24-Week Data Analyst Roadmap (4 Hours
Daily)
Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-6)
Week 1: Excel Fundamentals
Topics:
● Basic formulas and functions (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF)
● Data formatting and conditional formatting
● Cell references (absolute vs. relative)
● Basic charts and visualizations
Resources:
1.Excel for Beginners by Kevin Stratvert
2.Microsoft Excel Tutorial for Beginners - Full Course
Project: Sales Data Analysis Dashboard
● Download a sample sales dataset from Kaggle Sales Data
● Create a dashboard showing total sales, top products, monthly
trends
● Use conditional formatting to highlight high/low performers
Networking:
● Create a LinkedIn profile (see setup guide below)
● Follow 10 data analysts and 5 data analysis hashtags
● Make your first post introducing yourself and your journey into
data analysis
Job Preparation:
● Research data analyst job descriptions to understand required
skills
● Create a skills checklist based on 10 job descriptions
● Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor
Interview Prep:
● Research basic Excel interview questions
● Practice explaining what VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, and
INDEX/MATCH do
Week 2: Advanced Excel
Topics:
● VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH
● Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts
● Data validation
● What-if analysis and Goal Seek
Resources:
1.Advanced Excel for Data Analysis by Leila Gharani
2.Excel Pivot Tables Tutorial by Excel Campus
Project: HR Analytics Dashboard
● Download HR Analytics dataset from Kaggle
● Create pivot tables to analyze department performance,
attrition rates
● Build a dashboard with slicers to filter by department, age, etc.
Networking:
● Connect with 3 data analysts on LinkedIn with a personalized
message
● Engage with 5 posts from data professionals (thoughtful
comments)
● Update your LinkedIn headline to "Aspiring Data Analyst |
Excel Specialist"
Job Preparation:
● Start drafting your resume with Excel skills section
● Research companies that value Excel skills in data analysts
● Join 2 data analyst groups on LinkedIn
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining a time you used Excel to solve a problem
● Create a 5-minute presentation explaining pivot tables to a
non-technical person
Week 3: SQL Basics
Topics:
● Database fundamentals (tables, relationships)
● Basic SQL queries (SELECT, FROM, WHERE)
● Filtering and sorting (ORDER BY, GROUP BY)
● Aggregations (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX)
Resources:
1.SQL Tutorial for Beginners by Programming with Mosh
2.W3Schools SQL Tutorial
Project: E-commerce Database Analysis
● Use the free MySQL Workbench
● Set up the Northwind sample database
● Write queries to analyze top customers, popular products, and
sales trends
Networking:
● Connect with 3 database administrators or SQL developers
● Share a post about what you're learning in SQL
● Comment on a SQL-related article or post
Job Preparation:
● Add SQL to your skills section on your resume
● Research typical SQL assessments in interviews
● Browse entry-level database analyst positions
Interview Prep:
● Practice writing queries on SQLZoo
● Prepare answers to "How would you analyze X using SQL?"
questions
Week 4: Intermediate SQL
Topics:
● JOINs (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL)
● Subqueries and Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
● Data manipulation (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)
● Creating views
Resources:
1.Advanced SQL Tutorial by Joey Blue
2.SQL for Data Analysis - Udacity free course
Project: Customer Analysis Dashboard
● Continue with the Northwind database
● Create complex queries with multiple joins to analyze
customer behavior
● Build a sales performance analysis report with CTEs
Networking:
● Join SQL-focused groups on LinkedIn or Reddit
● Share your project findings in a LinkedIn post
● Connect with 3 data analysts who mention SQL in their
profiles
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with new SQL skills
● Create a GitHub account (see setup guide below)
● Upload your SQL project queries to GitHub
Interview Prep:
● Practice intermediate SQL problems on HackerRank
● Prepare explanations for different types of JOINs
Week 5: Basic Statistics for Data Analysis
Topics:
● Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard
deviation)
● Probability basics
● Normal distribution
● Correlation and causation
Resources:
1.Statistics for Data Science by StatQuest
2.Khan Academy Statistics Course
Project: Exploratory Data Analysis
● Use Kaggle Titanic Dataset
● Perform statistical analysis to find relationships between
variables
● Create a report with your findings about survival factors
Networking:
● Follow 5 statisticians or data scientists on LinkedIn
● Share an insight from your statistical analysis
● Engage in a statistics-focused discussion group
Job Preparation:
● Add statistics knowledge to your resume
● Research how statistics is applied in different industries
● Create a Kaggle account (see setup guide below)
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining statistical concepts in simple terms
● Prepare to answer "When would you use median vs. mean?"
