We live in a world where data is everywhere, and “big data” is big news for data analysts and businesses. “Big data” refers to the massive amounts of data that companies deal with daily.
Data analytics is the science of analyzing raw data to obtain vital insights that help businesses achieve their goals. Data analysts are the specialists within this line of work.
Data analysts use a mix of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, math, and software systems to help companies discover new opportunities and strategies to increase earning potential, reduce error rates, increase customer retention, find patterns, predict growth and future trends, and much more.
Data analysts are in high demand. Now, companies rely on them to make sense of their data more than ever. But how long does it take to become a data analyst?
This guide explains how long it takes to become a data analyst and the different degrees available to you.
What is Required of a Data Analyst?
First and foremost, candidates need to know what will be asked of them as data analysts. As mentioned, data analysts gather, organize, and interpret data — such as sales figures, inventories, internet logs, and operating costs — to identify patterns and trends. Then, data analysts provide recommendations to their business leaders to guide their business planning and decisions.
Data analysts’ duties typically include three key areas:
- Data mining — gathering needed information for initial review
- Data cleaning — removing errors or discrepancies before looking for trends, patterns, and relationships
- Data visualization — organizing the data to be easily interpreted for business goals and strategies
Typically, data analysts have experience in computer applications like spreadsheets, databases, data management programs, or visualization software. Though obtaining a data analyst job without a degree is possible, a bachelor’s or a master’s data analytics degree online will further ensure you land a position as a data analyst.
Three Steps to Becoming a Data Analyst
Step 1: Start your data analyst education and training.
Suppose you are determined to become a data analyst. In that case, you can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics that will prepare you for various data analyst positions in the business and IT sectors.
At University of Bridgeport, students develop the necessary skills to extract, analyze, organize, and present data in a manner that is useful for organizational decision-making. Our curriculum consists of courses from the undergraduate business core, the School of Business, and specialized Data Analytics courses.
Step 2: Consider an advanced degree.
Though a bachelor’s in Data Analytics will open you up to many entry-level positions, a Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics or an MS in Data Analytics online allows students to apply for more advanced leadership positions.
Advanced data analytics programs prepare graduates to help businesses make data-driven business decisions and are designed by faculty who are industry professionals and experts in the field.
The curriculum for these advanced degrees offers in-depth knowledge of information systems and modern analytic skills through rigorous classroom instruction, required projects, and a thesis or internship to demonstrate competency in research, analysis, and project work.
UB’s 30-credit MS in Data Analytics and MS in Data Analytics online degrees can be completed in as little as one year.
Step 3: Pursue internships and build a portfolio.
While earning their Data Analytics degrees, candidates should also consider pursuing internships to gain hands-on experience in the field of study and build a portfolio to showcase their talent to future employers.
Some of the fundamentals and skills data analysts need are:
- SQL
- R or Python
- Excel
- Data Visualization
- Statistics Knowledge
- Problem-Solving Skills
Additionally, consider building a portfolio demonstrating these skills and showing how you use Python/R and SQL to inspect, clean, analyze, and visualize data for your future employers.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Data Analyst?
As you can see, becoming a data analyst requires an investment in your education. The time commitment for college will depend on the degree you pursue, taking between four or five years to complete.
Ultimately, however, the time it takes to become a data analyst depends on your commitment to learning and advancing your knowledge and career.
Once you have work experience as a data analyst and an advanced degree, you can begin your journey toward senior roles, taking more responsibility, and have the potential to become your team’s lead, manager, or even the company director itself.
Data is constantly changing, so candidates must continuously learn about the latest trends, take the lead in projects, master their business domain, and uphold a robust problem-solving mindset.
If you are passionate about collecting, sorting, and analyzing data, a traditional Data Analytics degree or an MS Data Analytics online degree are both great choices.
Reach out today to learn more about our programs at UB and how our comprehensive support services center can help you into an exciting career!