How to Learn Data Analytics

More data is being created each day than ever before. Along with this surge in data comes the corresponding need for those with data analytics skills to help make sense of this information. This is why Data Analysts are currently in high demand across industries. However, the number of options for learning data analytics might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; which one you ultimately select depends on your learning style and personal preferences.

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods for learning data analytics so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is a broad term that describes the various techniques used to analyze raw, unprocessed data so that relevant insights and trends can be extracted. Organizations then use this information to make more informed, data-driven decisions. The data analytics process includes gathering data, organizing them, and performing statistical analysis on these numbers. Once the analysis is complete, the Data Analyst offers predictions that can inform the company’s next steps.

Each day, an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is created. This number is expected to grow as more organizations embrace technological advances and expand their online presence. However, until these data are analyzed, they are just numbers. A Data Analyst’s job involves combining computer programming, math, and statistics to interpret these numbers and transform them into actionable insights that they can share with various stakeholders in their organization.

Read more about why you should learn data analytics.

What Can You Do with Data Analytics?

The field of data analytics has many real-world applications across industries and professions. At the core of the data analytics process is the goal of using data to make better decisions. Companies rely on the data's insights to make more informed business decisions, which can help their organization grow, increase revenue, or better serve employees and customers.

Data analytics can help with marketing campaigns by eliminating the bulk of the guesswork in planning, creating content, and developing products. It also provides an overview of customers, which can help organizations better meet their needs. By better understanding your audience and what they want, targeting them with more pointed marketing initiatives and campaigns is easier.

Another widespread use of data analytics is to improve customer service. When data is analyzed, it reveals important insights about customers, which makes it possible to offer them more personalized service. Data can provide information on how customers prefer to communicate, what interests they have, what concerns they hold, and what products they look at most often. In addition, having data stored in a central location allows an organization’s customer service team to be on the same page as their marketing and sales teams.

Another use of data analytics is to improve the efficiency of operations within an organization. Data can reveal weaknesses in operations, as well as opportunities to streamline various processes. This not only helps the business perform more efficiently but can save money over time. For example, if you have a clearer idea of what your target audience is looking for, you won’t need to waste time and resources designing ads or writing content that doesn’t directly target their interests. This leads to less wasted money, as well as better campaign results.

In-Person Data Analytics Training

If you’re considering studying data analytics, in-person learning options are an excellent choice if you thrive in the traditional classroom setting. In-person study gives you access to an expert instructor who is there to provide feedback and answer questions as they arise. You can complete coursework on computers that are already loaded with the most up-to-date data analytics tools and programs.

Noble Desktop has several in-person data analytics courses available in Manhattan. Noble’s Data Technologies Bootcamp offers hands-on instruction in industry-standard data analytics tools like Tableau, Excel, and SQL. Those enrolled complete real-world projects under the guidance of expert instructors. All students have the option of a free retake to revisit course material. Noble also has a Data Analytics Certificate, a rigorous, project-based course in which students collect, wrangle, analyze, and visualize data. Those who complete this certificate program acquire real-world training in predictive and prescriptive analytics that can help advance their careers.

If you’d like to search for data analytics classes near you, you can use Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to browse hundreds of data analytics course offerings to find the one perfect for your learning needs.

Live Online Data Analytics Training

One of the most effective ways to study data analytics is in the live online format. Because you connect with an instructor in real-time, you can ask questions and receive guidance at the moment. Various live online data analytics classes are available from Noble Desktop and other top educational providers.

Noble’s Data Analytics Foundations provides introductory-level instruction in data analytics. In addition, Noble offers a Data Analytics Certificate, a rigorous course that covers analytics skills like Excel, Tableau, SQL, and Python and that prepares participants to be Data Analysts or Business Analysts. If you are interested in beginner-friendly data analytics classes, Skillspire provides Intro to Data Analytics, and Clarausway currently has Data Analytics With IT Fundamentals available as well. In addition, data analytics bootcamps are offered by educational providers like General Assembly, NYIM Training, and NYC Career Centers for those seeking a more intensive course of study.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Not ready to dive into an entire course? Are you instead looking for an overview of data analytics? If so, then you can start learning data analytics for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free introductory data science webinar, you’ll learn how Python can be used when working with data. Those enrolled will have an overview of the field of data science and will become familiar with the tools Data Scientists use in the real world to analyze datasets.

In addition, other top providers also offer classes in data analytics. Udemy currently has free tutorials and classes in data analytics available on topics like Intro to Data Analysis for Government, Learn Data Analysis Using Pandas and Python, and Introduction to Data Analysis: From Zero to Hero. Additionally, Coursera provides several free classes in the field of data science. They offer classes like Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning, Practical Time Series Analysis, and Foundations in Data Science: K Means Clustering in Data Science.

Read more about free data analytics videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand Data Analytics Classes

On-demand training is also available if you want to study data analytics but aren’t completely ready to commit to a class that meets at regularly scheduled intervals. Unlike in-person and live online courses, these classes are typically pre-recorded, which means that they can be completed on your own time. Many asynchronous data analytics classes are available for those new to this field and those with prior data experience interested in improving their skills. These courses range in cost from free to platform subscriptions to several thousands of dollars.

