The analytics side of data science requires analysis and interpretation of large datasets. Data Analysts offer actionable insights based on their analysis that can help organizational leaders make data-driven decisions. While Data Scientists typically extract and prepare data, Data Analysts provide conclusions.
Analytics pros can hold numerous titles, including:
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Marketing Data Analyst
- Operations Data Analyst
Although the history of information storage and analysis goes back thousands of years, modern data analytics is a relatively new phenomenon. Data analysis using AI has advanced rapidly in the 21st century, and the field continues to expand. Read on to learn more about data analytics.
What Can You Do with Data Analytics Training?
Data analytics applications include everything from writing SQL queries to creating insightful data visualizations. Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Financial Analysts harness the power of frameworks and libraries to manage and analyze massive datasets. Consider the following data analytics projects:
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Data Visualization—Tableau and Microsoft Power BI are today's most popular data visualization platforms. Data analytics novices can practice their skills by creating charts or graphs of their data results using one of these powerful tools.
- Python Calculator—Python is the most popular programming language for data science and analytics professionals. Creating a simple calculator using Python functions is a good project for those new to this essential language.
- Sentiment Analysis—Product and movie reviews are typical examples of sentiment analysis. Data Analysts can use natural language processing to determine whether data is positive, neutral, or negative.
What Will I Learn in a Data Analytics Class?
The skills and tools you learn in a data analytics class depend on several factors. First, you might learn Python through a broad data science curriculum. In cases like this, you will most likely master multiple Python libraries as part of your training.
Top Python libraries include:
- Beautiful Soup
- Matplotlib
- NumPy
- Pandas
Secondly, however, you might take a shorter seminar or workshop, where you may only get a few data analytics fundamentals. For example, you might enroll in a class focused on SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Lastly, if your data analytics training emphasizes artificial intelligence, you might find a happy medium between beginner-level coursework and immersive training, like the Generative AI Certificate program from Noble Desktop.
Python
Python is essential for Data Scientists, Data Analysts, AI Engineers, and many other data professionals. Most data analytics courses cover beginner-level, intermediate, or advanced Python for data science, automation, AI, or all three. If you don’t master Python in your initial data analytics training, you’ll likely need to learn it later.
Structured Query Language (SQL)
Many tech professionals use SQL to store, query, and process data—from Data Scientists and Data Analysts to Web Designers and Full-Stack Developers. A broad data science or analytics curriculum typically features SQL Server or MySQL.
Tableau
Data visualization is another essential skill most data analytics and data science curricula provide. Among the most popular business intelligence tools for data visualization are Microsoft Power BI and Tableau. While some companies prefer one over the other, many organizations prefer job candidates who have some familiarity with both.
Critical Thinking
Though few people new to data analytics will learn critical thinking from taking a course, you’ll need it for most tech roles. Critical thinking, logic, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are all essentials for Data Analysts and other data-centered roles.
How Hard is It to Learn Data Analytics?
The hardest part of learning data analytics depends on the student and their current skills and aptitude. Those who know Python, SQL, or even Microsoft Excel approach data analytics training with relevant skills. However, using these skills in analytics can differ from using them for development or automation. Students planning to launch careers in data, business, or financial analysis benefit from bootcamps or certificate programs that feature analytics or include it within a broader data science curriculum.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Data Analytics?
As in other aspects of data analytics, the most challenging parts can require students to integrate new and existing skills. Some courses teach a programming language like Python, a skill like SQL, and a data visualization tool like Tableau. Putting all the pieces together in a portfolio project can help data analytics novices combine these disparate tools and skills.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Data Analytics?
Getting comfortable experimenting with data analytics is a great start, but learning fundamentals is different from becoming an expert. Training to be a Data Analyst can take months or even years. However, an in-depth bootcamp or certificate program from a respected course provider can help novices qualify for an entry-level data analytics role.
Should I Learn Data Analytics in Person or Online?
One of the first decisions you must make when choosing data analytics training is the type of class you will take. Factors influencing your decision include budgeting, scheduling, and personal learning style. Consider the three most common types of training programs:
- In-Person Training
- Live Online Programs
- On-Demand/Asynchronous Learning
In-person training offers unique advantages. Learning in the traditional classroom setting gives students the highest possible level of engagement. They can interact with their instructor and classmates, and many report feeling more connected to the material in a classroom.
However, learning live online has become more popular than ever. Online learning provides engagement comparable to in-person training, and many course providers offer a virtual option. Another advantage to training live online is that it increases the number of training options. You can take live online classes anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
On-demand learning also has unique advantages and drawbacks. This method typically includes recorded videos, though some courses include supplementary materials like workbooks. Asynchronous training may appeal if you have a non-traditional work schedule, like the second or third shift. You can pause videos whenever you want, and many on-demand programs are less expensive than traditional alternatives.
The biggest drawback of on-demand training is its lower level of engagement. Some students feel unmotivated when training by prerecorded video, and the lack of feedback from instructors or peers can be a downside. Consider rearranging your schedule, if possible, to attend live classes for data analytics training.
Can I Learn Data Analytics Free Online?
