Is Data Analytics a Hard Class?

Because there are so many types of data analytics courses available, the difficulty level of training varies considerably, depending on the course’s focus and the depth of study it provides. Some data analytics skills are more difficult than others to learn (Excel, for example, is generally considered an easier tool to learn than Python programming), which contributes to the varying difficulty. Additionally, the type of training you opt for is another important determinant of the course’s difficulty. Beginner-level skills classes in Tableau or Excel will be much easier to complete than intensive certificate programs that teach a range of data analytics skills and tools. The following sections will take a closer look at some of the factors that can make it challenging to learn data analytics, as well as ways to streamline the learning process.

What is Hard about Learning Data Analytics?

Since no two learners are the same, the difficulty associated with learning data analytics varies from person to person. Like any other skill, learning to work with data takes time and dedication. This process can pose challenges to some learners, especially those who haven’t worked with data visualization software or coding languages before or who do not come from a technical background. 

There are several common roadblocks that those who are new to data analytics encounter. The first is determining which data to use for the analytics process. The data that are selected should be relevant so the insights gleaned from it will inform the organization’s decision-making process. Because data originates from multiple sources, those who are new to data analytics may struggle to decide which sources are best for their organization’s needs. It’s often helpful for aspiring Data Analysts to maintain an organized inventory of any data assets that are stored in data repositories to help with this process.

Once data has been accessed, another challenge some learners face is understanding this information. This typically requires performing documentation tasks like keeping track of the definitions of columns in data warehouse tables. Automated analytics features and other modern solutions can expedite this process and ensure accuracy is maintained. After these data have been collected, it must then be cleaned. The pre-processing stage requires time and patience because it entails deleting outliers and encoding variables. Even though this step is essential to provide data models that are constructed on high-quality data, many consider this to be the worst part of working with data. Techniques like augmented analytics can drastically speed up the pre-processing phase of data analytics.

Another challenging aspect of learning data analytics is studying computer programming. While some aspiring data professionals have a basic understanding of programming languages, other learners may be new to coding and will have to start from scratch. The two most widely used languages for data professionals are Python and SQL. Python has many applications for data analytics. This object-oriented programming language is used to develop software and websites, in addition to automating tasks and analyzing and visualizing data. It’s especially helpful for automating tasks that must be performed repeatedly. Python has several powerful libraries that are applicable to those working with data science or analytics. These free libraries, such as NumPy and Pandas, are considered to be some of the most robust available for coding. SQL, or structured query language, is another staple coding language for Data Analysts. Using SQL for data analysis helps with tasks like retrieving data from databases, updating or deleting database records, creating new tables or databases, establishing permissions, and performing queries against a database. There are many benefits to working with SQL. It helps data professionals directly access huge amounts of data where it’s stored so it doesn’t have to be copied into other apps. It’s also a powerful tool for creating data warehouses because of its interactivity, accessibility, and straightforward organization. 

Enrolling in a Python or SQL course, such as Noble Desktop’s SQL Level 1 or Python Programming Bootcamp, is an excellent way to gain hands-on training in the live environment and quickly acquire the programming skills you’ll need to work with data. 

How Can I Make Learning Data Analytics Easier?

While it can be challenging for some individuals to master the ins and outs of data analytics, the good news is that many learning tools and teaching formats are available to help with this process. The following paragraphs will briefly explore several study options, including free resources, on-demand classes, skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs, as well as the benefits of each of these.

Free Data Analytics Learning Resources 

One way to break into learning data analytics is through free online resources. YouTube channels are available that provide short video instruction on specific data skills, such as printing Excel worksheets or querying a database with SQL. Some take a few minutes to watch and can help you fill a skill gap for a current project. Additionally, free data analytics learning resources like blogs and tutorials are posted by providers like Noble Desktop for students who want to read specific articles pertaining to data analytics topics. Noble’s Learn Hub page includes more than 150 posts on topics like popular software tools for Data Analysts and the most common data analytics methods. 

Noble and other trainers around the globe also post free videos explaining key data analytics concepts and skills. In addition to offering learners a free example of the type of course content they would expect from the provider if they signed up for a full course, this content can provide a great starting point for those who are new to working with data. In Noble’s free introductory data science webinar, students get an hour-long overview of how to analyze datasets and how Python is used in data science. Noble also has a free Intro to SQL seminar for those interested in learning the basics of how to use this language to communicate with relational databases. 

On-Demand Data Analytics Classes

Another method that can make it easier for some students to learn data analytics is through on-demand data analytics classes. This type of training is pre-recorded by educational providers like Coursera and Udemy and placed online at an earlier time. Students have the flexibility of determining their own learning pace, as well as where they’d like to be when they complete lessons. These convenient classes allow those enrolled to pause and rewind content as often as necessary or even rewatch entire lessons to ensure maximum retention. On-demand data analytics classes range in length from under an hour for some skill-specific content (such as Excel basics) to ten or more hours for more intensive courses that teach data analytics as a broad field. 

