How to become a Data Analyst

Becoming a Data Analyst is an in-demand career path. It requires deep expertise in Data Analytics and a strong network to carry you along. Here are some resources to help you on your journey.

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Why should you become a
Data Analyst?

Demand for experts in Data Analytics is growing rapidly. Companies are looking for people with deep expertise in the field of Data Analytics to help them build their products and services.

As a result, Data Analysts are in high demand and command high salaries. According to leading sources, the median salary for a Data Analyst is $84,000 and a senior Data Analyst can earn up to $100,000. Even entry-level positions can command great salaries.

No wonder that interest in a career in Data Analytics is growing rapidly. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to become a Data Analyst.

Data Analyst

Your Data Analyst Journey

Everything you need to start your career in Data Analytics.

Best books to build Data Analytics understanding

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

R for Data Science

R for Data Science

This book will teach you how to do data science with R: You’ll learn how to get your data into R, get it into the most useful structure, transform it, visualise it and model it. In this book, you will find a practicum of skills for data science.

Just as a chemist learns how to clean test…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Data Engineering Cookbook

Data Engineering Cookbook

Five types of content are in this book: Articles the author wrote, links to his podcast episodes (video & audio), more than 200 links to helpful websites he like, data engineering interview questions and case studies.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think

Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think

It seems like “big data” is in the news every day, as we read the latest examples of how powerful algorithms are teasing out the hidden connections between seemingly unrelated things. Whether it is used by the NSA to fight terrorism or by online retailers to predict customers’ buying patterns, b…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know about Data Mining and Data-Analytic Thinking

Based on an MBA course Provost has taught at New York University over the past ten years, Data Science for Business provides examples of real-world business problems to illustrate these principles. You’ll not only learn how to improve communication between business stakeholders and data scientis…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data

Naked Statistics: Stripping the Dread from the Data

Once considered tedious, the field of statistics is rapidly evolving into a discipline Hal Varian, chief economist at Google, has actually called "sexy." From batting averages and political polls to game shows and medical research, the real-world application of statistics continues to grow by le…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

Don't simply show your data—tell a story with it! Storytelling with Data teaches you the fundamentals of data visualization and how to communicate effectively with data. You'll discover the power of storytelling and the way to make data a pivotal point in your story. The lessons in this illumina…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Courses to deepen your Data Analytics skills

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

Grow with Google: Data Analytics

The Data Analytics Certification, developed by Google, can help you navigate the tools and skills needed to become a data analyst. Complete online certificate courses, at your own pace and time.

Available on grow.google

Introduction to Data Engineering

Learn about the world of data engineering with an overview of all its relevant topics and tools!

Available on datacamp.com

Introduction to Data Analytics

Ready to start a career in Data Analysis but don’t know where to begin? This course presents you with a gentle introduction to Data Analysis, the role of a Data Analyst, and the tools used in this job. You will learn about the skills and responsibilities of a data analyst and hear from several d…

Available on coursera.org

Microsoft Excel: Advanced Excel Formulas & Functions

Learn 75+ Excel spreadsheet formulas for data analysis & business intelligence, with a top Microsoft Excel instructor!

Available on udemy.com

Get help with your learning journey

Learning through online courses can be challenging. Get 1:1 guidance from an experienced mentor who can help you stay accountable and answer your questions along the way.

Data Analysis with Pandas and Python

Analyze data quickly and easily with Python's powerful pandas library! All datasets included --- beginners welcome!

Available on udemy.com

Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis

Move beyond basic reports and learn data analysis. Easily turn data into insight and intelligence with Microsoft Excel

Available on udemy.com

Top Data Analytics Certifications

Mastering the fundamentals of Data Analytics will help you earn valuable certifications. Our expert mentors can guide you through the certification process and help strengthen your knowledge.

CompTIA Data+

The CompTIA Data+ certification highlights an early career professional’s grasp of data mining, manipulation, visualization, and reporting. This certification is intended for those with one-and-a-half to two years of work experience, and the CompTIA Data+ certification offers the chance for those j…

Data Analytics Certification Coaching

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in Data Analytics certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your Data Analytics certification.

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate is a flexible online course that prepares those with no prior experience for entry-level data analyst positions. Through eight courses that take approximately 11 months to complete, learners develop a working knowledge of Python, SQL, Excel, and IBM Cog…

Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate

Microsoft’s Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification indicates the certification holder’s ability to work with Power BI, an interactive software used to visualize data for business analytics and intelligence. Designed for subject matter experts who already possess an understanding of data proc…

SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate

The SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate is designed for data analysts looking to improve their predictive and statistical modeling abilities in the professional world. Designed for those with prior knowledge of SAS programming, the online certificate takes approximately three …

Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate

You can practice statistical analysis, data management, and programming using industry-standard tools like SQL, Tableau, and Python in Meta's beginner-friendly Data Analyst Professional Certificate. Designed to prepare you for an entry-level role, this self-paced program can be completed in just 5 …

Data Analytics Workshop

Consider joining a workshop specialized in Data Analytics. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your Data Analytics certification.

Microsoft Copilot for Data Science Specialization

Understanding how to work with generative AI tools and leverage the insights they deliver will be increasingly important in the data field. The Microsoft Copilot for Data Science Specialization provides hands-on experience with Microsoft Copilot so you can accelerate your data insights in impactful…

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

Reach goals faster with long-term guidance

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Save money with targeted expertise

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Stay on track with regular check-ins

Stay on track with regular check-ins

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Make confident moves with real-world feedback

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