Is 30 Too Old to Learn Data Analytics?

If you’re interested in studying data analytics but worry you’re too old to break into this field, the good news is that individuals at any age can learn this in-demand skill set. No matter if you’re 30 or 80, if you’re willing to invest time into study and practice, you can break into data analytics at any point in your life. Unlike other fields, you don’t even have to have a college degree to become a Data Analyst; instead, you can gain hands-on training in a variety of other formats that can prepare you to work with big data. The following sections will take a closer look at some reasons why studying data analytics is a good option, no matter your age, as well as how long it will take you to learn the ins and outs of this field.

Why Learn Data Analytics at 30?

On a daily basis, approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are 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. Data analytics is a process that draws from computer programming, math, and statistics and is used to interpret these numbers and transform them into actionable insights that can inform an organization’s decision-making process. The core of the data analytics process is the goal of working with data to make more informed decisions and use these insights to affect positive outcomes across a company or organization. Because of how prevalent data collection is across industries and professions, learners of all ages benefit from acquiring data analytics knowledge. 

Another reason why it’s never too late to learn data analytics is that it’s a great professional career path. Pursuing a career in data analytics allows you to solve real-world problems in a fast-paced environment. Those who are curious by nature can use their training to be detectives of sorts, searching for clues that reveal data trends in patterns and creating stories based on these findings that lead to answers. This popular field is a great option for detail-oriented, number-savvy individuals who are interested in putting their training to use to affect real changes within their organization. Data analytics career paths are typically high-paying, regardless of geographic location. Whether you opt to work as a Freelance Data Analyst or seek employment from a major company like Amazon or Netflix, you’ll have career options in virtually all industries in which data is collected.

How Long Will it Take to Learn Data Analytics?

If you’re interested in learning data analytics, you may wonder how long it will take. The main consideration when answering this question is: What level of proficiency do you hope to ultimately acquire? Since the data analytics process involves knowledge of several fields and tools, including data visualization, statistics, spreadsheets, and computer programming, each has its own unique learning process and level of difficulty. If you want to become proficient in basic data analytics concepts and skills, most people can learn core concepts in each discipline in approximately three months. However, this number is just an estimate that depends on various factors. The method of learning you select, as well as your background in math and working with data, will also contribute to the speed at which you learn to work with data. Acquiring more advanced data analytics skills can take much longer than three months. Some estimate it can take between three and four years to achieve a mastery of data analytics.

It’s important to keep in mind that no two learners are the same. Ultimately, the speed at which you learn to analyze data depends on a host of factors, including your mode of study, the time you can commit to practicing data skills, and your existing knowledge base. The following sections will explore several of these factors.

Familiarity with Spreadsheets

Since most Data Analysts regularly work with spreadsheets, knowledge of spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel is a staple in this field. This tool has an array of applications for data analytics; it can quickly execute repetitive tasks, visualize data, and perform complex analyses in mere seconds that would otherwise take hours to complete. For those new to working with data, becoming familiar with Excel is a good starting point. Enrolling in an Excel skills class, such as Noble Desktop’s Excel Level 1, is a great way to gain hands-on training in this industry-standard application. It takes only one afternoon to complete this training, and the skills you’ll learn will be an excellent foundation on which to build subsequent training. 

Prior Experience with Computer Programming

If you already have experience with computer programming, learning data analytics will be a much easier and faster process than if you’re new to coding. A background in Python is standard for Data Analysts. Python has data visualization capabilities and can transform numbers into plots, graphs, and charts, which is useful when conveying complex information to stakeholders from non-technical backgrounds. This multi-functional programming language includes many free libraries with applications for Data Analysts and Data Scientists, making it a go-to language for those working with big data. While Python is considered a relatively easy-to-learn programming language due to its straightforward syntax, it can be challenging for some learners to understand object-oriented programming since it organizes around data instead of functions. The length of time needed to learn Python basics varies from approximately five weeks to six months.

Another tool commonly used by Data Analysts is SQL or structured query language. SQL is a popular language that allows users to communicate with relational database systems. This plays an integral role in the data analytics process since it is a common way to retrieve data. SQL is based on English syntax, which makes it relatively easy to learn. How long it takes to learn SQL is largely dependent on the learner’s prior programming background. Those who are new to SQL and looking to learn basics like how to select columns or query data tables in as little as a few hours. Intermediate-level SQL knowledge, including how to create or join tables, takes several days to several weeks to acquire. Advanced SQL tasks, including executing advanced queries or working with PostgreSQL, take at least a month.

Knowledge of Data Visualization

Data visualization is the process of using visuals to represent information or data. This efficient, engaging way of communicating data findings helps Data Analysts present their findings to others who may not have technical backgrounds. Because data visualization plays such an integral role in a Data Analyst’s daily job, a background working with data visualization software like Tableau can be extremely helpful in expediting the process of learning data analytics. The average time it takes most people to learn Tableau is between two and six months. The process requires more time for those who want to learn this software’s advanced features and functions.

Ways to Make Learning Data Analytics Easier and Quicker

One of the best ways to expedite your data analytics learning path is by enrolling in a part-time or full-time course. These hands-on classes are taught in real-time with an expert instructor who has experience analyzing and visualizing data. Students receive individualized guidance and feedback, and have their questions answered in real-time. Most learners also benefit from the support of the other students in their class, which can provide an additional sense of camaraderie and community.

While skills classes in a specific data analytics tool like Excel usually only require a full afternoon to complete, some programs are more involved, such as bootcamps and certificates, and therefore take longer. Depending on the type of class you select, most educational providers offer data analytics training on a full-time or part-time basis for bootcamps and certificate programs. 

The decision whether to study full-time or part-time is usually based on the student’s availability and scheduling constraints. For those who are employed full-time, part-time coursework may be the only way to acquire professional data analytics training while working simultaneously. Courses are often available on weekends or weeknights, which will not disrupt traditional work schedules. Other learners who have more flexible schedules may prefer a full-time study approach, which will allow them to fully immerse in their studies and complete their training at a much faster pace. Those who select full-time training will complete their studies much faster. Bootcamps may take several days or weeks of full-time study or several months of part-time coursework to finish. Data analytics certificate programs often take only weeks to complete full-time, whereas they would require several months of part-time study to finish. However, committing to a full-time program means that you should expect to be doing a good amount of homework in a much shorter time frame. Part-time data analytics coursework, on the other hand, affords learners more space and time to practice the skills they’re learning, which may improve retention. 

Learn Data Analytics with Noble Desktop

If you’re looking to learn data analytics or build on your existing skills, Noble Desktop provides both full-time and part-time training options for learners at all levels. You can search for in-person data analytics classes nearby to find the learning match that’s best for you. In the following paragraphs, several popular course options for aspiring data professionals will be explored, as well as the requirements for each program. 

If you’re ready to fully immerse in your data analytics training, Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate is an excellent choice. This hands-on program provides students with training in a range of data analytics software and tools. During this intensive certificate, students become familiar with analyzing and visualizing data in Excel and using Python’s scientific libraries. Participants work with SQL to retrieve data from relational databases and explore how Tableau is used to visualize data findings. All participants receive eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions as part of tuition, 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 coursework 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 provided for all students.

Tableau Certification Program is a great option for anyone interested in acquiring data visualization training to pass the Tableau Desktop Specialist certification exam. As part of this program, students complete two shorter classes: Tableau Level I and Tableau Level II. Six hours of private tutoring is also included in Tableau. Those enrolled learn about 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. Those 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. Zero-percent financing options are available for those who qualify.