I Tried 50 Data Analyst Courses. Here Are Top 5

Summary

This video cuts through the fluff of endless online courses and highlights the top data-analytics pathways that actually deliver career value. It explains why many courses have low completion rates, then recommends actionable options: Google’s Data Analytics (beginner-friendly) and the GA4 Google Analytics certificate for web/marketing roles; Microsoft certifications (PL-300 Power BI, DP-300 SQL, A-900 Azure) for industry recognition; hands-on DataCamp career tracks (practical projects + exam discounts); Tableau Certified Data Analyst for visualization; and HarvardX’s professional data-science program for a deep academic credential. The host emphasizes practical skills—SQL, Power BI, Python—plus exam prep, costs, and discount tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 The average completion rate for online courses is low, between 5% and 15%, due to the inclusion of unnecessary fluff in many courses.
• 😀 The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a good starting point for beginners but is not industry-recognized, meaning it won't directly help land a job.
• 😀 The Google Analytics Certificate (GA4) is more specific and valuable for web and marketing analytics, with actual demand from recruiters for GA4 knowledge.
• 😀 SQL and Power BI are two essential skills for aspiring data analysts, with the Microsoft Power BI certification (PL-300) offering an industry-recognized qualification.
• 😀 Microsoft offers a free 20+ hour course to prepare for the PL-300 exam, which costs $165, but you can retake the exam as many times as needed.
• 😀 The Microsoft DP-300 certification focuses on SQL and relational databases in the Azure environment, which is highly relevant for data analysts working in the cloud.
• 😀 The Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) certification is a shorter and cheaper entry-level certification ($99) that is valuable for any data analyst working in Azure.
• 😀 DataCamp offers career tracks that provide hands-on, interactive learning for various data analysis tools, including Python and Power BI, while also offering discounts on Microsoft certification exams.
• 😀 DataCamp has partnered with Microsoft to offer a 50% discount on Microsoft certification exams for learners who complete specific courses on their platform.
• 😀 Tableau is another top data visualization tool, with the Tableau Certified Data Analyst certification being valuable for those specializing in Tableau. It requires passing a practical exam costing $250.
• 😀 Harvard's Data Science Professional Certificate on edX provides a comprehensive foundation in data science, including programming with R, statistics, and machine learning, though it is costly ($1,200+).

Q & A

Why is the completion rate of online courses so low?

The completion rate of online courses is between 5-15%, often because many courses are excessively long and filled with fluff, leading to a lack of engagement from learners.

What is the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, and is it worth it?

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a great starting point for beginners in data analytics. However, it provides a certificate of completion, not an industry-recognized certification. It's useful as an introduction but may not guarantee a job.

What is the difference between the Google Data Analytics Certificate and the Google Analytics Certificate?

The Google Data Analytics Certificate focuses on general data analysis skills, while the Google Analytics Certificate is more specialized, particularly for those interested in web analytics and marketing analytics, specifically using Google Analytics (GA4).

How important is SQL for data analysts, and which certification should I aim for?

SQL is an essential skill for data analysts. The Microsoft DP-300 (Administering Relational Databases) certification is highly regarded in the industry for validating SQL skills, especially for those working with Microsoft Azure's cloud platform.

What is the significance of the Microsoft Power BI certification (PL-300)?

The PL-300 Power BI certification is crucial for data analysts as it validates proficiency in Power BI, a popular tool for data visualization. It is recognized by industry employers and often a requirement for hiring candidates.

What is DataCamp, and how does it help data analysts prepare for certifications?

DataCamp is an online learning platform that offers interactive courses in data analytics. It provides career tracks that cover essential data skills, including Python, Power BI, and SQL, and offers courses tailored to preparing for Microsoft certification exams, often with a 50% discount.

What is the Tableau Certified Data Analyst credential, and why should I consider it?

The Tableau Certified Data Analyst credential is for those who specialize in using Tableau for data visualization. It involves a practical exam, and the certification is highly valued by employers. DataCamp also offers preparation courses for this certification.

What is the HarvardX Data Science Professional Certificate, and is it worth the cost?

The HarvardX Data Science Professional Certificate is a comprehensive program offered through edX that covers programming in R, statistical analysis, and machine learning. While it can be pricey (over $1,200), it is globally recognized and adds significant value to a resume.

How can completing DataCamp courses help with obtaining Microsoft certifications?

DataCamp offers specific courses that prepare learners for Microsoft certification exams, and through a partnership with Microsoft, learners can receive a 50% discount on certification exam fees after completing the courses.

Are Microsoft certifications like Power BI or SQL necessary for data analysts?

Yes, certifications like Microsoft’s Power BI (PL-300) and SQL (DP-300) are highly regarded in the industry. These certifications validate your skills and significantly improve your chances of landing a data analyst job, as many companies require them.