Data analysts are in great demand at the moment. But why is data analytics important? And how do you become a data analyst? Let’s dig deeper into this game-changing profession and compare the best data analytics programs on the market.
Why is data analytics relevant?
As websites increasingly collect data from users, data analytics translate the raw data into digestible information that other departments, such as marketing, sales, and operations, can then use to understand user behavior and improve the product. For example, when sales drop, data analysts can help explain why. They can spot trends, solve business problems, and, in general, help companies make better decisions.
It is crucial to notice that data analysts are the ones who give value to data. Raw data is nothing if you can’t get meaning out of it. So how can you land a job as a data analyst? The first step might well be to take part in a data analytics program.
What do you learn in data analytics programs?
Depending on the level and time commitment, data analytics programs provide you with various comprehensive skills. The basics start with Excel, querying languages (DQLs), data presentation software such as Tableau, and communication and problem-solving skills. More advanced programs cover every aspect of the data analytics process, from data cleaning to visualizations.
It all depends on your starting level (which is why some programs require prerequisite skills), and the time you can invest in your education.
How can you benefit from data analytics programs?
As it is in such high demand, data analytics is a competitive field. As a data analyst, you need to be on top of your game to land your dream job and beat the competition, and enrolling in a program could help you do just that.
Employers look positively at extra certifications because it shows your will to learn more and improve yourself. No matter your education and experience, there is always some knowledge you can acquire or delve deeper into.
Can I teach myself data analytics?
Yes, and you probably already possess some basic knowledge if you use Excel or Google Analytics, but it’s hard to beat the skillset of a qualified data analyst.
To become a data analyst, data analytics programs provide you with extensive training and hands-on practice, which are highly valuable to employers. Holding a certificate will set you apart from other job candidates because it gives the employer a guarantee of the preparation you have and the skillset you must possess to earn it.
Which data analytics course is best?
A simple Google search will demonstrate that the range of data analytics programs is vast, from bootcamps to college degrees, from beginner to advanced and covering every budget. So how can you choose the right one for you?
Here are a few factors you should consider when choosing the best data analytics program:
Budget
Your financial situation will factor heavily in your choice. Ask your employer if they will finance your training, and if not, consider how much you can afford to invest in your self-improvement right now.
Location
Are you open to uprooting your life and moving somewhere else to start a data analytics program, or are you tied down by family or work, and would prefer an online course? This is worth considering before you even start your research into programs.
Time commitment
How much time can you invest in your education? Are you planning to study in your free time while working a full-time job? Then an online program would allow you to learn at your own pace and organize your time more effectively. Are you taking a few months off to switch careers? Then you can consider enrolling in a full-time data analytics program.
Experience level
Beginner courses are usually open to anyone, while advanced courses have prerequisites you need to fulfill in order to enroll. The latter might require proficiency with computing languages and libraries, for example, which will be good for those who don’t want to waste their time on topics they are already familiar with.
Employer preferences
Some workplaces only accept specific certifications that might be especially relevant to their business or focus. Be mindful of checking in with your employer and asking which certifications they prefer. If you are applying for a new job, the job ad probably contains information about the certifications the company accepts.
Top 7 best online data analytics courses
So how can you choose the best data analytics program? Here’s a list of the top 7 best data analytics programs:
1. DataCamp
Level: Beginner to advanced level
Duration: Self-paced
Pricing: DataCamp subscription (USD 8,59/month)
Certification: Yes
Details: DataCamp is the go-to website for data programs. It offers different programs (hundreds of them) targeted at several areas and careers in data analytics and varying levels of expertise. It provides certifications, so you will have proof of your qualifications to show to your current or future employer.
Here are some of the data analyst certifications available on DataCamp:
- Data Analysis in Spreadsheets
- Data Analysis in Excel
- Exploratory Data Analysis in Python
- Exploratory Data Analysis in SQL
- Exploratory Data Analysis in R
- Bayesian Data Analysis in Python
2. BrainStation Data Analytics Certificate
Level: Beginner
Duration: 10 weeks part-time
Pricing: USD 290/month or USD 3250/year (with up-front payment)
Certification: Yes
Details: This program is ideal if you can’t invest too much time into a data analytics program. It will teach you all the basics, and you can later decide whether to keep learning with a more in-depth program. While quite comprehensive, this program is not career-oriented and doesn’t include an extensive career coaching section. The certification guarantees your familiarity with building and managing databases, identifying trends in data, and visualizing and presenting insights. You can also attend this program in person in the US, Canada, and the UK.
3. Thinkful Data Analytics Immersion Course
Level: Beginner
Duration: 4 months full-time
Pricing: USD 13,600 (different payment options available)
Certification: Yes
Details: This data analytics program requires a more significant money and time investment, but it should take you from absolute beginner to professional data analyst, as it is one of the most in-depth programs available. The program is led by an experienced instructor, and it takes place online in a virtual classroom environment, so you will need to keep up with the class’s pace. It will get you through all the fundamentals of data analytics, including Python and statistics. Working on real-world projects which will help you build your portfolio.
4. Springboard Data Analytics Career Track
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 6 months (15-20 hours per week)
Pricing: USD 6,600
Certification: Yes
Details: This data analytics program requires two years of work experience. It’s entirely online and mentored, and it offers both flexibility and a job guarantee. If this program is too advanced for you, you can enroll in Intro to Business Analytics, although this one doesn’t come with a job guarantee. You will work on real-life projects and gain hands-on experience.
5. Coursera
Level: Beginner to advanced
Duration: Variable
Pricing: Coursera subscription
Certification: Yes
Details: Coursera hosts a more significant number of online data analytics programs and courses for all experience levels offered by several prestigious institutions. It includes full degrees and short courses, which you can select based on your time availability.
6. General Assembly
Level: Beginner
Duration: One 5.5-hour class
Pricing: USD 170
Certification: No
Details: This condensed course will teach you the basics of data visualization (collection, analysis, and presentation) in a short period. It’s one of the most affordable options, but it doesn’t go into as much detail as most others due to its reduced duration. A little caveat: it’s worth noting that the course is scheduled for Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), so it might be inconvenient if you are located in a different time zone.
7. Data Analyst Nanodegree (Udacity)
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 4 months (10 hours a week)
Pricing: USD 399/month or USD 1,356/4 months (with up-front payment)
Certification: Yes
Details: This comprehensive program will teach you all the skills you need to build a career as a data analyst, and it includes individual mentor calls, an active student community, and career advice. While this program requires some basic knowledge of Python and SQL languages, there is another course available for beginners.
The Data Scientist Nanodegree is split into four courses, each of which includes practical projects that you can later include in your portfolio:
- Introduction to Data Analysis
- Practical Statistics
- Data Wrangling
- Data Visualization with Python
Are you a data analyst looking for a new job opportunity? Check out our job openings at Apify. Are you looking for data analytics tools? Try out our top 10 free web scraping tools for data analysts! And if you're not sure what web scraping is, well, keep reading this blog and soon enough you'll be an expert.
