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!

Computer screen that reads: When in doubt...spreadsheet it out.

What Does A Data Analyst Do?

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.

Laptop screen opens showing graphs.

Quiz

What are common task(s) for data analysts?

What Education Do You Need?

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

Flaticon Icon 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.

Flaticon Icon 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

What Can I Expect To Earn?

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

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

You'll Love It If You...

  • 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.

Schitt's Creek GIF: Moira rose says

Look For Another Career Path If You...

  • 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.

    Man counting on his fingers.

Pick The Future Data Analyst:

Flaticon Icon Sergio

  • Very outgoing

  • Organizes March Madness for his friends

Flaticon Icon Haley

  • Math tutor

  • Enjoys coding with JavaScript

Flaticon Icon Jackson

  • Likes sudoku

  • Prefers hiking and outdoor activities

Quiz

Who is more likely to become a Data Analyst?

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