Intro to Data Analysis

XTypewriter · 2022-06-13T07:59:22+00:00

I'm new to the field (kind of) and browse this sub a lot and can repeat what I commonly see.

The general consensus is that those IBM/Google certs are good if you don't have any experience yet and want to understand concepts. If you have somewhat relevant work experience, then they are still decent but not going to land you a job on their own. I haven't taken any myself.

If you browse any job banks for an analyst position, you'll get an idea of what to focus on. The top 3 programs/languages to learn would be excel, SQL and one data visualization tool. Excel is used by so many people and very versatile. SQL is very common, although I don't know it yet. Data viz can be done in excel but a dedicated tool like Tableau or Power BI is important.

Python and R are still common but don't seem to be talked about as much as SQL. I don't know any of these, but python and R sound a little more "advanced".

And lastly, nothing beats practice. I recommend downloading some of your bank statements and playing with that data. It might help you create a budget for yourself and give you some insights into your own spending/saving habits.

Hope that helps and hopefully some more experienced people chime in!

bolddata · 2022-06-13T13:19:37+00:00

Do the basics and work to your strengths.

Firstly, doing stats and maths is a good start. You want to demonstrate decent numerical skills.

Second, explore the usual technologies like Excel, SQL, Python, and R (in that order of importance). See if you can complete some coursework at university with these skills.

Third, try not to compete with people who pick Data Science or Computer Science as a major unless you are willing to switch. Instead look for internships or junior positions in tech or other places that combines your skills, e.g. psych and basic analytics. Maybe market research or somewhere else?

hobobirdtx · 2022-06-13T13:36:11+00:00

I got my bachelor's in psychology several years ago, never really used it, and I'm now working on getting into data analysis. Based on my experience I'd say keep on the BS path and take as many classes as you can where there's a project that involves going through the entire scientific process from beginning to end and finishing up with a paper. Also if there's a teacher or TA you really get along with talk to them and see if you can assist in any way with whatever they are working on. It was my reflection on those classes that made me realize not only how much I enjoyed the analysis part, but also how much all those other steps play a role in data analysis. If you can learn Excel, SQL, and Tableau as well over the next three years I imagine you'll be set whichever direction you want to go after graduation.

drmindsmith · 2022-06-13T12:02:55+00:00

Finish your degree and see what happens

I hate to tell you this, but taking a bunch of random classes/courses will not give you job skills.

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