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Data Analyst: Career Path

Data analysts collect, organize, and interpret complex data sets to identify patterns, trends, and relationships that can be used to inform business strategies and improve organizational performance.

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What does the Data Analyst career path entail?

Data Analyst

The career of a data analyst is promising due to the exponential growth of data generation and consumption across all industries. The rise of digital technologies, such as mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT), has led to an explosion of data being produced and collected.

As a result, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can make sense of this data and turn it into actionable insights that drive business success. This trend is expected to continue in the future, making the career of a data analyst even more promising.

As companies continue to recognize the value of data-driven decision-making, the need for individuals who can analyze and interpret data is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data analysts is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with a 25% increase in employment from 2019 to 2029.

Table of Contents

Best books to explore the Data Analytics career path.

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

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 tubes and stock a lab, you’ll learn how to clean data and draw plots—and many other things besides.…

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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.

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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, big data is a revolution occurring around us, in the process of forever changing economics, science, …

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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 scientists, but also how participate intelligently in your company’s data science projects. You’ll also disc…

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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 leaps and bounds. How can we catch schools that cheat on standardized tests? How does Netflix know whi…

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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 illuminative text are grounded in theory, but made accessible through numerous real-world examples—ready for…

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Give your job chances a boost

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.
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Introduction to Data Engineering

Learn about the world of data engineering with an overview of all its relevant topics and tools!
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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 data…
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Microsoft Excel: Advanced Excel Formulas & Functions

Learn 75+ Excel spreadsheet formulas for data analysis & business intelligence, with a top Microsoft Excel instructor!
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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.
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Data Analysis with Pandas and Python

Analyze data quickly and easily with Python's powerful pandas library! All datasets included --- beginners welcome!
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Complete Introduction to Business Data Analysis

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

Understanding all core concepts of Data Analytics is key to claiming your next certificate. If you need help brushing up on your skills, consider reaching out to one of our mentors.

CompTIA Data+

Hosted by comptia.org

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…

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Data Analytics Certification Coaching

Hosted by mentorcruise.com

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. Here are a few top picks:
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IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Hosted by coursera.org

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…

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Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate

Hosted by coursera.org

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…

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SAS Statistical Business Analyst Professional Certificate

Hosted by coursera.org

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 …

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Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Hosted by coursera.org

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 …

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Data Analytics Workshop

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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. Here are a few top picks:
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Microsoft Copilot for Data Science Specialization

Hosted by coursera.org

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…

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Get the guidance you need on the Data Analyst career path

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

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Vikram Thanigaivelan 🇺🇸

Product Manager 2 at Microsoft
5.0 (2)

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiast! 🌟 I’m absolutely thrilled to share a little slice of my journey with you. So, grab your favorite beverage ( I love matcha lattes ), and let’s dive in! 🌟 Background and Education: I grew up in the Midwest and studied at Northwestern University (Go …
Product & Marketing Product Management Python Software Developer Technical Leadership Career Coaching Data Analytics
$90 / month
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Jesus Lopez 🇪🇸

Instructor @LinkedIn Learning // Corporate Trainer & Consultant
5.0 (4)

I haven't directly worked for major corporations, but I have taught professionals who work for major corporations to dominate programming. Thanks to my lessons, you'll be on the top-notch ladder by leveraging the same lessons. You'll have a major competitive advantage over other peers in your industry by producing more …
Engineering & Data Algorithmic Trading AWS Energy Machine Learning Data Engineering Data Science
$450 / month
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Mohannad Elhamod 🇺🇸

Clinical Assistant Professor | Machine Learning Researcher | ex-software engineer at Microsoft at Questrom School of Business @ Boston University
5.0 (14)

** Why work with me? I'm a former Microsoft software engineer (6+ years), a NASA research intern, and a PhD in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. Currently, I’m a Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where I teach deep learning, machine learning, generative AI, and large …
Engineering & Data Data Analytics Machine Learning Deep Learning Python Software Engineering Data Visualization
$170 / month

Matej Kukucka 🇸🇰

CMO at Luigi's Box
5.0 (3)

I am the CMO at Luigi's Box, where I grew the team from 3 to 20 (+ external). We became the momentum leader in the e-commerce search software category and were ranked among the fastest-growing software products as the only solution from within our industry. Prior to joining Luigi's Box, …
Product & Marketing SEO Management SaaS Growth Hacking Data Analytics Project Management
$200 / month
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Riehel Olivacce 🇺🇸

Senior Manager, Creative Strategy & Campaign Management at The Walt Disney Company
5.0 (1)

I’m a seasoned brand marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, working with top brands like Disney, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Samsung, BP, and Honda. My passion lies in crafting innovative, full-funnel marketing campaigns that resonate with consumers, elevate brand identity, and drive product launches, customer engagement, …
Product & Marketing Marketing Strategy Career Development Brand Management Advertising Leadership Development Marketing
$180 / month

Pingxiao Ye 🇸🇬

Data Analytics, Associate Principal at Google
4.5 (2)

Hi there! I'm an Associate Principal, Trust and Safety Analyst at Google, specialising in product and operation strategy that protects our ads ecosystem from abuse. I use strategy thinking, data analytics, and cross functional leadership to drive business decisions. Before I joined Google, I worked in cybersecurity research and have …
Engineering & Data Career Coaching Stakeholder Management Project Management Product Strategy Mindset Data Analytics
$120 / month

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Growing into a Senior Data Analyst role pays off – $16,000 up to per year.

Not only is the progression from individual Data Analyst to a Senior role a natural progression, it also makes all the difference in your average salary.

On a global average, Senior Data Analyst receive a $16,000 salary hike over entry-level Data Analysts when they go from individual contributor to senior personnel.

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Related career paths

If you like Data Analytics careers, you might also be interested in these other career paths.

Get the help you need & advance your career

The career of a data analyst offers many promising opportunities for those with a passion for data and analysis. With the ever-increasing amount of data being generated across industries, the demand for skilled data analysts is expected to continue growing, making it a great career choice for those interested in this field.

 

 

 

 

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