What is Data Analytics and How You Can Learn It?

What is Data Analytics and How Can You Learn It?

Let’s Start With the Basics

Data analytics is the action of transforming unprocessed data into meaningful insights. In simpler terms, it is an examination of data to interpret it to understand the cause of the event and the impact it would have going forward.

 

Data analytics is turning information into knowledge and answering questions with pre-collected information and evidence.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Sales, clicks and even scrolling generate fragments of information. Data analytics is among the emerging job fields that are anticipated highly in the future, and it is imperative to understand its working principles.

Data analytics offers intelligence development in all areas of business and assists the business in diverse fields with the core objective to improve business performance.

You Don’t Need a Fancy Degree to Begin

Other huge myths are that if a person did not excel in a mathematics examination, that person cannot work in data analytics, and that a mathematician, a skilled person in a specific field is required.

Anyone familiar with spreadsheets, who has the skills to use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets does get access to endless opportunities.

My First Step Looked Like This

For instance, I remember the first time I got my hands on data analytics, and a sample dataset which I was close to in the form of sales in a store. The first question in my mind was indeed the same question all of us was pondering would be, what’s the most popular product?

Answering that question using Excel was tremendously easy. I still remember that the first step I took was over sorting the data, creating visuals out of it and bit-by-bit, to realize where each data point fit in.

Then I Found the Right Tools

Moreover, I began looking into tools such as Power BI and Tableau. These tools helped me transform numbers into actionable, understandable visuals.

I progressed through each tool and learned something from each of them. I didn’t stick to a predefined schedule. I simply searched for solutions to problems I encountered.

Learning by Doing Always Wins

Over-planning always leads to put a lot of effort into strategy, rather than implementation. You can always watch a tutorial on YouTube, then break something and see how to fix it.

Your confidence will improve dramatically the more you experiment and play about. You will not only learn a lot, but you will gain confidence to explore and learn from your mistakes.

Ask Real Questions, Find Real Answers

Perfection does not exist in analytic disciplines. Curiosity is a much more powerful tool than you can imagine. as “Which product sold most this month?” or “What time are most people online?” are often ignored.

The aim of these questions is to help you develop the habit of thinking like an analyst which is what actually matters.

So, Can You Learn It?

Certainly. It does not take a lot to learn. Over time, you will see that patience, practice, and a lot of trial and error will improve your skills dramatically.

Having a thirst for practice and understanding is a lot more powerful than simply being curious.

Final Thoughts

Do not procrastinate any further; a preloaded example spreadsheet is available for immediate access. The same is true for sample datasets.

It is wiser to begin with a partial skillset, rather than waiting for completion, because true mastery is built along the journey.