Career Path

How to become a Data Analyst

A Data Analyst turns raw data into clear findings that help people understand performance and make better decisions.

What the Role Involves

What does a Data Analyst do?

Analysts clean data, write queries, define measures, build reports and communicate what the evidence means for the business.

Core skills to build

  • Excel and SQL
  • Data cleaning
  • Visualisation and dashboards
  • Business metrics
  • Insight communication
Your Route In

Steps to become a Data Analyst

Use this sequence as a practical starting point and adapt it to your experience.

  1. 1. Learn spreadsheet analysis, SQL and basic statistics.
  2. 2. Choose a visualisation tool and build useful dashboards.
  3. 3. Practise turning vague questions into measurable business metrics.
  4. 4. Publish case studies that explain both the analysis and recommendation.
  5. 5. Apply for reporting, insights, operations analyst or junior data roles.
Next Step

Turn learning into evidence

Employers need more than a list of courses. Build a small portfolio, explain your decisions and show how your work solves a realistic problem.

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