Skills Classes

If you want to learn to work with one specific tool for data analytics, such as SQL or Python, a skills class is a largely affordable, short training option. These classes are great for learners at all levels. Most educational providers who offer in-person or live online skills classes provide beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes. Participants can select the course or courses most suited to their educational background and avoid repeating content or working to catch up with difficult subject matter. Since these courses focus on only one tool, students can pick and choose which skills class is needed to fill their training gap and not waste their time or money on superfluous training. Most skills classes take only a day or so to complete.

Data Analytics Bootcamps

Another excellent option that can help you learn data analytics is through bootcamp programs. These live classes provide students with real-time access to an expert instructor. While some focus entirely on one data analytics skill, others provide a more comprehensive overview of the field of data analytics as a whole, the current best practices, and a range of tools and skills you’ll need to work as a Data Analyst. Bootcamps that combine several smaller skills classes, such as the Excel Bootcamp offered by Noble Desktop, are available at a discounted price compared to the cost of taking each skill class separately. For several hundred dollars, students progress from beginner to intermediate and advanced-level Excel training, all in the same program. Bootcamps like these take only a few days to complete for those who opt for full-time study. 

Data Analytics Certificates

One of the most effective ways to fully immerse in data analytics training is through certificate study. These intensive programs provide dozens of hours (some even offer more than 100 hours) of hands-on training in the live format. Students receive comprehensive data analytics instruction in many core skills and tools, such as Tableau, Excel, SQL, Python, machine learning, automation, Excel, and Power BI. Certificates are usually available on a full-time or part-time basis to accommodate professionals with busy work schedules. Most of these programs provide students with much more than intensive data analytics training in the in-class environment; they also often offer professional development incentives like 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, portfolio critiques, or access to networking events that have benefits extending far beyond the classroom. 

Best Ways to Learn Data Analytics Without Difficulty

While on-demand classes and free resources can be a great starting point in your data analytics learning path, these training formats don’t provide you with access to a live instructor. This means that if you have questions or need additional support, you’ll be on your own to secure this help. This is why most learners benefit much more from live coursework, whether in the form of a skills class, bootcamp, or certificate program. 

In-person or live online data analytics classes are a great option for learners who want to receive hands-on training in a small class environment. These courses are available from many top providers around the country and are offered in person at designated training facilities in major cities or remotely through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Lessons are taught by an expert instructor who has real-life experience analyzing and visualizing data and is ready to impart these skills to others. In addition to the feedback and guidance provided by the teacher, students benefit from learning alongside others in their cohort, which can provide an additional sense of community and camaraderie and can also be a valuable way to network. Live training often provides learners with the chance to work with real-world datasets, which is a great way to prepare to use these skills in a professional setting. While live training is generally a more expensive training option than asynchronous coursework, the additional financial investment is well worth it for those hoping to fully master data analytics tools, software, and skills to use for professional purposes.

Learn Data Analytics with Noble Desktop

If you’re new to data analytics and interested in learning the basics, or if you already have a background working with big data and want to take your skills to the next level, Noble Desktop provides both full-time and part-time training options. In the following paragraphs, several popular course options for aspiring data professionals will be explored, as well as the requirements for each program. 

For those who want to take a deep dive into data analytics, Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate is a great option. This hands-on program provides students with training in a range of data analytics software and tools. During this intensive certificate, those enrolled become familiar with how to analyze and visualize data in Excel and use Python scientific libraries. Participants work with SQL to retrieve data from relational databases and explore how Tableau is used to visualize data findings. All participants also receive eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, which can be used for professional development or to revisit complex course material. Both part-time and full-time study options are available.

Those who are interested in a shorter class that teaches Python data skills can opt instead for Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp. Participants use Python to create programs, visualize data, and create machine-learning models with statistics. Instruction is provided on core Python concepts, such as how to write statements and expressions, understand different data types, create variables, and use lists. During the second part of this bootcamp, topics like dictionaries, control flow tools, loops, and conditional statements are taught. Part three of the course covers how to use NumPy and Pandas to clean data and work with Matplotlib, Pandas, and NumPy to transform data findings into advanced visualizations like bar charts and histograms. A supplementary 1-on-1 mentoring session is included.

Students seeking data visualization training can enroll in Noble’s Tableau Certification Program.This class is intended for those who want to pass the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam. To graduate, those enrolled complete two shorter classes: Tableau Level I and Tableau Level II. Six hours of private tutoring in Tableau is also included. Coursework covers topics like how to navigate Tableau’s interface and how this program is used to create a range of charts. Students also study how to create dashboards and map data. In the private training sessions, participants can revisit difficult course material or ask questions about content that will appear on the exam. Tuition includes the Tableau Desktop Specialist exam sitting fee and a free exam retake (if necessary), as well as test proctoring. Those who pass this test at the end of this program earn professional Tableau certification, which can be included on the student’s resume to demonstrate they’ve achieved a level of expertise with this tool. Students who are not interested in sitting for the exam can opt instead for an additional hour of private tutoring.

All Noble classes are available live online and in person in New York City. Tuition includes a free course retake for a full year.