It's a myth that people good at data are only good with numbers. Yes, understanding numbers is helpful, but roles in data analytics also need to be able to tell a story based on those numbers. If you like numbers and digging deep into datasets but also possess a need to be creative and satisfy your curiosity, then data analysis may be a good next step for you.
What is a data analyst?
A data analyst works closely with an organization’s data to assist in making better business decisions and provide insights that support decision-making efforts in the following ways:
- Collects, analyzes, and reports on data by creating reports, dashboards, and other visualizations associated with customers, business processes, or market economics
- Develops and implements databases and data collection systems
- Acquires data from primary and secondary sources
- Cleans and validates data
- Designs data models
- Implements new data analytics methodologies
There are data analysts who specialize in industries like finance, business, health care, e-commerce, and even marketing. But data is paramount in every industry these days. Most data analysts work with IT teams, management, and/or data scientists to determine big-picture goals. They then collect, analyze, and report on the plethora of data an organization gathers and transform it into a more digestible format for stakeholders.
Data analyst roles can vary in title depending on the industry. Some jobs fall under the title of marketing analyst, business analyst, or consumer data engineer.
How to become a data analyst
Many companies hiring a data analyst seek someone with a bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, economics, or data science. A data analyst can be an entry-level position, but many transition into this job from a related field like business or economics, usually by upskilling mid-career through additional learning and certifications like CompTIA Data+, available now.
CompTIA Data+ is an early-career data analytics certification for professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making.
This brand-new data analytics certification covers the skills required to facilitate data-driven business decisions, including:
- Mining data
- Manipulating data
- Visualizing and reporting data
- Applying basic statistical methods
- Analyzing complex datasets while adhering to governance and quality standards throughout the entire data life cycle
In addition to the certification, CompTIA will release a full suite of training products to help you learn and practice data analysis skills and prepare for your certification exam.
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam
Read more about the best data analytics certifications, and check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a data analyst.
The details
Job titles related to data analyst
- Business analyst
- Data specialist
- Data scientist
- Data architect
+ Means more
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for, and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career, but a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
- We help you decide how to take your exam. Scheduling your exam is the easy part. CompTIA exams are offered at testing centers worldwide and through online testing, available 24/7, so you can test in person or at home.
- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Will your next move be data analyst? If so, check out CompTIA CertMaster Learn + Labs for Data+, an online eLearning platform covering data analysis skills.