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Skills You Need to Become a Data Analyst

What makes a great data analyst? It’s more than just knowing how to use tools.
The best analysts combine technical skills, business thinking, and communication to turn data into value.


Technical Skills

You don’t need to be a coder to start — but you’ll grow faster if you get comfortable with:

  • Spreadsheets (like Excel or Google Sheets)
  • SQL for working with databases
  • Python or R for deeper analysis
  • Data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib

You’ll learn most of these skills throughout this course.


Analytical Thinking

Tools help, but they don’t ask the right questions. That’s your job.
Analytical thinking means spotting patterns, identifying problems, and asking “Why?”

Good analysts don’t just run reports — they solve problems with data.


Communication

Your insights don’t matter if no one understands them.

A strong analyst knows how to:

  • Tell clear, visual stories with data
  • Translate technical results into business language
  • Present findings to non-technical audiences

What’s Next?

In the next lesson, we’ll take a look at data ethics — the responsibility that comes with analyzing real-world data.

Want to learn more?

Join CodeFriends Plus membership or enroll in a course to start your journey.