How to tell if a career in Data Analytics is right for you...

Are you thinking about a career change and wondering if data analytics would be a good fit for you in 2024? In this video we will give you the essential questions you need to ask yourself first, and show you why it would be a good idea if you’re still on the fence about it!

Tom Gadsby, our own senior data scientist, has prepared six questions that will check if you’re the right type of person to be a data analyst. Tom also goes into detail about what's waiting for you and why you should start your career-change journey in data analytics in 2024.

Let us know in the comments which stage of your career-change journey you are at now! What has convinced you to pursue a career in data analytics?

In this video, we’ll cover the following points:

(00:00) Intro
(00:12) Data Analytics Job As a Career
(00:51) Are You Naturally Curious and Inquisitive?
(01:40) Do You Have an Analytical Mindset and a Logical Approach to Work?
(02:17) Are You a Keen Problem-Solver?
(02:38) Are You Interested in Business Strategy?
(03:18) Do You Have an Affinity For Numbers and Statistics?
(03:56) Are You Comfortable Presenting and Collaborating?
(04:29) Your Question: Is Data Analytics a Good Career Move?
(04:34) Reason 1: Competitive Salary
(05:00) Reason 2: Burgeoning Job Market
(05:32) Reason 3: Opportunity to Make an Impact
(05:58) Reason 4: Variety
(06:18) Outro

Thanks so much for watching!

#DataAnalytics #GetStartedInData #LearnDataAnalytics

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Watch This Video Before Becoming a Data Analyst in 2024

[annie_ma]

i wish there were more people like you on the internet who wouldn't just try to sell you a course/job position but would give detailed information and explain what qualities and skills it takes.

[matttran]

Well this explains why I've been so happy since reskilling. Like the salary is nice, but the day-to-day has just felt like home.

[lallmanish]

Summary of the video

In this video, Tom, a senior data scientist at CareerFoundry, discusses what it takes to thrive in a career in data analytics. He highlights the six questions you need to ask yourself before starting a career in data analytics. These questions are:

1. Are you naturally curious and inquisitive?
2. Do you have an analytical mindset and a logical approach to your work?
3. Are you a keen problem solver?
4. Are you interested in business strategy?
5. Do you have an affinity for numbers and statistics?
6. Are you comfortable presenting and collaborating?

He explains that data analytics is about trying to find insights from data and requires you to be comfortable with working in uncertainty and admitting that you don't know where you need to go. You will also make a lot of mistakes, so you need to be confident in your ability to solve something despite having failed at it several times before.

[lallmanish]

Tom gives examples of what a data analyst does and what skills they need, such as:

1. A data analyst is like a data detective who tries to find insights from data where others haven't thought to look.
2. Effective data analysts build logical processes that rely on insights derived from data.
3. Finding new insights involves trial and error, and data analysts need to have a rigorous problem-solving mindset.
4. Data analysts need to bridge the gap between the numbers and the real-world implications for the business.
5. Data analysts need to be comfortable working with numbers, particularly statistics.
6. Best data analysts are storytellers who can present complex findings in a way non-data experts can understand.

[scottsnyder]

When I was young I knew the populations of US cities, batting averages, NBA scoring averages and was constantly questioning other’s statements (typically personal assumptions) and (not knowingly at the time) doing what-if analyses in my head. I’m in my 4th decade doing data (analyst, GIS, DBA, data engineering and data architecture). I have always loved my job. Trust your thoughts, instincts and heart regarding this. You already know!
If you do, learn specific tools and skills. Find subjects of interest to you, logically think through business problems, goals or hypotheses. Choose one or a few and craft an outcome/presentation by practicing the earlier mentioned tools and skills.
Technology is constantly evolving so worry less about which tool you choose and focus on developing your (already existing, perhaps underutilized) skills.
You’ll know you’re on the right path when (just for fun) your mind starts working and you are excited to explore the data. You’ll also know when others around you just don’t seem to grasp what you’re up to!