Although on-demand data analytics classes are a good learning option for those seeking a basic overview of this field, some learners may find it challenging to study more advanced concepts in this format since no instructor can answer questions. This kind of learning requires that students are self-motivated and self-directed in their studies. In addition, another challenge of asynchronous study is deciding which data analytics class is best for you since there are so many options available. Noble Desktop has a current listing of some of the best on-demand data analytics classes available from reputable providers to help you choose which learning best meets your learning needs and goals.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

With so many resources available to help beginners learn data analytics, you may be unsure about which one is the best for you. Because everyone has unique learning styles and preferences, you can experiment with different data analytics tools to see which one feels right. One of the benefits of directing your own learning process is that you can select which combination of tools you prefer rather than sticking with those a teacher dictates.

When studying data analytics, it’s essential to consider your current schedule before deciding on a learning method. If you are currently juggling a full-time job and family commitments, it may not be feasible to devote the time to attend a structured class that meets at the same time each day. In this case, self-paced data analytics classes or video tutorials may be a better learning option since you can access them on your own time as your schedule allows. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course that’s offered in-person or live online.

Why Learn Data Analytics?

The driving principle behind data analytics is solving problems. These problems can affect entire organizations and their employees and customers. A background in data analytics empowers you to think analytically when approaching these problems, a skill that extends beyond the professional sector. In addition, this field requires individuals to have excellent communication skills, leadership training, and attention to detail, all transferable skills that can help in all facets of life.

The big data boom has created more of a need than ever before for those with skills in data analytics to help organizations understand their data to capitalize on the insights these numbers reveal. For this reason, Data Analysts are in demand in nearly every industry that works with data. As more businesses and sectors begin to see the value in collecting data and using it to fuel their decision-making process, the more value they see in the data analytics process. This is why pursuing a career in data analytics can lead to high-paying professional options in many industries.

Read more about why you should learn data analytics.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost

Data Analysts rely on many tools and languages to help them organize, analyze, and visualize data. Computer programming languages like Python and SQL play an integral role in the analytics process.

Python is a free, multi-functional programming language with many uses for data analysis. Because of its easy-to-learn, relatively simple syntax, Python is used to write effective solutions to complicated problems in just a few lines of code. In addition, Python has various free libraries available to the public. Libraries such as SciPy and Pandas are among the most popular for data science professionals. Python also includes many data visualization options, such as interactive plots, charts, and graphs. Python’s built-in analytical tools can quickly locate patterns and correlations in massive datasets, making it a vital tool for Data Analysts.

SQL, or structured query language, is another helpful tool for Data Analysts. This querying language was created to communicate with the data located in relational database systems. SQL is based on English syntax, meaning it’s easy to learn, even for those without prior programming experience. SQL is free for testers and developers who intend to use it in non-production environments, like designing and developing software solutions. Students can download SQL Server 2019 Developer for free from Microsoft.

Microsoft Excel is available as part of the Microsoft 365 family. This spreadsheet program has a range of applications for data analytics. This industry-standard spreadsheet application is easy to use and accessible to those who do not have technical expertise. An Excel spreadsheet is made up of rows and columns that contain cells. Each cell contains one data point. When using Excel for data analytics, complex, repetitive tasks are easy to perform and can be executed in a fraction of the time it would take manually. In addition, Excel’s clear organizational structure allows users to easily retrieve data from spreadsheets to locate actionable insights.

Because most Data Analysts create data visualizations as part of their job, another essential tool they rely on is Tableau. Tableau is a popular visual analytics and business intelligence platform that allows users to create stunning, interactive visualizations based on their data findings. This program is considered easy to use and accessible to users from all backgrounds. Its dynamic software allows users to create visual depictions of data trends, patterns, and findings, which can then be shared with others within a company to make better business decisions.

Read about how difficult it is to learn data analytics.

Learn Data Analytics with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

There’s never been a better time to study data analytics. If you’re interested in learning more about this popular field, Noble Desktop has you covered. Noble offers several data analytics classes for beginners and those with a background in data who want to master specific or advanced tools and skills.

Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate is a project-based course designed to teach students how to collect, wrangle, analyze, and visualize data. Participants complete several real-world projects using predictive and prescriptive analytics to prepare them for careers as Business Analysts or Data Analysts. This course provides all students with one-on-one mentoring, as well as the option of a free course retake to revisit the material.

In addition, Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is a great learning option for learners interested in studying SQL to help with their data journey. This 18-hour class teaches participants how to use PostgreSQL to find information in databases. Those who enroll will learn how to write SQL queries, aggregate data, join tables, and filter results.

For students who want to work with Tableau for data analytics and visualization, Noble’s Tableau Bootcamp is a solid choice. This class is taught by an expert instructor and is available both in-person in Manhattan and in the live online format for those who wish to study remotely. This course takes students on a learning journey, starting with the basics of data visualization. Those enrolled also work with Tableau Public and its various tools for analysis and visualization. By course completion, participants will be able to analyze, filter, structure, and visualize data and publish the results. All students have the option of a free course retake.

Key Insights

• The field of data analytics is very popular right now since those working in various industries are looking for qualified individuals to help them make sense of the data they have been collecting.
• The speed at which you learn data analytics depends on several factors, such as training with computer programming languages like Python, prior experience using Excel spreadsheets, and knowledge of data visualization software like Tableau.
• Most people can become proficient in the basics of data analytics in just three months.
• You can receive comprehensive data analytics training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.