While you can learn a few data analytics fundamentals through free resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, developing professional-level skills does not come for free. Anyone who wants to work in business, financial, or data analysis needs formal training. A bootcamp or certificate program that features data analytics or includes it within a broader computer science curriculum will give you the best value for your investment.
What Should I Learn Alongside Data Analytics?
As in any business or computer science career, what you learn alongside data analytics depends on the position you want, your current skills and experience, and what resources are available to you.
For example, the Data Analytics Certificate from Noble Desktop combines Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau, all appropriate for an entry-level Data Analyst position. However, if you want to learn data analytics for AI, your best option might be the Data Science & AI Certificate program.
Industries That Use Data Analytics
Large organizations make data-driven decisions, so they need Data Analysts, Business Analysts, or Financial Analysts. Data analytics jobs in Houston include healthcare, aerospace, technology, and the energy industry. Salaries in Houston can run above national averages, and the city has a lower-than-average cost of living and is the most populous city in Texas. Consider the following industries when looking for data analytics positions in the Houston area.
Aerospace & Aviation
With top organizations like NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Houston Spaceport, Houston is known worldwide for space exploration. The region employs thousands of aviation and aerospace pros, including Data Analysts and Safety Analysts.
Digital Technology
Digital technology includes software and hardware companies, and these need data analysis for planning and marketing. Top digital technology products include batteries, sensors, and wireless devices, to name a few. Consider tech subcategories like cybersecurity, logistics, and robotics when looking for digital tech jobs in Houston.
Energy
Houston is the Energy Capital of the World, with over 250,000 employees in the metro area. Data Analysts, Business Analysts, and Energy Risk Analysts are among the many analytics roles available here. Consider oil, gas, solar, and wind-related companies when seeking data analysis roles in Houston.
Life Sciences & Biotech
Unlike the digital technology sector, biotechnology and life sciences include everything from pharmaceuticals to biology. Top Houston organizations that employ the 400,000+ workers in this industry include colleges and universities. Look for quality assurance, R&D, and business intelligence analysis roles here.
Data Analytics Job Titles and Salaries
With an average salary higher than national averages, Houston attracts data analytics professionals from around the country. Check out the following titles and their average annual compensation in this affordable and dynamic metro area.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
Today’s Business Intelligence Analysts work in nearly every industry and sector, from medical practices to marketing companies. In Houston, a BI Analyst can expect to earn an average annual salary of about $59,000, not including 401(k) plans, bonuses, or other compensation.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts sometimes move up to Data Scientist roles, but others prefer to stay in analysis. Houston-area Data Analysts work in industries ranging from manufacturing to retail and can anticipate earning an average annual salary of around $77,000, depending on experience.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists often start as BI Analysts, Data Analysts, or even Software Developers. These skilled pros are among the most respected computer science workers and frequently earn over six figures. Houston Data Scientists can anticipate an average annual salary of about $125,000, not including profit sharing, 401(k), or other compensation.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts work in industries as diverse as BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), energy, and healthcare. In Houston, the average annual salary for a Financial Analyst is around $83,000, which aligns with the national average for comparable roles.
Data Analytics Classes Near Me
Houston-area data analytics novices can find a wealth of training options, both in-person and live online from anywhere. Noble Desktop offers multiple bootcamps and certificate programs covering data analytics from diverse angles, including artificial intelligence, data science, and financial analysis.
The immersive Data Analytics Certificate from Noble Desktop covers numerous topics, including data visualization with Tableau, Excel for data analytics, SQL, and Python for automation. Participants also get eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions and can retake the course at no extra charge for up to one year.
Another option is the comprehensive Data Science & AI Certificate, a two-month program ideal for data science novices who want to qualify for entry-level data science or analytics positions. Topics include Python for AI, data science, automation, machine learning, and the essential SQL bootcamp. You’ll analyze data with NumPy, clean data with Pandas, and create visualizations with Matplotlib as you build a professional-level portfolio.
A shorter, more tech-focused course is Noble’s Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp. The program includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced Excel, SQL, and a two-part Tableau curriculum.
Additional training options for Houston-area students include the following schools:
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General Assembly offers multiple courses for tech students, including an immersive Data Analytics Bootcamp. Subjects include Excel, Power BI, Python, and SQL.
- Data visualization beginners can learn fundamentals in the Tableau 101 course from Ledet Training. Ledet also offers intermediate and advanced Tableau classes and a five-day Tableau bootcamp.
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New Horizons provides data analytics courses in Python, Tableau, and SQL. Their introduction to Structured Query Language is called SQL Querying Fundamentals Part 1. This one-day workshop is open to beginners.
Data Analytics Corporate Training
Would your employees benefit from expanding their data analytics knowledge base? If so, consider corporate data analytics training from Noble Desktop. Corporate and onsite training is available live online via teleconferencing, and expert Noble Desktop instructors can even conduct training at your location.
Want your team to have more flexibility with their data analytics training? Noble offers discounted vouchers for its open-enrollment courses. Employers get a discount when they purchase the vouchers in bulk, providing a convenient option so an organization can select the training format that best suits its needs. Subjects include Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and more.
Want to learn more about the different data analytics training alternatives Noble Desktop can provide for your team? Contact Noble today for additional information and a free consultation.