[shreyasood]

You also need good 'attention to detail' and long enough 'attention span' to be a good data analyst, as neither the data is inherently engaging nor are the insights drawn very apparent. Also, need to be willing to change the tool of choice for data manipulation at short notice.

[hershchat]

I am 50 year old scientist, repurposed as strategic marketing leader, now getting into data analysis. These videos have really helped.

[alexiskelley]

I responded yes to all questions but one.I am not really interested in the focus on helping businesses for long. I enjoy math, solving problems, and teaching others, but just for business isn't my true passion.

It doesn't mean I won't go for it, but just some insight I had about myself

[Sebilion]

I have everything apart from number 5. I want to change my career and start working in a field where I will feel useful and will know that my work will have an impact. I really hope that I will manage to gain the knowledge and experience needed through projects to land a job by the end of next year :)

[HVACRSTRONJAY]

Im only half way thru and loving it. I have always been a nerd and proud of it! I love problem solving which is why I started a career in HVAC. I love organization and being able to be a detective of some sort to find the right data. For instance when I did Residential HVAC I would have to ask the customers questions for the symptoms of the system to build a case around for my diagnostics. The investigating part was very satisfying. Im definitely a big numbers nerd too and deal with data trends and such with DDC at my current company to find and diagnose issues with large commercial HVAC equipment. However I do love HVAC my research is showing a much higher wage for data analytics and less physical stress as well as being able to still be satisfied with problem solving. Luckily my healthcare company offers free tuition for college courses that include data analytics. I will definitely be taking advantage of this while I can!

[moonrunes]

Hello, this video really helps me approaching what i want to do, from these questions, Data analyst are exactly what i want! I'm 26 years old with no job and i took the wrong degree (mechanical engineering) and i don't have any passion in it. I will try taking this career path and hopefully it is for me, thank you very much for the very helpful video!

[elkitesaga]

I am a CNC operator/Team lead. One of my daily job is reading the programs. Which is all numbers and coordinates where the machine be moving to cutting to. I have no problem with any questions you just gave me.

[lallmanish]

Actionable takeaway steps

To determine if a career in data analytics is right for you, you can ask yourself the six questions mentioned in the video and evaluate your answers. Additionally, you can:

1. Develop a curious and inquisitive mindset.
2. Build an analytical mindset and logical approach to your work.
3. Work on your problem-solving skills.
4. Develop an interest in business strategy.
5. Become comfortable working with numbers and statistics.
6. Develop your presentation and collaboration skills.

[jeyjohnson]

This video was so insightful. I was thinking of transitioning into data analytics, but this just confirmed that it’s just not the field for me and I’m more excited about software engineering. Thank you 😊

[scoobdoo]

I answered yes to five of the six of the questions . The only one that I'm kind of skeptical about is the presentation part of it

[DanielleBaylor]

I've been wondering what a data analyst is. I'm studying about IT but I'm totally lost 😫. Hitting a mid life crisis, so trying to figure out where to go next in the next phase of life.

I do like to ask a lot of questions and I have been told I'm too analytical or think too much.. maybe I should at least look into this.

Though, I do suck at math and spreadsheets 😅. I love working with numbers in the form of money, but otherwise I suck lol

[freebird]

I'm 54, I need new career. Every strength he mentioned , I have, but I'm cpu illiterate (atho I taught myself a coding program with codeschool or w/e) and idk @ my math skills. I'm gonna go for it anyway.

[Milsukix]

What job would you recommend me if I agree with all the points but definiately doesn't like to work with numbers and statistics?

[josefknits]

With markets tumbling, inflation soaring, the Fed imposing large interest-rate hike, while treasury yields are rising rapidly—which means more red ink for portfolios this quarter. How can I profit from the current volatile market, I'm still at a crossroads deciding if to liquidate my $125k bond/stock portfolio

[fasasiolalemi]

I am a professional in Business, Supply chain and Operations management. I am keen to transition into Data Analytics. However, I have no knowledge of coding, but I fit into most of thr requirements highlighted in the video.