Data analytics is the process of collecting, interpreting, and reporting data to generate useful insights. It involves spotting patterns and trends that can help you make better decisions, whether that’s figuring out why sales dropped or determining how to increase consumer engagement on social media. Overall, data analytics helps you use data to make more informed decisions that benefit the company, the consumer, and everyone else involved.
Data analytics can trace its origins back to early methods like tallying items, dating back to the Stone Age. In the Industrial Era, factories would track assembly line speeds and inventory more closely. The real shift came with the invention of the computer, where databases, programming languages, and software developments quickly followed. Today, nearly every industry and company relies on data, creating a growing demand for data analytics professionals.
What Can You Do with Data Analytics Training?
Data analytics training can open new doors to tons of career opportunities since virtually every company needs data professionals to manage, interpret, and explain data. You can work in retail by keeping track of inventory and managing social media interactions. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you could work in healthcare and simplify complex medical data. Whether you want to work in education, finance, or even government, you can find a place as a data analytics professional.
Because data analytics is so widespread, there are many projects you could complete as a data analytics expert. For instance, you may spend an entire day performing customer segmentation for the company’s social media and websites. The next day, you may conduct A/B tests such as offering two different websites to consumers and analyzing which one performs better. With so many advancements in the field and so much to do, no two days are ever the same, which keeps things exciting.
Plus, data analytics can help with so much more beyond the professional world. For example, if you want to become a more financially responsible individual, you can use your data analytics skills to track your spending and help you prepare a more effective budget. Or, perhaps you’re on a health journey. If you want to track your workouts and health metrics, your data analysis skills can be immeasurably useful, particularly if you already wear a Smart Watch while you exercise. Learning data analytics is a skill that not only boosts your career opportunities but also improves your daily life.
What Will I Learn in a Data Analytics Class?
Every data analytics course, bootcamp, or certificate program will cover different topics depending on the level and focus. Some might focus entirely on the basics, like data cleansing and preprocessing, or the programming languages you need to know. Others may teach you how to use data visualization tools while some take a deeper dive into all the tools in Microsoft Excel. More advanced classes might even touch on machine learning concepts. The exact content will vary but you can learn more about these topics in a data analytics course.
Data Cleansing and Preprocessing
Before diving into analysis, you need to ensure the data you’re working with is clean and organized. This process is called cleansing and preprocessing, which just requires double-checking the data for duplicates, errors, or missing information. Raw data can be messy and inconsistent so if you skip this step, your results will come out inaccurate. This will certainly be taught in any data analysis class because it is so essential to the process.
Programming Languages
In data analytics, programming languages like Python, R, and SQL are most commonly used. They help you manage large datasets with ease, automate otherwise time-consuming tasks, and use powerful tools to analyze data. For example, NumPy and Pandas are two Python libraries that make data manipulation easy whereas R is helpful for statistical analysis. If you’re serious about data analytics, you will have to learn these languages.
Microsoft Excel
Excel is a go-to software for many, including Data Analysts. It’s a simple yet incredibly powerful application that allows you to analyze data, create reports, and run calculations with ease. You can use PivotTables, formulas, charts, and other functions in addition to the most advanced tools. This is an indispensable tool in your data analytics toolkit, so most data analysis classes will cover Excel at some level.
Data Visualization
Presenting your findings is necessary in data analysis so you’ll likely learn tools such as Tableau and Power BI in addition to Excel. These tools allow you to turn raw data into a clear chart, graph, or table that simplifies the information for everyone—from data analytics colleagues and those working in other departments to stakeholders and clients. This ensures everyone’s on the same page and the project, campaign, or business venture stays on the right track.
Machine Learning Basics
Data Analysts don’t necessarily have to study machine learning, but it may be useful to learn the basics. That’s why some advanced data analytics courses will cover machine learning concepts like supervised and unsupervised learning as well as how to train a model. This can make you stand out among other applicants during the job search since you will have the skills necessary to automate tasks like pattern recognition.
How Hard is It to Learn Data Analytics?
