Become a Data Analyst
Data analysts use technical skills to collect and analyse data, form data insights and come to meaningful conclusions that they express through visual, written and verbal communication. Companies need data analysts so they can learn about their audiences.
Average salary in UK
£35,000 (technojobs)Average salary in US
$77,063 (Salary)Average salary in Canada
CA$56,767 (PayScale)Average salary in Australia
AU$110,000 (Seek)
What skills do you need to become a data analyst?
Numerical and analytical skills
Being a data analyst involves a lot of working with numerical data, so you need to be comfortable with numbers and have an analytical mind.
Problem-solving skills
The role requires you to find solutions to problems using technical skills, so you have to enjoy using your brain to solve problems and provide practical solutions.
Specialist knowledge
Depending on which area of data analysis you want to focus on, you’ll need slightly different skills, but there are certain specialised skills you’ll definitely need. You need to be very comfortable with excel and spreadsheets, familiar with relational databases and have knowledge of data cleaning, modelling and enrichment.
Strong communication
Data analysts inform colleagues of data insights and have to listen carefully in meetings to determine where to focus their efforts, so they must be able to collaborate and communicate well with others verbally and in writing.
Develop these skills. Start a short data analysis course.
ExpertTracks1 ExpertTracks
A series of courses designed to help you specialise your skills. Start a free two-day trial, subscribe to keep learning at your own pace, and cancel your subscription whenever you like.
Courses6 Courses
Learn new skills, pursue your interests or advance your career with our short online courses.
Browse more in Business & Management
The benefits of taking data analysis courses online with FutureLearn
Learn online, around the world
Develop valuable skills with a short, online data analysis course wherever you are. Start learning for free, on desktop, tablet or mobile.
Buy a course upgrade or subscribe to Unlimited for extra benefits
Buy a course upgrade for ongoing access to the course content, tests, and the chance to gain a Certificate of Achievement. Subscribe to Unlimited for access to hundreds of short courses and the ability to keep access to courses you gain a certificate on.
Meet data analysis experts
Learn with experts from top international universities. Learn with data analysts all over the world.
Share this advice
Do you know someone who’s thinking about a career as a data analyst? Why not share this advice with them?