What a data analyst actually does
A data analyst pulls data (usually with SQL), cleans it, checks it for errors, and builds the dashboards and reports the business runs on. Most of the week is spent in a database, a spreadsheet and a BI tool, plus explaining what the numbers mean to people who did not build them.
How to become one — the qualification route
There is no single licensed route. Employers hire from any numerate degree — B.Com, BBA, B.Sc, B.Tech, economics or statistics — and screen on a portfolio of real analyses plus a SQL test. A certificate that ends in projects you can show is usually worth more than the subject of your degree.
Regulated professions have statutory entry requirements. Always confirm current rules with the relevant council or university before enrolling anywhere.
Skills the role runs on
Which online courses actually help
The fastest way in is SQL first, then a BI tool (Power BI or Tableau), then spreadsheet modelling, then enough statistics to avoid misreading a result. Python is the step that separates an analyst from a senior analyst.
Courses for data analysts
See all data analysts courses →| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Business Analytics | Udemy | 4.1★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate |
| Learn SQL | Codecademy | 4.6★ | Free | Quickest to finish (5h) |
| Introduction to Data Analytics | Coursera | 4.8★ | Free | Highest rated (4.8★ from 20.8K reviews) |
| SQL for Data Analysis | Udacity | Udacity | 4.7★ | Free | Free to audit |
| AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials | Coursera | 4.8★ | Free | Beginner-friendly · 35h 48m |
| Business Analytics | Coursera | 4.6★ | Free | Beginner-friendly · 2 months |