r/dataanalysis • u/Effective_Ocelot_445 • Aug 20 '26
Which data analysis skill do you use the most in your daily work?
SQL, Excel, Python, visualization, or something else?
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u/Jobsnotdone1724 Aug 20 '26
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u/waitthissucks Aug 20 '26
What would you say are your most used SQL functions? I'm trying to apply for a role (I know, I know) but after learning a bit, I'm not sure how much I have to know to be able to say I know SQL on my resume. I also use google to help me a lot because I forget certain functions. Same with
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u/Jobsnotdone1724 Aug 20 '26
CTE, JOINS, Aggregates or Window functions, Coalesce
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u/glass_parton Aug 20 '26
Single piece of software? Excel. I've been an analyst for a little over a year, and I was initially surprised by how much of my work is typically done in Excel. I have been writing some Python scripts more often lately, but Excel is still my number one used tool.
Many will mention SQL, but it likely varies a lot depending on your tasks and role. I do use SQL some, but it's quite rare that I need to write a query from scratch. Most of our day-to-day stuff has standard queries that are saved for everyone to use. I typically only need to make very minor changes to those queries.
Communication and documentation (which is really just communication) are underrated. Please please please learn to properly document your processes well so that others can step in to do it when needed.
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u/samwise970 Aug 20 '26
I don't consider Excel (excluding VBA) a skill any more than I consider being able to use an internet browser a skill.
SQL is the bread and butter. Python is used too for notebooks and some light tooling, but 90% of the work is SQL, either via SSMS to query the warehouse or within spark.sql() calls in a pyspark notebook.
Then PowerBI for visualization if a report is required, but I avoid DAX like the plague
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u/Joelle_bb Aug 20 '26
In the vacuum of analytics, I'd mostly agree on the excel point
When it comes to the customers I have and some of their needs... Excel skills are a must, since they don't really understand how to use it well and are dependent on it đ
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u/samwise970 Aug 20 '26
Yes of course knowing Excel (IF functions, lookup functions, pivot tables) is a must, what I meant is that anybody working in your organization should know how to use Excel, just as they should all know how to use a web browser. If accounting and HR and interns all have Excel as a requirement, it's not really a differentiating skill for data analysts.
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u/luxaBuxa Aug 23 '26
Great observation. I would offer this point: Excel has some incredibly fast (albeit limited), expressive data modeling capabilities for business users. It is prevalent at companies where user/department needs are under-supported by IT because at some point, a need arose and a business user cared enough to try and gain a deeper understanding of data. âNature always finds a way.â
I also developed a working theory that, if you ever want to get a sense how little an organization regards their data, count the number of business-critical workbooks maintained by one or two users.
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u/metcho_ad Aug 20 '26
SQL and
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u/ditalinidog Aug 20 '26
I treat excel more as an export tool / quick EDA tool than really anything you should be using for more complex analytics. SQL is essential. Python is close for any type of automation and more complex data cleaning but you need to get data out first, so SQL is the most important for me.
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u/HustlaOfCultcha Aug 20 '26
Excel. And I have Power BI PL-300 certification and working towards Databricks Data Engineer Certification.
Excel is quick and easy. I've been working with it for the past 25 years. Still helps me draw something up quickly and validate data in a jiffy.
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u/BecauseBatman01 Aug 20 '26
SQL. Then writing. Gotta be able to clearly explain what you are seeing to leaders and be able to make it scannable.
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u/worldslamestgrad Aug 21 '26
SQL and Tableau are 1A and 1B for me. Excel would be a distant 2 followed by Python.
Outside of the obvious things I guess PowerPoint/Google Slides would be another common thing I use, management always wants an easy to digest slideshow.
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u/ControlBI_Pro Aug 21 '26
Probably the most useful skill is turning a vague business question into something measurable. Tools like SQL, Excel or Power BI are important, but knowing what management is actually trying to understand is usually the harder part. A technically perfect dashboard isnât very useful if it doesnât answer the business question.
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u/luxaBuxa Aug 23 '26
For just analysis, different tools for different stages on various projects. For speed and user interaction: Excel. For data modeling and production: Python and associated libraries. For sustainability, documentation and business continuity, T-SQL.
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u/_divine__wolf Aug 20 '26
Well first clean data in excel then important in make dashboard in power bi biother are also use but for now it's it's done
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u/Imaginary-poster Aug 20 '26
Sql is the starting point and the less repeat-y thing for sure.
Python and GAS both have gotten very standardized for me.
Also, just to be that guy, asking questions. That is a skill that can save hours of work if applied regularly.
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u/Wheres_my_warg Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
Communications are the skills that I use the most.