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.
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