Career Essentials in Data
Analysis
Building a strong foundationin dataanalysisopens doors toone of today'smostin-demandcareer paths. This presentation explores the
key skills, tools, and strategies needed to succeed in this dynamic
field.
Bomish Arya Patel 1
22051246
Understanding the Data Analysis Landscape
Today's organizationsrelyondata-driveninsightstomakecriticalbusinessdecisions.Let'sexplorethekeyrolesand responsibilities in this evolving
field.
1 2 3
Data Business Intelligence Data
Analyst
Transforms raw data into actionable Analyst
Focuses on using data to inform Scientist
Applies advanced statistics,
insights through collection, business strategy and operations machine learning, and programming
organization, and analysis to extract deeper insights
• Specializes in translating complex
findings for non-technical audiences
• Works with SQL, Excel, and • Builds predictive models and
visualization tools algorithms
• Works closely with management
• Creates reports and dashboards • Often requires advanced degrees
and
operations teams
for • or
stakeholders specialized training
• Requires strong business acumen •
alongside technical skills
Typically requires bachelor's Career progression path for many
analysts
2
degree
in analytics, statistics, or related
field
Essential
Skills Technical
Masteringthesecoretoolsandtechnologiescreatesthefoundation for success in data analysis roles.
S Pyth
Q on
The universal language for working with databases. Master joins, Libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn enable sophisticated data
L
aggregations, and subqueries to extract precisely the data you need. manipulation and advanced statistical analysis.
Ex Visualization
cel Tools
Beyond basics: VLOOKUP, pivot tables, Power Query, and statistical Tableau, Power BI, or Python's matplotlib/seaborn create compelling visuals that
functions transform Excel into a powerful analytical tool. communicate insights effectively.
According to LinkedIn's 2023 Jobs Report, proficiency in SQL remains the most requested skill in data analyst job postings, appearing in over 85% of listings.
3
Data Collection and
Cleaning
Thecritical firststeps thatdeterminethequalityofyouranalysis.Asthesaying goes:
"Garbage in, garbage
out."
Identify Quality Data
Sources
Evaluate data for relevance, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness before
investing analytical effort.
Master Data Cleaning
•
Techniques
Handle missing values appropriately (imputation vs.
• removal) Identify and address outliers Standardize formats
• and units Remove duplicates and inconsistencies
•
Document Your
Process
Create reproducible workflows that allow others to understand and verify your
methods. 4
Statistical
FundamentalsAnalysis
Statisticstransformsrawdataintomeaningfulinsights,helpingyouidentifypatterns,testhypotheses, and make predictions.
Descriptive
•
Statistics
Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Measures of dispersion (range, variance, standard
• deviation) Distribution shapes and properties
Inferential
•
Statistics
Hypothesis testing
• Confidence
• intervals Statistical
significance
5
Storytelling
Data with
Themostbrilliantanalysisisworthlessifyoucan'tcommunicate its meaning effectively to
stakeholde
rs.
Start with the
Question
Frame your analysis around a clear business question that resonates with
your audience's needs and priorities.
Focus on Key
Insights
Distill complex findings into 2-3 main takeaways. Resist the urge to show
all your work.
Recommend
Actions
Always connect insights to specific, actionable recommendations that
deliver business value.
"The goal is not to create the most comprehensive analysis, but to drive better
decisions through clear, compelling data narratives."
6
Portfolio
Development
Astrongportfoliodemonstratesyourskillstopotentialemployers far more effectively than a resume alone.
Personal GitHub Data Blog or
•
Projects
Choose interesting datasets from Kaggle, data.gov, or other public •
Repository
Showcase clean, well-commented code Include README •
Website
Explain your thought process and methodology
• sources Document your entire process from question to conclusion • files explaining project context and findings Demonstrate • Highlight your communication and visualization
• Demonstrate a range of technical and analytical skills • version control best practices • skills Build your personal brand in the data
community
7
Industry-Specific
Applications
Dataanalysisskillsarevaluableacrossvirtuallyeveryindustry,butapplications and techniques vary significantly by sector.
Financial
Healthca •
Services
Risk assessment
• Patient outcome analysis
re • Fraud detection
• Population health • Customer
• management Operational segmentation
Ret
efficiency ail Inventory optimization
•
• Customer journey
• analysis Pricing strategy
Manufacturi
• Quality control Supply
ng Technolo
• chain optimization •
gy Product analytics
• Predictive maintenance • User behavior
• modeling A/B testing
Understanding domain-specific challenges and terminology significantly increases your value as an analyst in specialized 8
Career
Progression
Acareerindataanalysisoffersmultiplepathwaysforgrowth and specialization as you develop your skills and experience.
Senior
Entry-Level Analyst
Lead complex analyses, mentor junior team members, and work directly with senior
Analyst
Focus on building technical foundations, learning business context, and developing communication
stakeholders.
Typical Salary: $80,000-
skills.
Typical Salary: $60,000-
$105,000
$75,000
Data Scientist or Specialized
Analytics Role
Specialize in advanced techniques or transition to data science, machine learning, or AI
Manager
Oversee analytics teams, define strategy, and align data initiatives with business
roles.
Typical Salary: $120,000-
objectives.
Typical Salary: $110,000-
$160,000+
$140,000
