A Beginner’s Guide To Data Analytics

What is data analytics? Is data analytics important? What are some of the skills needed to become a data analyst? 

These are just some of the many questions beginners have when looking into the data analytics field. For some, the term ‘data analytics’ can seem daunting and technical, making researching on the topic difficult and tedious. So, to break down and simplify what data analytics is about, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know as a data analytics beginner. Read on to find more about data analytics, its demand, types, and more.

What Is Data Analytics? 

Data analytics is all about collecting, organising and analysing large amounts of data. Collection of this data can be done through various means: tracking a user’s behaviour on an app, surveys, social media monitoring, and more. Once collected, this data is then organised and sorted through to ensure that irrelevant or redundant data is not included in the analysing process. Next, the data is thoroughly analysed, with data analysts looking for trends, correlations, etc. 

With new information and insights gathered through this data analytics process, companies can then choose to make decisions that could possibly positively affect the company’s sales, methods, and more. 

Spotify is a good example of a company using data analytics to improve their user’s experience. If you’ve actively used the music streaming platform Spotify, ‘Spotify Wrapped’ is a term that you will most definitely recognise. At the end of each year, Spotify compiles information about their user’s listening habits and delivers it tailored to each user in a fun and eye-catching manner, allowing the company to garner lots of attention from music lovers and position itself as the ideal streaming service. 

This was thanks to the help of data analytics, which allowed Spotify to show its users personalised information on how much they listened to an artist’s music in comparison to other users, how much music a person listened to in comparison to others, and much more. 

How Does Data Analytics Work? 

As previously mentioned, data analytics is about collecting, organising and analysing. To further define these processes, let’s break it down into four stages: collection, organisation, analysing, and application. 

1. Collection: First, the relevant data needs to be collected. This could be done through various ways, such as the ones mentioned before, or even through existing datasets. At this stage, the data is raw and unorganised. 

2. Organisation: After collecting the raw data, it needs to be organised and processed thoroughly to ensure that only the relevant data is being analysed. One example of what might happen during this stage would be identifying anomalies. 

3. Analysing: Once proper collection and organisation has been done, the data can finally be analysed. This analysis is done using tools, such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau and Python, which allow data analysts to visualise the data, interpret it, and gain insights. 

4. Application: With the insights gathered, data analysts will then have to report the findings to the relevant parties. This will then lead to making impactful decisions for one’s company. 

Why You Should Study Data Analytics

Data analytics is more than just numbers and patterns. By picking up data analytics, you’ll be able to get into the rhythm of drawing conclusions from pieces of data. It allowing you to think analytically and improve your problem solving skills. Moreover, you’ll be able to gain other soft skills, such as having attention to detail and communication within a team. 

Besides boosting your soft skills, data analytics is also extremely valuable in the workforce. A simple search on job websites such as LinkedIn and JobStreet shows thousands of results for ‘data analysts’ in Singapore, and even more so globally. Additionally, a survey from Sisense indicates that 49 percent of companies are using data analytics. It’s “more or much more” than before the pandemic. There is no sign of this trend dying down anytime soon. 

On top of the growing demand, since more companies are now adopting data analytics, it gives data analysts the opportunity to enter a variety of industries. From music to aviation, the possibilities are endless when it comes to developing your data analytics skills in an industry of your choice. 

Thus, with its rise in demand coupled with the fact that it allows you to gain a flexible yet valuable set of skills, data analytics should definitely be the next thing you learn. 

Must-Have Data Analytics Skills

As a data analyst, you’ll be expected to have certain soft skills and be proficient in certain tools and systems. Some of the basic skills needed in most data analytics jobs includes the following:

• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Microsoft Excel
• Python
• Tableau
• Attention to detail 
• Good communication and teamwork 
• Presentation skills 

Do take note that the list above is not exhaustive and the skillset needed may differ depending on the industry and/or company. 

How To Get Started With Data Analytics?

If you’re looking to start on your very own data analytics journey. Be sure to pick up the skills mentioned earlier (SQL, Microsoft Excel, etc.).It is to ensure that you’re familiar with the basic tools. Additionally, certify your expertise with a Data Analytics course that will teach you the aforementioned tools from expert data analysts. 

What To Look Out For In A Data Analytics Course

When looking for a data analytics course/big data analytics course, be sure to verify and check to ensure that the course is beneficial towards your learning and the development of your career path. You can do so by going through the list of questions below. 

1. Does the course provide a certificate and the end of your learning? 
2. Has the course been reviewed by previous students? 
3. Are you able to view works from previous students? 
4. Is the course being taught by industry experts?
5. Is there subsidies/funding support available to help with course fees? 

With these questions in mind, you’ll be sure to find an ideal data analytics course, such as the one course hyperlinked above. That will help to provide you with the relevant knowledge about the course.

For more information on data analytics as a career and more, do visit blog: ‘What Salary Will I Earn As A Data Analyst (2022).’

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute prepares individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. We specialise in teaching in-demand skills, building the next generation of changemakers and inventors through our world-class tech courses and certifications. 
Singaporeans and PRs can receive up to 90% IBF Funding off their course fees with Vertical Institute. The remaining fees can be claimable with SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP