By 2026, can you enter the field of Data Analytics without previous experience or qualifications?
Many, like you, are trying to enter or transition into Data Analytics. You have probably seen many Data Analyst job postings requiring experience and knowledge of advanced Data Analysis tools, and have found this frustrating, as many students complete courses only to be overlooked for interviews because there is no clear method to help students understand how to best find a job in Data Analytics.
Companies hire based on your demonstrated ability to solve problems, not just because of a college degree. If you can show your ability as a Data Analyst through either additional work experience or projects, it will enable you to compete for a Data Analyst entry-level position.
This guide provides insight into the key Data Analyst Skills, how to develop a portfolio of work, and how to secure your first job as a Data Analyst, without any prior work experience in Data Analytics.
How Do You Learn Data Analysis Fundamentals?
The key element in building a successful career in data analysis is performing data analysis. Companies rely on their data as the key factor influencing their decisions when trying to optimise their operations, raise their revenues or determine how to better engage with their customers.
Data analysis involves taking information from a variety of sources, cleaning that information, manipulating that information, and interpreting it to identify meaningful patterns within it. Because of the need for most companies to make informed decisions based on the analysis of their data, data analytics is used frequently to aid organisations in achieving their objectives and improving their performance.
According to the Google Data Analytics Certificate, an analyst will implement structured workflows to take raw data and produce actionable insights.
Learn the Data Analysis Process
Be aware of all major steps involved in working with data, including:
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Collecting Data
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Cleaning Data
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Exploring Data
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Visualizing Data
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Generating Insights from Data
Understand Business Context
Data is only as valuable as it is explained by someone who can communicate an analysis of the numbers and recommendations for action.
What Data Analysis Skills Do Employers Want?
Having a strong foundation in technical skills distinguishes top-performing candidates from their peer groups. Typically, entry-level jobs will require some combination of the most important tools or essential knowledge.
Common skill sets associated with Data Analysis include SQL, Excel, Data Visualisation, Statistics, and Critical Thinking. These skillsets provide Analysts the ability to change raw data into actionable insight. Analysts most commonly use these skillsets for purposes such as reporting overall business performance, predicting future trends, and improving current business processes.
According to a recent study by LinkedIn, both SQL and Excel were two of the most popular requested skill sets needed for any type of analyst position.
Excel for Data Analysis
Learn:
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Pivot Tables
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Lookup Functions
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Charts
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Dashboard Creation
SQL for Data Analysis
Focus on:
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SELECT
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JOIN
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GROUP BY
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Window Functions
Data Visualization
Use tools such as:
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Power BI
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Tableau
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Excel Dashboards
How Can You Build Experience Through Data Analysis Projects?
When you have no job experience, creating projects is a way to prove your skills.
Completing a project that involves data analysis is an example of how you put analytical skills into practical use. It consists of applying techniques to a set of real-world data in order to demonstrate that you have problem-solving skills when applying for jobs and/or interviewing.
In general, recruiters will typically examine your portfolio prior to examining your resume; therefore, your portfolio should show them your true ability through your projects.
Project Ideas for Beginners
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Sales Data Analysis
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Customer Churn Analysis
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Marketing Campaign Analysis
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E-commerce Analytics
Structure Every Project
Include:
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Business problem
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Dataset source
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Data cleaning process
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Analysis findings
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Visualizations
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Recommendations
How Do You Create a Data Analyst Portfolio That Stands Out?
The purpose of a portfolio is to allow recruiters to gauge your ability prior to scheduling interviews with candidates.
Your data analyst portfolio is a collection of projects that demonstrate both your technical and business abilities and can be used to show how well you can solve problems. Typically, you'll find portfolios primarily used as part of the hiring decision and during technical interviews.
Many analysts utilise both their GitHub accounts and personal websites to share their work.
Include These Portfolio Assets
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SQL Projects
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Excel Dashboards
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Power BI Reports
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Python Analysis Notebooks
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Business Case Studies
Focus on Quality
Three excellent projects outperform ten incomplete projects.
How Should You Apply for Entry-Level Data Analyst Jobs?
Strategic application provides better chances for gaining interest in being hired by the organisation.
As an example: The entry-level positions for being a Data Analyst will look at the skills, projects and learning utilities of each candidate. The position is then filled by reviewing how the candidate solves business problems through the use of data. These can be found under the titles of Junior Data Analyst and Reporting Analyst by most organisations.
Most organisations will also employ candidates who show initiative or analytical thinking capabilities.
Search for Related Job Titles
Apply for:
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Junior Data Analyst
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Reporting Analyst
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Business Analyst
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Operations Analyst
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Data Coordinator
Customize Every Application
Match your skills and projects to each job description.
What Certifications Help Aspiring Data Analysts?
Certifications increase your reputation and commitment to education.
Understanding the process used to evaluate provides you with the framework necessary to gain the technical skills/knowledge required for successful data analysis; this provides you with the exposure to perform within a structured environment through educational and assessment programs; therefore, obtaining a data analysis certification will enhance your resume, and be instrumental in transitioning into another career.
The following are examples of Certification Programs:
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Google - Professional Certificate
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Microsoft - Power BI Data Analyst Certification
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IBM - Data Analyst Professional Certificate
Trusted Learning Resources
Google Career Certificates:
https://grow.google/certificates/data-analytics/
Microsoft Learn:
https://learn.microsoft.com/training/
Conclusion
With an appropriate approach, it is possible to become a data analyst without previous exposure to this field. First, learn the four main competencies of data analytics: Excel, SQL, data visualization, and statistics. Next, develop real-world applications of your skills and place these projects into a workable, comprehensive portfolio.
Employers value problem-solving ability in real life. Therefore, expect that creating proof of your own capabilities will lead you to be presented with opportunities to utilize those skills in the workplace.