Data analytics is the process in which raw data is analyzed to find patterns, correlations, or trends, as well as to provide answers to organizational questions. The data analytics process draws from various techniques, tools, and skills that help organizations across industries achieve their goals and improve operations. Once you’ve decided to learn data analytics, the next important question is deciding how it is you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their data analytics training. To find out more about the different data analytics training options and the advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

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 Skills?

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.

Why Training Format Matters

Just like any other skill, the training format you choose to study data analytics is an important consideration. Luckily, there are many training formats available in the in-person and online format that can help you learn to analyze data. For extroverted students who thrive on the experience of learning in a traditional classroom environment, in-person data analytics courses, such as bootcamps or certificates, are a great option. If you prefer learning to work with data remotely, you may want to consider live online classes. They provide the same learning outcomes as in-person coursework and the same real-time access to an instructor, and they also offer the additional flexibility of allowing you to complete all coursework remotely. For busy individuals who need to schedule their data analytics study around other commitments, such as travel, full-time work, and family, self-paced learning material may be a more suited format. This content is pre-recorded and can be watched at any time and from any location.

Types of Training Formats 

If you’re interested in learning data analytics or improving your data skills, you can choose from in-person and online study options. In-person data analytics courses take place in a computer lab and provide students with expert instruction on a range of data analytics topics and tools. Online coursework is also available, and it takes several forms. Live online courses occur in real-time and meet at regularly scheduled intervals. In contrast, self-paced study options are pre-recorded, which means students can access content from any location at any time and complete their studies at their own pace. The following sections will explore each of these training options in more detail so you can decide which format is best for you: 

Live In-Person Classes

In-person data analytics classes are an effective and engaging way for students to learn data analytics. Although live coursework requires commuting to campus for regularly scheduled meetings, there are many benefits to this form of learning. Students interested in studying in the live environment take classes in a computer lab where the computers have the most current data analytics tools and programs installed. Not only do these courses provide an excellent way for students to connect with an expert instructor, but they also offer the benefit of networking with other learners. This can help students make professional connections and even find jobs. 

One of the main benefits of in-person data analytics study is that all coursework is taught by an instructor with industry experience in data analytics. If you have a question or need help at any point, they are available to assist. This learning format can help you master complex data analytics concepts in a supportive and interactive environment.

Live Online Classes

Another excellent way to learn data analytics is in the live online format. These live, virtual classes are held in real-time, which means students have access to a live instructor. At any point, learners can raise questions, ask for clarification, or even request the instructor share their screen for additional assistance. 

Unlike in-person study, live online data analytics classes offer the added benefit of allowing you to complete all work remotely. That means you won’t have to waste valuable time commuting to and from class for regular meetings or spend money on parking. Many in-person data analytics classes also offer live online options as well. This learning format is an excellent option for those who want the same quality of instruction as in-person coursework but want to study from the comfort of their home or office.

On-Demand Classes

Another kind of virtual data analytics course is an on-demand class. Whereas live online courses take place in real-time, asynchronous courses are pre-recorded. This means that instead of a live instructor leading lessons, you can complete coursework at any time you want. You also can study at your own pace, completing lessons around other work and life commitments. Instead of having to commit to three class meetings a week, you can learn data analytics early in the morning, late at night, or even while traveling. This learning format is a good option for those whose schedule prohibits in-person study or even regularly attending class. It’s also a good option for self-motivated individuals.

One consideration of on-demand coursework is that you won’t have access to an instructor. This means that if you have questions about more complicated data analytics or data visualization concepts, such as working with VBA in Excel or creating customized data visualizations, you will need to find answers on your own. This is why on-demand coursework is typically a good option for those who are new to data analytics and are looking for an overview of this field. However, for more advanced study or to learn data analytics for professional reasons, in-person or live online coursework may be more effective.