Week 6: Data Cleaning and Preparation
Topics:
● Identifying and handling missing data
● Dealing with outliers
● Data normalization and standardization
● Feature engineering basics
Resources:
1.Data Cleaning in Excel and SQL by Alex The Analyst
2.Data Preprocessing Course by Krish Naik
Project: Data Cleaning Challenge
● Download Messy Data Set from Kaggle
● Clean the dataset using Excel and SQL techniques
● Document your cleaning process and decisions
Networking:
● Share your data cleaning process on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 data engineers or data quality specialists
● Ask a question about data cleaning best practices in a forum
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with data cleaning skills
● Research companies that emphasize data quality
● Start a "portfolio" section on your LinkedIn profile
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining your approach to cleaning a messy
dataset
● Prepare examples of common data quality issues and how to
address them
Phase 2: Visualization and Python (Weeks 7-14)
Week 7: Introduction to Python
Topics:
● Python basics (variables, data types)
● Control structures (if/else, loops)
● Functions and basic error handling
● Python environment setup
Resources:
1.Python for Beginners by Programming with Mosh
2.Automate the Boring Stuff with Python - Free Online Book
Project: Basic Python Scripts
● Install Python and set up a development environment
● Create scripts to automate basic data tasks (file processing,
text parsing)
● Submit your code to GitHub
Networking:
● Join Python programming groups on LinkedIn or Reddit
● Share your experience learning Python
● Connect with 3 data professionals who use Python
Job Preparation:
● Add Python to your skills section
● Research junior data analyst roles requiring Python
● Update your GitHub with your Python scripts
Interview Prep:
● Practice basic Python coding challenges on Codewars
● Prepare to explain why Python is useful for data analysis
Week 8: Python for Data Analysis (NumPy & Pandas)
Topics:
● NumPy arrays and operations
● Pandas DataFrames and Series
● Data loading and writing
● Data manipulation with Pandas
Resources:
1.Pandas Tutorial by Corey Schafer
2.Data Analysis with Python - FreeCodeCamp
Project: Sales Data Analysis with Pandas
● Use Superstore Sales Dataset from Kaggle
● Perform data manipulation and analysis with Pandas
● Create insightful summary statistics and identify trends
Networking:
● Share code snippets from your Pandas project
● Ask a specific Pandas question in a Python community
● Connect with 3 data analysts who use Python
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with NumPy and Pandas skills
● Look for job postings mentioning these libraries
● Create a Python section in your portfolio
Interview Prep:
● Practice Pandas interview questions on DataQuest
● Prepare to explain the difference between Pandas and SQL
Week 9: Data Visualization with Python (Matplotlib, Seaborn)
Topics:
● Basic plotting with Matplotlib
● Statistical visualizations with Seaborn
● Customizing visualizations
● Choosing the right visualization type
Resources:
1.Matplotlib Tutorial by Corey Schafer
2.Data Visualization with Seaborn - Kaggle Learn
Project: COVID-19 Data Visualization
● Use COVID-19 Dataset from Kaggle
● Create various visualizations to show trends and patterns
● Build a comprehensive visualization dashboard with Matplotlib
and Seaborn
Networking:
● Share your visualizations on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 data visualization specialists
● Join a data visualization community (like #DataViz on Twitter)
Job Preparation:
● Add data visualization skills to your resume
● Update your GitHub with visualization examples
● Research roles focusing on data visualization
