_{I analyzed 100 Data & Business Analyst job listings.}

Here’s what you need to know about being an Analyst.

_TL;DR

If you’re only going to read one thing in this article, here is the takeaway.

To become a Data or Business Analyst, focus on building just these 3 skills:

1. SQL

2. A data visualization tool, like Tableau 

3. Excel

The 3 technical skills you need

#1 Learn SQL before Python.

SQL was required for Data & Business Analyst jobs way more often than Python.

There are so many resources for leaning SQL. My favorite is Data Camp.

#2 Pick one visualization tool and stick with it. 

There were many different visualization tools mentioned in the 100 job listings, but the 3 most common were

1. Tableau

2. Power BI

3. Looker

It doesn’t matter which tool you choose. Pick one, and stick to it.

#3 Excel is boring. Right? WRONG! 

Excel is reliable and still widely used. This is an essential skill set for becoming a Data or Business Analyst.

Don’t want to pay for Excel? Start with Google Sheets instead. It’s free and replicates a lot of the basic functionality as Excel.

Don’t forget about your soft skills

These are skills that you build while working on projects in your current job or at school. The top 3 most commonly required soft skills for Data & Business Analysts are

1. Communication 

2. Problem-solving skills

3. Project management

Every industry needs Data & Business Analysts

The most common industry hiring Data & Business Analysts was the technology industry. No surprise there.

However, there were a wide range of industries represented in this sample of 100 Data & Business Analyst roles — from finance to e-commerce to healthcare and more!

So what does this mean for you?

#1: Don’t limit your search to specific industries. Keep your search filters broad so you will alerted of openings in all industries.

#2: If you have domain expertise, make sure you’re using that to your advantage. You can do so by (1) highlighting it on your resume, and (2) demonstrating expertise during your interviews

In-office, remote or hybrid?

This one surprised me.

There was an almost even split between in-office, remote and hybrid work arrangements for Data & Business Analyst roles. Though hybrid arrangements showed up slightly more frequently than in-office or remote.

Niche requirements for Data & Business Analyst roles

Most of the 100 Data & Business Analyst roles I looked at were pretty standard. But a few of them had some niche requirements listed (the last one is my favorite).

• Experience with agile methodologies and scrum master duties

• Experience with cryptocurrency or blockchain technologies

• Ability to communicate in multiple languages

• Passion for sports and the sports industry

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

Thanks for reading and for sharing your most valuable resource with me, your time.

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