How to become a data analyst

Are you a firm believer that data can help solve real-world problems? Discover why a career as a data analyst might be your perfect match.

What does a data analyst do?

A data analyst's job is to collect, analyze, and draw insight from data that a team will use to solve a problem. Data analysts can work in many different areas of business and nonprofit work to:

• Collect data from sources like surveys
• Assess data quality and clean it to ensure accurate interpretation
• Analyze data to detect patterns and trends and extract business insights
• Design dashboards and database structures to organize all data
• Use data visualization tools to report findings in a way that resonates with all stakeholders

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't provide salary data specific to data analysts. However, management analysts earned a median annual salary of $99,410 in 2023. Some data analysts may work under the title of data scientist. The BLS reports that data scientists earned a median annual salary of $108,020 in 2023.

Steps to become a data analyst

With so much information available, it can be challenging to determine how to become a data analyst. The following are three practical steps to help you start your journey toward this career.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degrees are optional for this career; however, many employers today prefer to see a bachelor's degree on your resume, as a college education helps you build the core knowledge necessary for a successful data analytics career.

You might consider a bachelor's in data science, data analytics, or a related subject, such as statistics, computer science, or information systems. Choose a program that offers courses in:

• Statistical methods
• Probability and data analysis
• Data visualization
• SQL and database systems
• Analytic methods in Python

Classwork in these domains can help you grasp the foundations of data analytics so you can contribute meaningfully in the workplace.

Step 2: Obtain real-world experience

Employers often prefer that you have some hands-on experience with data analytics. This ensures you have a track record of success.

One common way to get this experience is to take on an internship that allows you to work with more experienced data analysts and put your knowledge to use in real-world scenarios. Other ways to gain experience include:

• Personal projects with publicly available data
• Volunteer work with nonprofit organizations
• Asking to help with data analyst projects at your current job

As you learn how to become a data analyst, build a portfolio showcasing the projects you've worked on. This will allow you to highlight your experience and skills for potential employers.

Step 3: Consider certification

You don't necessarily need a certification to land a data analyst role, but the credential can validate your knowledge in the field. Certifications include:

• Tableau Certified Data Analyst
• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate
• Oracle SQL Certified Associate

You may also consider other popular data analyst certifications, such as the CompTIA Data+ certification, which authenticates your knowledge in data schemas, mining, visualization, and statistical analysis.

Get started on edX

Sign up for a data analytics course and gain additional practical knowledge as you prepare to earn your bachelor's or master's degree in data science, statistics, business, or information systems.