How Would I Become a Data Analyst From Scratch in 2024? A 6 Month Plan

TL;DR

To become a data analyst from scratch, research the role, learn SQL, Excel, and Tableau, then build projects before applying for jobs. The plan gives about two months to reach an entry-level standard, assuming full-time study, and estimates that these three skills open roughly 40% of data analyst jobs. Read on for the reasoning, learning resources, and portfolio strategy.

Transcript

what's going on everybody welcome back to another video today we're going to talk about how I would become a data analyst again if I had to start over from scratch actually been thinking about this a lot recently because things have changed since I became a data analyst six or seven years ago right uh the job market is different the Tex Stacks are ... Read More

Key Insights

• Initial role research is the first step because data analytics includes healthcare, financial, marketing, and general positions that may use different tools. Spending a couple of days understanding these paths helps determine which skills should be prioritized for the intended position.
• SQL, Excel, and Tableau are the recommended initial skills for quickly pursuing a general data analyst role. SQL is estimated to appear in about 75% of job descriptions, Excel in nearly 100%, and Tableau provides experience that transfers substantially to other business intelligence tools.
• A focused tool set is intended to improve speed rather than cover every possible vacancy. The three recommended skills are estimated to open about 40% of data analyst jobs, while adding Python, R, AWS, Azure, Looker, or other technologies can expand the range later.
• Free learning is possible through YouTube, which provides extensive instruction in data analytics skills. Learners who can spend money may use platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, or Analyst Builder for more in-depth courses and technical interview practice.
• Two months is presented as enough time to learn SQL, Excel, and Tableau at an entry-level standard when studying full time without a job. The estimate assumes concentrated effort and aims for employability, not complete mastery of every feature or analytical technology.
• Portfolio projects demonstrate skills more effectively than listing tools alone on a resume. The suggested portfolio includes two SQL projects, one Excel project, and one or two Tableau projects, producing roughly five examples that can be completed within one or two weeks.
• A targeted resume should emphasize skills, relevant projects, and possibly a summary section when formal education or work experience is absent. Including keywords and projects aligned with job descriptions can help the resume pass automated screening and communicate relevance to hiring managers.
• Recruiter outreach and interview preparation are essential parts of the employment phase. Working with several recruiters can provide company connections, while preparation should address general questions, company research, and technical assessments, which are commonly conducted in SQL for data analyst roles.
• "the first thing that I would do the very first step is just research what a data analyst does" (1:06)
• "I'm going to recommend that he only learns three that's going to be SQL Excel and Tableau" (2:11)
• "those three skills are going to open up probably 40% of the jobs for a data analyst out there" (2:50)
• "I think two months is plenty of time to really know those skills well enough to land an entry-level job" (4:35)
• "when you're learning the skills you should be building project s with them so you really solidify those skills" (4:55)

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I become a data analyst from scratch in 2024?

First, spend a couple of days researching what data analysts do and deciding which type of role interests you. For a general data analyst path, learn SQL, Excel, and Tableau, build projects with those tools, and use the work to create a portfolio before pursuing a job.

Q: What should I research before learning data analytics?

Research what a data analyst does and which kind of analyst you want to become. Healthcare, financial, marketing, and general data analyst roles can use different tools, so your intended position should guide the skills you study.

Q: Which three skills should an aspiring data analyst learn first?

The recommended starting skills are SQL, Excel, and Tableau. They were selected because they have a high probability of appearing in data analyst job descriptions and offer a quicker route toward applying for general roles.

Q: Why are SQL, Excel, and Tableau recommended for beginners?

SQL is estimated to appear in about 75% of data analyst job descriptions, while Excel is estimated to appear in nearly 100%. Tableau is a popular business intelligence tool, and the speaker says learning it provides about 80% of the knowledge needed for similar tools such as Power BI or Looker.

Q: How many data analyst jobs can SQL, Excel, and Tableau open up?

The speaker estimates that SQL, Excel, and Tableau can open up about 40% of available data analyst jobs. Adding more skills can increase the share of suitable jobs to 50%, 60%, or 75%, but the initial goal is to become employable quickly.

Q: Where can I learn data analytics without spending money?

YouTube is recommended for free instruction in data analytics skills. The speaker estimates that learners can find about 90% of what they need on his channel, while also noting that many other channels cover additional topics.

Q: Which paid platforms can help me learn data analytics?

The transcript recommends Udemy and Coursera for learners who want more depth than YouTube provides. It also mentions Analyst Builder, which offers full courses and a questions page for technical interview practice.

Q: How long does it take to learn SQL, Excel, and Tableau for an entry-level job?

The proposed timeframe is two months to learn SQL, Excel, and Tableau well enough to pursue an entry-level job. That estimate assumes the learner has no job and can dedicate their time entirely to those skills, while building projects to reinforce what they learn.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The plan begins with a few days of research into what data analysts do and which type of analyst role is most appealing. Healthcare, finance, marketing, and general analytics may use different tools, so identifying a target helps determine which skills deserve attention before formal learning begins.

• For a general data analyst path, the recommended starting tools are SQL, Excel, and Tableau. The proposed schedule dedicates about two months to learning them, followed by one or two weeks to create roughly five projects, including SQL, Excel, and Tableau work presented through a portfolio website and resume.

• After approximately two and a half months of learning and portfolio development, the focus shifts to employment. A targeted resume should emphasize relevant skills and projects, recruiters should supplement direct applications, and interview preparation should cover company research, general questions, personal introductions, and technical exercises that are commonly based on SQL.