Data analysts gather and study information to assist businesses in making decisions and grasping important matters. While some analysts have prior experience, there are also beginner positions available. If you’re interested in this job, knowing how to find entry-level roles can kickstart your journey. This article outlines ways to become a data analyst even with no experience, suggests five beginner-friendly options, highlights necessary skills, and provides tips for improving your chances of getting an entry level data analyst job.
Can you get a data analyst job with no experience?
Becoming a data analyst is doable, even if you haven’t worked in that field before. There are lots of job opportunities in data, even for beginners. Some employers actually like hiring people with little experience because they can bring fresh perspectives without being stuck in old ways.
If you’re new to the job market and don’t have much work history, you can focus on other things like your skills, any internships you’ve done, or your education to help you land a data analyst job. Usually, data analysts have a bachelor’s degree in subjects like data science, math, statistics, computer science, or finance.
How to Find Entry-Level Data Analyst Jobs
Check out these handy tips to score entry-level data analyst jobs even if you’ve never worked in the field before:
Obtain Certifications
Getting a certification can boost your chances of landing a data analyst job, even if you’re new to the industry. There are lots of certifications out there that can help you learn valuable skills and move ahead in your data analytics career. You can pick the one that suits your goals and what you’re interested in. Some good options include the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or the SAS Data Science Certification.
Create Your Portfolio
Here’s another idea to help you land a data analyst job even if you’re starting from scratch: make a portfolio showcasing your past projects in data analytics. Keep it straightforward, but make sure to add a bio section explaining why you love data analytics and what you’re good at. This can show off your skills, even if you don’t have much experience yet. You can create your portfolio using a website template that you customize to fit your style.
Hone Your Skills
Don’t forget to work on improving both your data analytics skills and the skills you can use in other jobs too. Building up your skills makes you a better fit for data analytics roles and makes you more attractive to employers. For data analytics, focus on getting better at math and learning programming languages. And don’t overlook skills like communication, leadership, and creativity, which are useful in lots of jobs.
Examples of Skills to Develop
Here are some key skills for data analysts:
- Problem-solving: Data analysts tackle data issues by finding logical solutions.
- Analytical skills: They analyze information to make smart choices.
- Math skills: Strong math abilities, including statistics and algebra, are crucial.
- Programming languages: Knowing languages like SQL, Python, and JavaScript helps with data analysis.
- Attention to detail: They spot small differences in big data sets.
- Organization: Keeping large databases in order is essential.
- Communication: They share complex information with different teams effectively.
Jobs You Can Get in the Data Analyst Field with No Experience
Check out these five data analyst jobs you can go for even if you’re new to the field.
Data entry clerk
Data entry clerks typically earn around $40,389 per year on average. Their main job is putting data into databases and making sure everything stays neat and tidy. They also help with keeping information safe and making sure there are extra copies of important data just in case.
Data analyst
Data analysts typically earn about $74,377 a year. Their main job is to look at lots of data for their company and figure out what it means. Beginners usually use computer programs to get data, so they need to be good with technology. They might show what they find in pictures and explain it to others to help the company make decisions.
Quality assurance analyst
QA analysts typically earn around $71,519 per year on average. Their main job is to check if products or services meet quality standards. They gather information from things like customer feedback and surveys, and then come up with ways to test the quality of products. They also suggest ways to make products better and make sure the company’s standards are up-to-date with what customers want.
Business analyst consultant
Business analyst consultants usually make about $72,969 a year. Their main job is to look at data for businesses and give advice to clients. Since they’re consultants, they meet with clients to help them come up with ideas. They might suggest ways to make things better in areas like processes, technology, and management based on what they find.
Data quality analyst
Data quality analysts usually make about $74,377 per year. Their main job is to check if data is accurate and good quality. They work on making databases better and often team up with others in their company to make systems work smoother. They also clean up messy data and share what they find with people who are interested.
Get an Entry-Level Data Analyst Job Without Experience
Ready to kickstart your career in data analysis? Whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. From entry-level positions like data entry clerk to more specialized roles such as quality assurance analyst or business analyst consultant, the possibilities are endless. Take the first step by honing your skills, obtaining certifications, and creating a standout portfolio to showcase your talents.