How to learn Analytics in 2024 – Complete Guide and Resources

Last updated: December, 2024 • 13 min read

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the best ways to learn Analytics, from recommended books and courses to finding expert mentors who can accelerate your learning journey.

Before diving into learning Analytics, a word of caution: While there are many resources available online, it's important to follow a structured learning path and avoid getting overwhelmed. Having a clear goal and roadmap will help you stay focused and make steady progress.

If you're looking for a more guided approach, you may want to check out our Analytics mentors who can help create a personalized learning plan and provide expert guidance throughout your journey.

Getting started with Analytics

In this guide, we'll cover:

Let's explore each of these areas to help you create an effective learning path for mastering Analytics.

How can I start learning Analytics?

Getting started with Analytics is very achievable with the right approach and resources. Here are some key steps to begin your learning journey:

  1. Start with fundamentals. Begin by learning the core concepts and principles of Analytics. This builds a strong foundation for more advanced topics;
  2. Take online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer structured Analytics courses for beginners. These provide guided learning with hands-on practice;
  3. Read documentation and books. Official documentation and recommended books can deepen your understanding of Analytics concepts;
  4. Connect with a mentor. Our experienced Analytics mentors can create a personalized learning plan and guide you through your journey efficiently.

Can I learn Analytics on my own?

While self-study is possible, having expert guidance can save you months of trial and error and help you avoid common pitfalls. Here's what to consider:

  1. Self-paced learning. Online resources and tutorials let you learn at your own speed, but it can be challenging to know if you're on the right track;
  2. Community support. Join online communities and forums to get help, though responses may vary in quality and accuracy;
  3. Professional mentorship. Working with a Analytics mentor provides personalized feedback, industry insights, and accountability to keep you progressing;
  4. Structured approach. A mentor can create a customized learning path based on your goals and current skill level.

Can I learn Analytics in one month?

While you can grasp basic concepts of Analytics in a month with dedicated study, becoming proficient typically takes longer. Here's a realistic timeline:

  1. First month. Master fundamental concepts and basic principles of Analytics;
  2. 3-6 months. Develop intermediate skills and work on increasingly complex projects;
  3. 6-12 months. Build advanced knowledge and professional-level expertise;
  4. Accelerated learning. Working with one of our expert Analytics mentors can significantly speed up this timeline through focused guidance and industry best practices.

Learning Resources for Analytics

One of the most effective ways to build a strong foundation in Analytics is through carefully selected learning resources. Let's explore some key materials that can help you master this field.

Essential Reading Materials

Books remain one of the most comprehensive ways to learn Analytics in depth. They provide structured knowledge and detailed explanations that are often missing from online tutorials. Here are some recommended reading approaches:

  • Start with beginner-friendly books that introduce core concepts and fundamentals
  • Progress to intermediate texts that cover more advanced topics and real-world applications
  • Keep reference books handy for looking up specific concepts and techniques

Recommended Books for Analytics

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…

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…

Big Data at Work: Dispelling the Myths, Uncovering the Opportunities

This book will help you understand:

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, …

View all recommended books for Analytics →

Online Learning Platforms

Online courses provide structured learning paths with hands-on practice. Here are some recommended platforms and course types:

  • Interactive courses - Learn by doing with coding exercises and projects
  • Video tutorials - Watch expert instructors explain concepts step-by-step
  • Practice exercises - Reinforce learning through hands-on challenges

Recommended Courses for Analytics

Data Scientist: Analytics Specialist

Companies are looking for Data Scientists who can manage data, get results, and drive decision-making. Analytics is all about using data to answer questions, and this Career Path will teach you just that. You’ll learn how to analyze data, build dashboards, and deliver impactful reports. Along the w…

Google Analytics Certification - Get Certified & Earn More

Are you looking to advance your career and gain industry recognition? Look no further! Our step-by-step course will show you how to pass the Google Analytics certification exam in just one day with no prior experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost your resume and stand out in the job…

Introduction to Data Analytics

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IBM Data Analyst

Prepare for a career as a data analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from IBM. No prior experience required.

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.

View all recommended courses for Analytics →

Learning Communities and Support

Having the right support system is crucial for learning Analytics. Here are some ways to get help:

  • MentorCruise Community - Join our active community of learners and mentors to get support on your journey
  • 1:1 Mentorship - Get personalized guidance from our expert Analytics mentors
  • Work Reviews - Have experienced Analytics mentors review your work and provide detailed feedback
  • Discussion Forums - Connect with peers to share knowledge and ask questions

Ready to accelerate your learning? Find a Analytics mentor who can guide you through these steps and provide personalized support.

Expert Guidance

Learning Analytics is more effective with expert guidance. Our mentors provide:

  • Personalized Learning Plans - Get a customized roadmap based on your goals and current skill level
  • Industry Best Practices - Learn professional standards and workflows
  • Career Development - Get advice on job searching, resume building, and career advancement

Want more options? Browse all 178 Analytics mentors to find the perfect match for your goals.

Professional Certifications

Earning certifications can validate your Analytics skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some recommended certifications:

Certified Analytics Professional CAP

Hosted by certifiedanalytics.org

The Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification is a trusted, independent verification of the critical technical expertise and related soft skills possessed by accomplished analytics and data science professionals, and valued by analytics-oriented organizations.

As a vendor- and…

Columbia University Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences

Hosted by datascience.columbia.edu

The Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences from Columbia University's Data Science Institute is available on campus and online. This part-time program broadens an individual's career prospects by assisting them in developing foundational data science skills.

<…

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Hosted by cloudera.com

A Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst credential shows you can prepare, structure and analyze data in Cloudera's CDH environment. The program teaches students key tasks such as importing data from MySQL into Hadoop, creating and altering tables and making reports with certain queries.…

Data Scientist Associate v2 (DCA-DS) Certification

Hosted by iverson.com.my

The Data Scientist Associate v2 (DCA-DS) Certification, offered by Dell Technologies, establishes your ability to contribute to data analytics projects. Successful certification holders can:
Deploy the data analytics life cycle
Perform both basic and advanced analyses of business data
A…

Our mentors can help you prepare for these certifications through:

  • Exam Preparation - Get structured guidance to master certification topics
  • Practice Tests - Work through sample questions and mock exams
  • Study Planning - Create an effective study schedule to achieve your certification goals
  • Hands-on Practice - Apply certification concepts through practical exercises

View all recommended certifications for Analytics →

Career Guidance

Beyond technical skills, succeeding in Analytics requires strategic career planning. Our career mentors provide:

  • Industry Insights - Get insider knowledge about Analytics roles and companies
  • Career Strategy - Build a roadmap to reach your professional goals
  • Resume & Portfolio Review - Optimize your professional materials for Analytics positions
  • Interview Preparation - Practice technical and behavioral interviews with experienced professionals
  • Salary Negotiation - Learn to advocate for yourself and negotiate competitive compensation

Ready to accelerate your Analytics career? Connect with a career mentor to start building your professional future.

Quick Summary

  • 🎯 Best for: beginners and intermediate learners
  • ⏱️ Learning time: 12 certification paths available
  • 💰 Required investment: Courses, books and mentorship to certification (~$500)
  • 🎓 Prerequisites: None
  • 🔗 Related fields: Python, Machine Learning, Data Science, SQL