With the way the business and technology spaces have been evolving over the past few years, data analyst skills have also transformed to meet the requirements. The skills required for data analysts are highly prioritised by recruiters when hiring freshers.
Go through this article in detail to understand what technical skills required for a data analyst as well as soft skills.
Let’s begin.
15 Key Data Analyst Skills for 2024 and Why You Need Them
As the name suggests, data analysts are people who study information in today’s data-driven world. You’ll go through massive datasets to find trends, solve problems, and suggest business decisions.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need a blend of technical and soft data analyst skills. Here’s a breakdown of 15 key data analyst skills that recruiters look for in 2024:
Technical data analyst skills:
1. SQL (Structured Query Language): This is the language for interacting with databases. SQL allows you to extract, filter, and manipulate data for analysis – essential for getting the data you need.
2. Spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets): Spreadsheets are fundamental for data organisation, cleaning, and basic analysis. You’ll use them for everything from quick calculations to building dashboards.
3. Statistical Programming Language (Python/R): These languages take data analysis beyond spreadsheets. They allow for complex analysis, automation, and building statistical models – powerful tools for in-depth insights.
4. Data Visualisation: Data is meaningless without clear presentation. Data visualisation skills let you present complex findings in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand – critical for communicating your analysis effectively.
5. Machine Learning/AI (Basics): Familiarity with these fields gives you an edge. While you might not be a full-fledged data scientist, understanding these concepts can help you interpret results and leverage them for better analysis.
Soft skills required for a data analyst:
6. Critical Thinking: You’ll need to analyse data objectively, identify patterns and trends, and draw insightful conclusions.
7. Communication/Presentation: Data analysis is only valuable if it’s communicated well. You need to explain your findings clearly, concisely, and in a way that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.
8. Interpersonal Skills: Data analysts collaborate with various teams. Strong interpersonal skills foster effective communication and teamwork, leading to better project outcomes.
9. Attention to Detail: Data accuracy is paramount. A keen eye for detail ensures you catch errors and maintain data integrity throughout the analysis process.
10. Problem-Solving: Challenges arise throughout the data analysis cycle. You’ll need to troubleshoot, find creative solutions, and adapt your approach when needed.
Additional data analyst skills:
11. Database Management Systems (DBMS): Understanding different database structures and platforms helps you navigate and retrieve data efficiently.
12. Data Wrangling/Cleaning: Raw data is messy. Data wrangling skills equip you to clean, organise, and prepare data for analysis – essential groundwork before diving into insights.
13. Storytelling with Data: Data storytelling goes beyond just charts and graphs. It’s about weaving a narrative around your findings to make them impactful and actionable.
14. Cloud Computing: Cloud platforms are increasingly used for data storage, processing, and analysis. Familiarity with cloud platforms gives you flexibility and scalability for handling large datasets.
15. Business Acumen: Understanding the industry you’re working in allows you to tailor your analysis to address specific business problems and provide insights that are relevant and actionable.
Acquiring these data analyst skills can help you build a successful and high-paying career. Ensure you go through them thoroughly and work towards learning these skills.
Good luck!
FAQs on Data Analyst Skills
Q1. Is it necessary to have a technical background to work as a data analyst?
Ans: While a technical background is helpful, it’s not mandatory for all data analyst roles. Good analytical and communication skills can help you land a job, especially in entry-level positions. You can always develop technical skills through free online webinars offered by Zuno.
Q2. What are the key technical skills required for a data analyst?
Ans: The key technical skills required for data analysts are:
- SQL for database querying
- Spreadsheets (Excel/Sheets) for data manipulation and analysis
- Programming (Python/R) for advanced analysis and automation
- Data Visualisation for presenting findings clearly
Q3. How much time is required to become a data analyst?
Ans: The time required to become a data analyst varies depending on your background and what path you choose. It can range from months (through diploma courses) to years (through a degree and work experience).
