Becoming a data analyst is a promising career with increased employment opportunities. A data analysis collects data, analyzes it, and generates valuable insights to help businesses make informed decisions.
According to Anthony Jason Sourris, data analysis acquires data on various topics to interpret and analyze the data and generate reports based on the business requirements. Businesses in multiple industries hire data analysts to streamline their operations and ensure they remain competitive in the market.
Not only does a data analyst analyze numbers, trends, and sales figures and perform market research, but they also carry out other specific tasks, such as inventory management via data analysis, logistics, and cost-related functions, depending on the company’s requirements.
So, how to become a data analyst and increase your chances of getting a high-paying job? Today’s article will answer this question based on Anthony Jason Sourris ideas. Read on!
Table of Contents
Earn A Bachelor’s Degree
Generally, becoming a data analyst requires earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer programming, or statistics. However, Anthony Jason Sourris recommends getting a specific degree in data analysis or information security instead of computer science or IT.
At the same time, it is crucial to learn computer programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms and familiarize yourself with web technologies, tools, and project management software applications. These additional skills will streamline your career path as a data analyst.
Improve Your Skills and Gain Experience
After getting a bachelor’s degree in data science or information security, it is crucial to improve your skills and gain experience by joining a small company or undergoing a 3-6 months internship.
The purpose is to strengthen your skills, get professional training, and master your abilities. According to Anthony Jason Sourris, starting at entry-level positions, such as a social media technician, data entry assistant, or statistical analyst, are an excellent way to get hands-on knowledge and increase your experience.
In addition, it is crucial to focus on practicing data analytics software and applications, learn about big data, and work on real-life big data management projects. The more you learn and practice, the more you will improve your qualifications and skills and increase your hiring chances.
You can even create your professional profile on freelance platforms, such as Fiverr, Upwork, and People Per Hour, to offer your data analysis services. That way, you will have opportunities to work with different clients and companies and improve your skills. Anthony Jason Sourris recommends learning and mastering the following skills to become an experienced data analyst.
· Data Collection
· Data visualization
· Data cleaning
· Python and R language
· MATLAB
· Calculus
· Statistical tools
· Linear Algebra
· Machine Learning (ML)
· Artificial Intelligence
· Microsoft Excel
· SQL Databases
· Cloud Programming
Earn Certificates to Advance Your Career
Once you have earned a bachelor’s degree and gained 2-3 years of experience, it is time to earn an advanced degree to qualify for higher-paying jobs. For example, a master’s degree in data analytics, data science, or big data management is an excellent way to improve your knowledge, master theoretical concepts, and get valuable information on cutting-edge technologies and tools.
A master’s degree and online certificates offered by reputable companies will help you learn about and practice the latest software programs and improve your data analysis skills. Keep in mind that this is about gaining valuable and real-world experiences to become an ideal candidate for a wide range of job positions in the IT industry.
Certificates in Machine learning have become an essential requirement for data analysts, and most hiring managers or companies mention this skill in the job ads. Machine learning focuses on building algorithms, tools, and programs to find patterns in large databases and improve their accuracy.
Developing your machine learning skills will give you a competitive advantage over others and set the right direction for your future career as a data analyst or scientist. Moreover, Anthony Jason Sourris recommends taking online classes, watching videos, listening to podcasts, participating in LinkedIn networks, and joining online forums to gain knowledge and share ideas.
Final Words
Data analysts are one of the most sought-after IT experts or professionals in the 21st century. There is a strong demand for skilled and experienced data analysts, and people with extensive knowledge, expertise, and skills have unlimited employment opportunities. Follow the tips above to achieve your goals.
