining, they can comprehend and decipher the data in detail. This allows them to predict trends, and simplify the data representation process. Statistical Programming helps in calculation procedures that assist in data analysis. Python, R, MatLab, or SAS are statistical programming languages that offer various data crunching and graphical tools. Being proficient in Statistical Programming tools is important in sourcing jobs for data analysts.

7. Math And Statistical Knowledge

Math and Stats are the nuts and bolts of Machine Learning algorithms in the world of data analyses today. It is essential to know the strategies behind different Machine Learning calculations to understand how and when to utilize them. Data analysts can search for basic patterns and changes in information with the help of statistics. Several statistical functions, standards, and estimates are applied to dissect crude information and gather or anticipate the outcome.

8. Problem-Solving Skills

Interviews for Jobs for data analysts always have a section to test the problem-solving skills of candidates. They should be prepared to solve different problems, be it technical, logical, or data related. They might also face situations where they do not have enough resources in the company, where they need to make use of these unique circumstances and opportunities to find solutions to achieve business goals. Having a problem-solving attitude always comes in handy.

Bonus

Take the help of freelancing websites and other resources to get connected with companies looking to fill jobs for data analysts. While searching for jobs, you should also look for new opportunities to gain & practice the skills needed to become a leading data analyst.

For job opportunities, click here.