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining which charts to use for different scenarios
● Create a 5-minute presentation of your COVID data analysis
Week 10: Power BI Fundamentals
Topics:
● Power BI Desktop interface
● Importing and transforming data
● Creating basic visualizations
● Building interactive dashboards
Resources:
1.Power BI Tutorial for Beginners by Leila Gharani
2.Microsoft Power BI Learning Path
Project: Sales Performance Dashboard
● Download Power BI Desktop
● Create a comprehensive sales dashboard with multiple
visualizations
● Add interactive filters and drill-down capabilities
Networking:
● Connect with 3 Power BI professionals
● Share your dashboard on LinkedIn
● Join Power BI user groups
Job Preparation:
● Add Power BI to your resume
● Research companies using Power BI
● Look for job postings specifically mentioning Power BI
Interview Prep:
● Practice Power BI case study scenarios
● Prepare to explain DAX formulas and their purpose
Week 11: Tableau Fundamentals
Topics:
● Tableau Public interface
● Connecting to data sources
● Creating worksheets and dashboards
● Advanced visualization techniques
Resources:
1.Tableau for Beginners by Alex The Analyst
2.Tableau Public Free Training Videos
Project: Customer Analytics Dashboard
● Download Tableau Public
● Create a customer segmentation dashboard
● Include geographic visualizations and customer behavior
metrics
Networking:
● Share your Tableau visualizations
● Connect with 3 Tableau professionals
● Join Tableau user communities
Job Preparation:
● Add Tableau to your resume
● Research companies using Tableau
● Compare job listings for Power BI vs. Tableau skills
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining the differences between Tableau and
Power BI
● Prepare to demonstrate creating a simple visualization in
Tableau
Week 12: Advanced PowerBI/Tableau
Topics:
● DAX formulas in Power BI
● Calculated fields in Tableau
● Advanced dashboard design principles
● Storytelling with data
Resources:
1.DAX Formula Tutorials by SQLBI
2.Tableau Advanced Concepts by Andy Kriebel
Project: Business Intelligence Dashboard
● Choose either Power BI or Tableau based on your preference
● Create an executive-level dashboard with advanced metrics
and KPIs
● Incorporate storytelling elements and guided analysis
Networking:
● Share your advanced dashboard on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 BI specialists or data visualization experts
● Ask for feedback on your dashboard from a community forum
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with advanced visualization skills
● Research Business Intelligence Analyst roles
● Start preparing a portfolio of your visualization work
Interview Prep:
● Practice dashboard case studies (like "Design a sales
dashboard for X company")
● Prepare to explain how your dashboards drove business
decisions
Week 13: Advanced Statistics for Data Analysis
Topics:
● Hypothesis testing
● A/B testing methodology
● Regression analysis basics
● Statistical significance
Resources:
1.Statistical Hypothesis Testing by StatQuest
2.A/B Testing Course by Google on Udacity
Project: A/B Test Analysis
● Use A/B Testing Dataset from Kaggle
● Design and analyze an A/B test
● Create a report with methodology, analysis, and
recommendations
Networking:
● Share your A/B testing project findings
● Connect with 3 data scientists or statisticians
● Join statistics or experimentation communities
Job Preparation:
● Add statistical analysis skills to your resume
● Research companies with data-driven experimentation
cultures
● Look for roles that mention A/B testing or hypothesis testing
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining p-values and statistical significance to
non-technical people
● Prepare answers to "How would you design an A/B test for
X?"
