How I Would Become a Data Analyst if I had to Start Over in 2024 | 6 Month Plan

Summary

In this video, Alex discusses how he would become a data analyst if he had to start over from scratch. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what a data analyst does, learning key skills (SQL, Excel, and Tableau), and building a portfolio to showcase these abilities. Alex also recommends using free resources like YouTube for learning, and if possible, paid platforms like Udemy or his own Analyst Builder. He highlights the importance of working with recruiters, preparing for interviews, and suggests that it's possible to land a data analyst job within six months with dedicated effort.

Takeaways

• 📊 If starting over as a data analyst, the first step is researching what a data analyst does and determining what type of data analyst to become.
• 📚 Focus on learning three core skills: SQL, Excel, and Tableau. These skills cover most entry-level data analyst job descriptions.
• 🎓 If money is tight, YouTube is a great resource for free learning, but platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and the analyst's own Analyst Builder offer more in-depth courses.
• 📝 Building a project portfolio while learning the skills is essential to solidify the knowledge and create a more impressive resume.
• 📁 Include key projects and skills in the resume, even without work or educational experience, to catch hiring managers’ attention.
• 🔎 Working with recruiters is highly recommended to increase the chances of landing a job. This approach is more effective than applying to many jobs independently.
• 💼 Be prepared for two types of interviews: general interviews and technical interviews, with SQL being the most common focus in technical assessments.
• ⏳ Aiming to learn the skills, build a portfolio, and secure a job within six months is an optimistic but achievable goal, depending on dedication and market conditions.
• 📈 Continuous learning is important, with future skillsets possibly including AI and cloud platforms as they become more integrated into the industry.
• 💡 Landing a job quickly is crucial, but remember that the long-term goal is to grow in the field and potentially advance to data science, engineering, or related roles.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on how the creator, Alex, would become a data analyst if he had to start over from scratch. He shares a step-by-step process, including learning essential skills and preparing for job interviews.

Why does Alex suggest researching the role of a data analyst first?

Alex suggests researching the role to understand what a data analyst does and to determine which type of data analyst to become, such as in healthcare, finance, or general analytics.

What three main skills does Alex recommend learning to become a general data analyst?

Alex recommends learning SQL, Excel, and Tableau because these are the most commonly required skills in job descriptions and provide the best chance of landing a data analyst job quickly.

Why does Alex recommend learning only three skills at the beginning?

He recommends focusing on three skills (SQL, Excel, Tableau) to streamline the learning process and improve the chances of landing a job quickly. Learning more skills would take additional time but may open up more job opportunities later.

How does Alex suggest learning these data analyst skills if you're broke?

Alex suggests using YouTube, which offers free resources. He also mentions that his own YouTube channel covers 90% of the skills needed to become a data analyst.

What platforms does Alex recommend for paid courses?

For those who can afford paid courses, Alex recommends Udemy, Coursera, and his own learning platform, Analyst Builder, which provides more in-depth content than what is available on YouTube.

Why does Alex emphasize building projects while learning skills?

Building projects helps solidify the skills you’re learning and allows you to create a portfolio that can be showcased on your resume, making you more appealing to potential employers.

What does Alex suggest including on a resume if you have no work or education experience?

Alex suggests focusing on listing the skills you’ve learned (SQL, Excel, Tableau) and showcasing projects you've completed to demonstrate your practical experience.

Why does Alex recommend working with recruiters?

Alex recommends working with recruiters because they often have direct connections with companies, which can help bypass the large volume of applicants applying for jobs through traditional means.

How long does Alex think it would take to become a data analyst if starting from scratch?

Alex believes it is possible to become a data analyst in about six months if you dedicate yourself to learning the skills, building a portfolio, and actively working with recruiters.