How Difficult is it to Learn Data?

Are you curious about learning data but worried it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning data depend on factors like the skill you wish to gain, your background and familiarity with data tools and skills, and whether you want to build on your current skills, start from scratch, advance your career, or start a new career. Professionals with a background in mathematics and science will have an easier time transitioning into a Data Analyst or Data Scientist role. Those who lack the necessary prerequisites must first build a solid foundation before diving deeper. However, some programs will teach these foundational skills to beginner students as part of a data analytics or data science program. If you want to learn a specific data skill or tool, this is much faster and easier than learning an entire career field. The difficulty of learning data also depends on the type of data training you pursue. For example, an instructor-led course offers expert guidance that makes learning complex concepts and gaining hands-on experience easier than going it alone with an on-demand course. 

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with data, plenty of tools are available to help make learning data more accessible than you might think.

What is Data?

Data refers to facts and statistics collected for reference or analysis. Data allows businesses to track finances, marketing campaigns, market share, efficiency, and more. Today, data management systems can sort complex data from numerous sources using artificial intelligence and machine learning, giving businesses unparalleled insights. Some data management systems can also make future projections based on existing data. These forecasts assist businesses in planning budgets, setting goals, determining deadlines, and more.

We all use data daily, but some professions specialize in gathering, analyzing, storing, and managing data. These careers include Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Engineers, Business Intelligence Analysts, Data Architects, Marketing Analysts, Business Systems Analysts, and more. Whether you wish to pursue one of these careers or simply want to understand the data systems and strategies that impact your business, online and in-person classes can teach you valuable skills. 

Read more about what data is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Data?

Data has nearly endless uses. Data measures the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, determines budgets, forecasts company growth, and highlights industry trends, trends within an organization, and more. Understanding data science and data analytics can help business owners better manage their organizations, help marketing teams become more efficient and effective, assist business leaders in determining goals, or help launch your career as a Data Analyst or Data Scientist. 

Data science jobs include Python Engineers, Data Journalists, Data Engineers, Business Analysts, and more. Data Scientists create machine learning models that help process raw data, giving a company better insights. Analysts interpret and track this data to continuously improve processes. Data helps organizations make the most of every minute and every dollar, which is one reason Data Scientists and Data Analysts are in such high demand.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Data?

Learning the fundamentals of data tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics is relatively easy, with the main challenge being the need to establish familiarity through repeated use. Hands-on activities reinforce tips and best practices, and with an instructor-led course, you can get answers to your questions as you go.

More complex data analytics and data science topics require a thorough knowledge of scientific processes, mathematics, and more. Data Scientists and Analysts manage large amounts of data from disparate sources and must master many tools and skills. Which tool or skill proves the most difficult depends on the individual. Because of the complexities around data science and analytics, taking an instructor-led course can make learning much more manageable. With an instructor, you can have your questions answered in real-time, receive personal feedback, learn best practices, and receive step-by-step guidance with hands-on projects. 

How Does Learning Data Compare to Other Fields?

The difficulty of learning data compared to other fields depends on the data analytics and data science skills you wish to gain. Some skills are easier to learn and do not require a science or mathematics background. Just about anyone can learn how to use Excel and Google Analytics. Many professionals without a science or mathematics background use these tools daily. Tools like Tableau, however, prove trickier to learn if you do not have a background in sorting and analyzing data. 

Data science skills like Python programming are much harder to learn than other fields, such as learning to code with HTML and CSS, because Python is a more complex coding language. A background in coding with a different programming language can make learning Python easier. It also helps to learn from an instructor rather than go it alone. You can gain an overview of Python and explore training options using Noble Desktop’s Python Learning Hub. 

The cost of Data Science classes is comparable to courses in other subjects. Shorter classes cost a few hundred dollars, while longer courses and certificate programs cost around $4,000.

What Makes Learning Data Worthwhile?

Learning data is a worthwhile investment for any professional. Data reveals the health of a business, industry trends, growth opportunities, and more. It is essential to tracking budgets, measuring success, projecting future earnings, and solving problems. Even the most basic data tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Analytics can transform the way your organization runs.

Learn Data with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers hands-on training in data science and data analytics. These courses are led by expert instructors and include hands-on projects, small class sizes, and free retake options. Noble offers a Data Analytics Certificate and Data Science Certificate. Both certificate programs include one-on-one mentoring, setup assistance, flexible payment options, and career preparation. 

You can also focus on learning specific data science or analytics skills through classes and bootcamps. Learn how to write SQL queries, join tables, aggregate data, and filter results with SQL Bootcamp. The Tableau for Data Visualization course shows you how to convert raw data into interactive visualizations. 

You can explore multiple data analytics and data science training options here.