Learning data analytics is considered a relatively difficult skill, but how tough it truly is depends on your background and goals. If you have zero experience but want to turn data analytics into a career, some concepts might feel overwhelming at first. With the right training approach, however, you can learn data analytics far easier than you may think. On the other hand, if you already have experience in topics like business, information technology, or machine learning, you will likely have an easier time picking up data analysis-specific skills. Similarly, if your goal is to only learn the basics, like Excel, you will have far less difficulty doing so.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Data Analytics?
Almost everyone will encounter a learning curve while studying data analytics, but still, difficulty is subjective. The most commonly difficult aspects for data analytics students include working with large datasets because the cleansing and preparation process is time-consuming and requires extra attention, which may be tiring. In addition, it can be difficult to learn how to master developing machine learning models and building predictive models. Moreover, statistical analysis requires strong mathematical and programming skills, which may be tricky to learn if these aren’t your strong suit.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Data Analytics?
It takes a while to learn data analytics, whether you want to gain a basic or advanced understanding. Still, there is a considerable difference between the two. For example, learning the basics, like Excel, SQL, and Tableau, will take far less time. Most feel capable of learning these essential data analytics skills and the concepts behind them within a few weeks to a few months. However, to develop a greater understanding of complex data analytics practices and to master skills like machine learning, statistical analysis, and predictive models, you will need far more time. In general, you can expect to spend a few months, a year, or even more, becoming comfortable with the most advanced data analytics skills. Overall, it depends on your goals, relevant experience, and current knowledge.
Should I Learn Data Analytics in Person or Online?
When choosing a data analytics course, you may want to consider whether an in-person or live online option suits you best. In-person learning is great because it offers a neutral learning environment, ample interaction, hands-on practice, and direct assistance from an instructor. You can ask questions and collaborate with classmates, which is immensely helpful for staying motivated and on-task. While this method requires ample time and transportation to make a commute, this method is fairly effective for students who want to turn data analytics into a career.
Live online classes are also a fantastic option, especially if you need flexibility but still want the traditional structure of an in-person classroom. Although it may feel less interactive, you are still learning alongside peers and can ask the instructor for assistance or feedback. Furthermore, this method enables you to learn from anywhere, whether at home or in the office. As long as you have a strong internet connection and can avoid technical difficulties, live online classes are incredibly effective.
The last, most flexible option is asynchronous classes. This is a self-paced option that requires you to teach yourself the material. This sounds great but can come with several downsides depending on your previous knowledge or goals. For example, if you want to become a professional, this isn’t a great method since there’s a considerable lack of interaction and no one to help if you encounter issues or need feedback. However, if you already have ample experience and just want a refresher, this course style may work.
Can I Learn Data Analytics Free Online?
You can pick up some useful information through free online resources. In fact, it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the material before diving head-first into a class. There are plenty of options out there such as exploring a training center’s website. For example, you can search the Noble Desktop website for blogs, pre-recorded lectures on the Free Seminars page, and links to the YouTube channel chock full of playlists for Excel, SQL, Python, and data science. You can check out social media accounts that provide firsthand insight into working in the field and partake in chat room discussions to ask questions, receive feedback, and gain clarification. That said, free resources are only a great place to start. If you want to make data analytics into a career, you’ll have to find a comprehensive training program.
What Should I Learn Alongside Data Analytics?
As you explore data analytics, you’ll likely want to supplement your training with adjacent skills that can help you with job acquisition and completing different projects. For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are great areas to explore. These skills build upon your data analytics knowledge and allow you to easily automate tasks, make smarter decisions based on data insights, and handle complex datasets.
Another important area to consider is business intelligence (BI) tools like Power BI. Anyone interested in business analysis will especially want to explore BI tools. For example, Power BI allows users to visualize data, create interactive dashboards, and present their findings with ease to others, whether it’s a colleague or a stakeholder. In addition, Power BI comes from Microsoft and can integrate with other useful data analytics tools such as Excel.