Week 14: Python for Business Analysis
Topics:
● Time series analysis basics
● Customer segmentation techniques
● Cohort analysis
● Churn prediction fundamentals
Resources:
1.Business Analytics with Python by Keith Galli
2.Customer Analytics in Python - DataCamp Interactive Course
Project: Customer Segmentation Analysis
● Use E-commerce Customer Behavior Dataset from Kaggle
● Perform RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis
● Create customer segments and provide business
recommendations
Networking:
● Share your customer segmentation approach on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 business analysts or marketing analysts
● Join a business analytics community
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with business analysis skills
● Research companies looking for analytical marketing
specialists
● Look for job postings mentioning customer analytics
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining how you would approach customer
segmentation
● Prepare answers to "How would you measure customer
lifetime value?"
Phase 3: Advanced Skills and Job Hunting (Weeks
15-24)
Week 15: Introduction to Machine Learning
Topics:
● Supervised vs. unsupervised learning
● Classification and regression
● Model evaluation metrics
● Scikit-learn basics
Resources:
1.Machine Learning Crash Course by Google
2.Scikit-learn Tutorial by Data School
Project: Predictive Model Building
● Use House Prices Dataset from Kaggle
● Build and evaluate a regression model to predict house prices
● Document your approach and model performance
Networking:
● Connect with 3 data scientists or ML engineers
● Share your first machine learning project
● Join ML communities or forums
Job Preparation:
● Add basic machine learning to your resume
● Research companies using ML for business decisions
● Look for roles bridging data analysis and data science
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining the difference between classification and
regression
● Prepare answers to "How would you evaluate a machine
learning model?"
Week 16: Advanced SQL and Database Concepts
Topics:
● Window functions
● Advanced JOINs and subqueries
● Performance optimization
● Database design principles
Resources:
1.Advanced SQL Window Functions by Mode Analytics
2.PostgreSQL Advanced Features by Amigoscode
Project: Complex Database Analysis
● Set up a PostgreSQL database
● Implement complex SQL queries with window functions
● Analyze e-commerce data with advanced SQL techniques
Networking:
● Share interesting SQL findings or techniques
● Connect with 3 database specialists or SQL experts
● Ask a complex SQL question in a forum and engage in
discussion
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with advanced SQL skills
● Research database analyst positions
● Add your complex SQL queries to GitHub
Interview Prep:
● Practice advanced SQL problems on LeetCode
● Prepare to explain when to use window functions vs. GROUP
BY
Week 17: ETL and Data Pipeline Concepts
Topics:
● Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes
● Data workflow automation
● Data quality assessment
● Basic data engineering concepts
Resources:
1.ETL Tutorial by Simplilearn
2.Building Data Pipelines with Python by Real Python
Project: ETL Pipeline Development
● Create a simple ETL pipeline using Python
● Extract data from multiple sources, transform it, and load it
into a database
● Automate the pipeline with scheduling
Networking:
● Connect with 3 data engineers
● Share your ETL project on LinkedIn
● Join data engineering communities
Job Preparation:
● Add ETL and data pipeline skills to your resume
● Research data analyst roles with ETL responsibilities
● Look for companies with data-intensive operations
Interview Prep:
● Practice explaining ETL processes and their importance
● Prepare answers to "How would you ensure data quality in an
ETL pipeline?"
