Should I be a data analyst?

Do you like making spreadsheets for fun? Do you enjoy solving puzzles? Are you a logical problem-solver? If so, you'll make a great data analyst!

Data analysts make sense of information. They'll gather, examine, and present data so leaders can make informed decisions.

Essentially, they're telling stories with numbers by:

• Extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) to find, clean, and combine data.

• Building databases tostore and query information.

• Using computer programming to mine, process, and model data.

• Creating visualizations to tell stories using charts and graphs.

Bachelor's Degree in data analytics, computer science, math, or a similar subject. This provides a strong foundation in statistics, programming, and analytics.

Boot camps can be an alternative to earning a degree, or a quick way to upskill. They're shorter than degree programs and teach on-the-job skills.

Certificates validate your skills and focus on specific technologies. Some options are:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Big Data Specialty Certification

• CompTIA Data+

• Google Data Analyst Certificate

• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate

In the U.S., the average salary for a data analyst is $65,308 USD.

In Canada, the average salary for a data analyst is $54,926 CAD.

• Enjoy using logic and critical thinking skills to solve puzzles and problems.

• Fancy creating spreadsheets to organize information and gain insights from data.

• Prefer sedentary and independent work using a computer.

• Dislike numeracy-based subjects such as Mathematics.

• Favor a physical job over a desk job.

• Prefer routine in your job responsibilities and use of technology.

  

Sergio

• Very outgoing

• Organizes March Madness for his friends

Haley

• Math tutor

• Enjoys coding with JavaScript

Jackson

• Likes sudoku

• Prefers hiking and outdoor activities

Are you ready to start a career as a Data Analyst?