Industries That Use Data Analytics
Data analytics is transforming the way industries handle their daily operations, social media campaigns, consumer outreach initiatives, and other important decisions. Regardless of whether it’s finance, aerospace, healthcare, or technology, companies in these industries rely heavily on data to solve problems, make things easier, and stay ahead of the game. In this section, you can read how data analytics is making these key industries in Connecticut stand out among all the rest.
Finance
Connecticut has an incredibly strong finance industry with many big-name companies like MassMutual, Liberty Bank, Aetna, and Vitality Group International Inc. Offering their services to the region. The state is especially well-known for its insurance, asset management, and investment firms which play a huge role in the local economy.
In finance, data analytics helps finance professionals make better business decisions for the company as well as smarter decisions for their clients. Analyzing data can predict market trends that give clients a diversified portfolio with prosperous outcomes. In addition, it can help banks prevent fraud from happening and identify unusual patterns in a customer’s transaction history. All in all, data analytics helps keep financial data safe and secure, like it should be.
Aerospace
Major aerospace companies such as Pratt & Whitney, Barnes Aerospace, and Kaman Aerospace Corporation all call Connecticut home. This is mainly due to the collaboration between industries such as defense, technology, and education as well as the state’s strategic location on the Northeastern coast. Plus, the companies within this industry fulfill both civilian and military needs, which makes it a strong part of Connecticut’s economy.
The process of data analysis helps with everything from the manufacturing, maintenance, and sale of aerospace parts and materials. A Data Analyst in this field would determine which parts need maintenance first and learn how to enhance product designs for optimal functionality.
Healthcare
With medical centers such as Yale New Haven Health and Hartford Healthcare, as well as a slew of universities, research centers, insurance providers, and other healthcare-related institutions, it’s no surprise that Connecticut has a top-notch healthcare industry. In addition, Connecticut has dozens of state-run programs that reduce health-related illnesses and provide treatment and services to the community so there are options to work directly with medical care or behind the scenes in administration, data management, or finance.
For instance, data analytics plays a big role in improving healthcare in Connecticut. It can improve patient care by using predictive analytics to determine when high-risk patience may need further intervention. On the other hand, it can assist with managing healthcare costs by cutting down on certain products without sacrificing quality. On a larger scale, analyzing community health data can determine what measures need to be put in place to avoid the spread of disease. Overall, data analytics can help healthcare providers offer better, more effective care at a lower cost.
Technology
One of the fastest-growing scenes in Connecticut is the tech industry, which includes everything from software development and cybersecurity to AI and other forms of digital innovation. Some top-name tech companies such as Cognizant Technology Solutions and Gartner as well as smaller FinTech startups call the state home and contribute heavily to the local economy and job market. Connecticut is becoming a technological hotspot so this industry often has connections to others such as finance, healthcare, and education.
Data analytics is used to improve the user experience, which is a major part of the tech industry. Whether it’s improving the interface of an application or ensuring personalized content reaches the intended audience, data is essential for making tech companies more efficient. It also assists heavily with cybersecurity by detecting fraudulent behavior and stopping data breaches before they occur.
Data Analytics Job Titles and Salaries
With data analytics training, you can explore dozens of career paths, particularly in a state such as Connecticut. With so many options, you’re likely to find something that suits your personality and preferences. Below are just a few options for those who are interested in pursuing data analytics and the expected salaries in different parts of the state.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst takes raw data and makes sense of it to help businesses or specific teams make smarter decisions. They clean data, identify trends, and use tools to share their findings. They turn data into something worth using which is the ultimate goal of data analytics. Indeed gives more insight into the salary expectations for the average Data Analyst in Connecticut. The average is $87,000 but this will vary based on location. For instance, those in Shelton earn close to $113,000 whereas those in Hartford earn closer to $82,000.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers build algorithms that allow computers to learn autonomously from datasets and make predictions. They dive deeper into data and use advanced techniques to find patterns. Data compiled from ZipRecruiter shares that the average expected salary for a Machine Learning Engineer in Connecticut is roughly $122,000. Stamford has the highest annual salary expectations at roughly $137,000 but even in New Haven, where the salary is estimated closer to $129,000, Machine Learning Engineers can earn a profitable wage.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator makes sure the data is stored properly, being both well-organized and secure. They manage databases to ensure everything is where it needs to be and that everything runs smoothly. Without this, data analysis would be chaotic and far more confusing. A Database Administrator in Connecticut can expect to take home nearly $80,000 each year, per reports from Indeed. However, in Milford and Stamford, this expectation rises to nearly $103,000.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts bridge the gap between technical teams and business-specific roles. They figure out how to improve the business through their analyzed data and solve complex business problems, ranging from finances and marketing campaigns to everyday business operations. Glassdoor shares that Business Analysts in Connecticut can expect to earn anywhere from $74,000 to $112,000 annually. However, the average is closer to $91,000.