Free Courses

If you want to learn data analytics but don’t want to spend thousands on a certificate program or hundreds on a bootcamp, free learning options are also available. Top educational providers like Coursera, Udemy, Dataquest, and CareerFoundry all have free classes on this topic. These courses provide a detailed introduction to data analytics so you can decide if you want to enroll in a full program. Since they are primarily designed to provide an overview of data analytics, free classes are typically much shorter than full classes; some take just a few hours or days to complete. 

Free data analytics courses take a variety of formats. Some include modules and tutorials on specific data analytics concepts. Others provide YouTube videos, or even channels, pertaining to data analytics. Some of these classes focus on tools like Tableau or Excel, which are common to Data Analysts, whereas others provide more general instruction on the data analytics process. Just like in-person and online study, free data analytics are available for beginners and students with more advanced data analytics training.

Depth of Training Formats

If you’re interested in studying data analytics, you may wonder which learning format is best for you. In-person courses are taught in a computer lab by an expert instructor. Live online classes take place on a virtual teleconferencing platform like Zoom and offer real-time instruction. Self-paced data analytics training is pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time and from any location. The following sections explore the specific types of training available in data analytics, as well as their depth of instruction.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are typically extended programs that span several weeks or months. These rigorous courses are geared toward those who wish to pursue a career in data. These completion-based programs are available in a range of data analytics topics. Interested learners can choose a certificate in a specific analytics tool like Excel or can choose a learning option that provides instruction on several tools in addition to the analytics process.

Earning a Certificate in Data Analytics is an excellent way to demonstrate to employers that you’ve received the training you’ll need to work with data. Comprehensive programs such as the ones available from Noble Desktop teach participants core analytics skills and tools, such as how to work with languages like Python and SQL, as well as how to use Excel and Tableau for data visualization. Certificates are a great option for those who may not have studied data analytics in college but would benefit from in-depth training in this field. Another benefit of a certificate program is that many include added perks like career coaching or one-on-one mentoring.

Training Bootcamps

Another great way to study data analytics is to enroll in a bootcamp. Training bootcamps usually teach participants one skill rather than a range of skills. For example, those interested in learning data analytics or data science may enroll in a bootcamp that focuses on Python programming. Noble’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp offers instruction on using Python for data science and creating data visualizations.

Bootcamp options are available in-person as well as in the live online format. These courses are usually shorter than certificate programs and span several weeks or months. They also typically cost less than certificates. Data analytics bootcamps are a great option for individuals who may need to learn one skill or tool, such as how to use Excel to create charts or how to work with Tableau to visualize data.

Introductory Courses

If you’re new to data analytics, an introductory course is likely a good starting point. Whereas bootcamps and certificate programs can take several weeks or even months to complete, beginner-level classes are much shorter; some span just one day. These classes can help you learn skills you may have missed in your education or prepare you for a project at work. These classes are typically much less expensive than bootcamps or certificates, which makes them accessible to a larger audience.

Noble Desktop’s Excel Level 1: Fundamentals provides introductory-level instruction on Excel basics. Those who enroll in this short class don’t have to have any prior Excel knowledge. They receive hands-on training on basic functions and formulas, data entry, and creating data visualizations like charts and graphs. After completing an introductory course such as this, aspiring Data Analysts may then wish to explore more rigorous study options, such as Level 2 or 3 study, or even a bootcamp or certificate in Excel.

Learn Data Analytics Skills with 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

• If you want to study data analytics, various training options are available in-person and in a distance learning environment. In-person and live online classes take place in real-time and are led by an expert instructor, and on-demand courses are pre-recorded.
• If you’re new to data analytics, you may wish to begin with an introductory-level class or a free course. These learning options are relatively low stakes and can be a good starting point in your path toward becoming a Data Analyst.
• For more rigorous and comprehensive learning options, a bootcamp or certificate in data analytics can prepare you for a career in this field. Bootcamps generally teach one specific tool, such as Python or Excel, whereas certificates offer instruction on various data analytics tools and concepts.
• Noble Desktop offers comprehensive data analytics training in the in-person and virtual formats.