Week 18: Advanced Excel Techniques for Business
Topics:
● Power Query for data transformation
● Power Pivot and data modeling
● DAX measures in Excel
● Advanced Excel dashboards
Resources:
1.Power Query & Power Pivot Tutorial by Leila Gharani
2.Advanced Excel Dashboard Techniques by Excel Campus
Project: Financial Analysis Dashboard
● Download a Financial Dataset from Kaggle
● Create an advanced financial analysis dashboard in Excel
● Use Power Query to clean and transform data, Power Pivot for
analysis
Networking:
● Share your Excel dashboard on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 financial analysts or Excel experts
● Ask for feedback on your dashboard from the Excel
community
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with advanced Excel skills
● Research financial analyst positions
● Look for companies that heavily rely on Excel
Interview Prep:
● Practice Excel case studies for financial analysis
● Prepare to explain how Power Query improves data workflows
Week 19: Dashboard Design and Data Storytelling
Topics:
● Dashboard design principles
● Effective data visualization techniques
● Storytelling with data
● Presenting insights to stakeholders
Resources:
1.Data Storytelling by Storytelling with Data
2.Effective Dashboard Design by Luke Stanke
Project: Executive Dashboard Redesign
● Take a poorly designed dashboard example
● Redesign it following best practices
● Create a presentation explaining your design choices
Networking:
● Share your dashboard redesign on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 data visualization experts
● Join design-focused data communities
Job Preparation:
● Add data storytelling to your skills section
● Research companies with design-focused cultures
● Look for roles mentioning presentation skills
Interview Prep:
● Prepare a 5-minute presentation of a data story
● Practice explaining why certain design choices are effective
Week 20: Industry-Specific Analytics
Topics:
● Choose an industry (retail, healthcare, finance, etc.)
● Industry-specific metrics and KPIs
● Domain-specific analytical approaches
● Industry data sources and tools
Resources:
1.Industry Analytics Tutorials by 365 Data Science
2.Specific industry webinars by TDWI
Project: Industry Analysis Dashboard
● Choose an industry and obtain relevant data
● Create an industry-focused dashboard with domain-specific
metrics
● Include industry benchmarks and comparisons
Networking:
● Connect with 3 data analysts in your chosen industry
● Join industry-specific analytics groups
● Share your industry analysis on LinkedIn
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with industry-specific knowledge
● Research companies in your chosen industry
● Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant skills
Interview Prep:
● Practice answering industry-specific analytics questions
● Prepare to explain why certain metrics matter in that industry
Week 21: Advanced Portfolio Project
Topics:
● End-to-end data analysis project
● Combining multiple skills (SQL, Python, visualization)
● Documentation and presentation
● GitHub portfolio optimization
Resources:
1.Building a Data Science Portfolio by Ken Jee
2.GitHub Portfolio Guide by The Come Up
Project: Comprehensive Business Analysis
● Choose a complex business problem
● Conduct end-to-end analysis using multiple tools
● Create a GitHub repository with documentation
● Develop a presentation for stakeholders
Networking:
● Share your comprehensive project on LinkedIn
● Ask for feedback from professionals in your network
● Connect with 3 senior data analysts
Job Preparation:
● Update your resume with your comprehensive project
● Polish your GitHub portfolio
● Create a personal website or online portfolio (optional)
Interview Prep:
● Practice presenting your project in different time formats
(2-min, 5-min, 10-min)
● Prepare to explain your approach, challenges, and results
Week 22: Resume Building and Job Search Strategy
Topics:
● Finalizing your data analyst resume
● Creating a compelling LinkedIn profile
● Job search strategies and platforms
● Tailoring applications to specific roles
Resources:
1.Data Analyst Resume Guide by Alex The Analyst
2.Job Search Strategy by Danny Bain
Project: Application Materials Development
● Create multiple versions of your resume for different roles
● Develop a cover letter template
● Optimize your LinkedIn profile
● Set up job alerts on multiple platforms
Networking:
● Connect with 5 recruiters specializing in data roles
● Engage with company posts in your target list
● Attend a virtual networking event or webinar
Job Preparation:
● Apply to 3-5 positions as practice