Data Analytics Classes Near Me
For a comprehensive deep dive into data analytics, check out Noble Desktop’s 156-hour ||CPN395|| to learn all the essential tools such as Excel, Tableau, SQL, and Python. Specifically, you’ll use Python for automation and machine learning concepts and Tableau for data visualization. You’ll explore topics like interpreting results from complex datasets, using SQL to extract data from relational databases, and visualizing your findings with dashboards, charts, graphs, and tables. Moreover, as part of the certificate, you’ll also have free access to the Python for AI course. Upon completion of the course, you’ll have a well-developed portfolio, a certificate of completion, and a firm understanding of data analysis concepts and techniques.
Alternatively, you can consider the Data Science and AI Certificate program that offers over 114 hours of total instruction where you’ll work with Python and SQL to automate tasks, visualize data, and apply machine learning techniques. You’ll also learn to analyze tabular data with NumPy, clean and balance datasets using Pandas, and create data visualizations with Matplotlib. Through different projects, you’ll learn how to create histograms and heat maps as well as animated bar chart races and double line graphs. Plus, the Python for AI course is included with this certificate at no additional cost. In the end, you’ll have a professional data analytics portfolio, a certificate of completion, and a well-rounded education in data analytics.
The 18-hour Excel for Data Analytics course from Noble Desktop offers a comprehensive overview of Excel, including how to sort and filter data, speed up workflow, and create basic macros. In addition, you’ll learn how to summarize data with Pivot Tables and learn the most common database functions. You’ll even practice more advanced techniques such as sorting, filtering, grouping, and visualizing data in Excel. Through hands-on projects, you’ll feel comfortable using Excel for data analysis and more.
NYC Career Centers offers a Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp where you will spend eight days immersed in skills like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. This course is designed for beginners who want to learn how to aggregate and summarize data, use PivotTables, create charts, and run advanced SQL queries. You will also learn how to create data visualizations with Tableau. Through hands-on projects, you’ll gain skills to analyze and visualize data with ease.
The Data Wrangling with Python course from New Horizons is offered in Hartford, where you can learn more about one of the most popular programming languages. Over three days, you will gain more insight into using NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for descriptive statistics. In addition, you will work with alternative data sources and scrape webpages. The projects are rooted in a real-life situation so you will be prepared to take your skills to the next level or enter the workforce without fear.
Also from New Horizons comes the Microsoft Excel for Office 365: Part I course. Throughout one day, you will learn all about the basic Excel functions such as creating workbooks, formatting text, printing workbooks, and inserting formulas. From this course, you will be prepared to take and pass the Excel Associate Certification Exam.
Data Analytics Corporate Training
Companies both big and small invest in corporate training for their employees as it’s one of the most successful ways to upskill your team’s skills, help them work together cohesively, and collaborate more effectively on projects. This type of training allows everyone to learn together, at the same pace, and practice making smarter, more strategic decisions based on data insights. Investing in training ensures your team is equipped with the most updated skills and has experience using essential data analytics tools. Noble Desktop offers personalized corporate training to suit your group’s needs, which comes in both in-person and live online delivery methods. This is flexible and accessible enough to meet the needs of any organization, no matter the size or location.
In addition, Noble Desktop allows your organization to purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a lower cost. This means the learning doesn’t have to stop with corporate training—your team can explore new concepts, sharpen their skills, and learn new ways to solve complex problems. If you’re ready to talk pricing, scheduling, and training options, reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com today.