● Research salary ranges for data analyst roles
● Create a system to track applications
Interview Prep:
● Review common data analyst interview questions
● Practice your elevator pitch for "Tell me about yourself"
Week 23: Technical Interview Preparation
Topics:
● SQL interview questions and challenges
● Excel and visualization case studies
● Python coding challenges
● Data analysis case studies
Resources:
1.Data Analyst Interview Questions by DataLemur
2.SQL Interview Prep by Data Interview Pro
Project: Mock Interview Preparation
● Find 10 common case study scenarios
● Prepare solutions and practice presenting them
● Create a document with responses to common technical
questions
Networking:
● Ask for a mock interview from a connection
● Share your interview preparation approach on LinkedIn
● Connect with 3 recently hired data analysts
Job Preparation:
● Apply to 5-10 positions aligned with your skills
● Fine-tune your resume based on job descriptions
● Research companies before applying
Interview Prep:
● Practice technical questions on interview platforms
● Prepare questions to ask interviewers
● Set up your environment for virtual interviews
Week 24: Behavioral Interview Preparation and Long-term Career
Planning
Topics:
● Behavioral interview questions
● STAR method for answering questions
● Negotiation basics
● Continuous learning plan
Resources:
1.Behavioral Interview Preparation by Dan Croitor
2.Career Planning for Data Professionals by Alex The Analyst
Project: Future Learning Roadmap
● Create a 1-year learning plan for post-hire
● Identify advanced skills to develop
● Plan for potential certifications
● Set career milestones
Networking:
● Connect with 3 senior data professionals
● Join professional organizations for data analysts
● Set up regular coffee chats with mentors
Job Preparation:
● Continue applying to 5-10 targeted positions weekly
● Follow up on previous applications
● Prepare for different interview stages
Interview Prep:
● Practice salary negotiation scenarios
● Prepare answers to "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
● Role-play interviews with a friend or mentor
Setting Up Essential Accounts
LinkedIn Profile Setup
1.Go to LinkedIn.com and click "Join now"
2.Fill in your information and create an account
3.Add a professional photo (headshot with neutral background)
4.Write a compelling headline (e.g., "Aspiring Data Analyst |
Excel & SQL Specialist | Business Intelligence Enthusiast")
5.Create a summary that tells your story and mentions your
transition into data analysis
6.Add your education, previous work experience, and skills
7.Tutorial: LinkedIn Profile Optimization by Josh Braun
GitHub Account Setup
1.Go to GitHub.com and click "Sign up"
2.Choose a username related to your professional identity
3.Complete the registration process
4.Set up your profile with a photo and bio
5.Create a README.md for your profile
6.Tutorial: GitHub Profile Setup by ForrestKnight
Kaggle Account Setup
1.Go to Kaggle.com and click "Register"
2.Create an account using your email or Google account
3.Complete your profile with a photo and bio
4.Join competitions and datasets relevant to data analysis
5.Tutorial: Getting Started with Kaggle by Ken Jee
Power BI Account
1.Go to PowerBI.com
2.Click "Sign up free"
3.Use your email to create a Microsoft account if you don't have
one
4.Download Power BI Desktop for creating reports
5.Tutorial: Power BI Setup by Guy in a Cube
Tableau Public Account
1.Go to public.tableau.com
2.Click "Create a Profile"
3.Fill in your information and create an account
4.Download Tableau Public desktop application
5.Tutorial: Getting Started with Tableau Public by Andy Kriebel
Weekly Learning Schedule Template (4 hours/day)
Weekday Breakdown:
● Hour 1: Learn new concepts (videos, tutorials)
● Hour 2: Practice exercises and implementation
● Hour 3: Project work
● Hour 4: Networking, job prep, and interview practice
Weekend Recommendation:
● Review the week's learning
● Complete unfinished project work
● Extra networking and portfolio building
Important Notes:
1.Adapt as needed: Adjust the pace based on your learning
speed and prior knowledge
2.Project building: Always focus on quality over quantity for
portfolio pieces
3.Version control: Use Git/GitHub for all your projects from the
beginning
4.Document everything: Add detailed README files to all
projects explaining your process
5.Regular practice: Consistent daily study is more effective
than cramming
6.Community involvement: Active participation in data
communities accelerates learning
7.Feedback loop: Regularly seek feedback on your projects
and resume
8.Track progress: Keep a learning journal to document your
growth
