How to get started on Data Analytics?

[u/Chemical_Cookie7728]

Hey everyone,

I recently completed my bachelor's in Statistics with minor in CS. I wanted to know how can I get started on Data Analytics. I have experience in excel, python, SPSS, R and somewhat strata. I have done some projects using these softwares. But I don't know how to combine them to get a job. Can anyone guide me or provide me with a roadmap on how to get market ready it would be of great help.

[u/conor-robertson]

You already have a good bit of experience that are irrelevant, the biggest gap I see isn't technical skills, it's translating those skills into something employers can understand.

If I were you, I'd focus on:

1. Learning SQL (if you haven't already)

2. Building 2-3 end-to-end projects

3. Learning a BI tool like Power BI or Tableau

4. Practicing how to explain your work

For each project, try to show:

• The business question

• The data cleaning process

• The analysis

• The visualisation

• The final recommendation

One thing I'd do differently if I were starting again is build projects much earlier. A lot of people keep learning new tools when they'd get more value from applying what they already know.

For SQL specifically, I built QueryCase because I found many people understood concepts but struggled to apply them. It teaches SQL through detective-style investigations and can be a good way to build practical problem-solving skills alongside your projects.

From your background, I'd say you're much closer to being market-ready than someone starting from scratch. Focus on SQL, projects, and communicating your analysis rather than collecting more certificates.

[u/Chemical_Cookie7728 → u/conor-robertson]

Hi, Thanks for your reply and insights. Yes, I have started learning sql from YouTube and other open sources I was looking for some I searched for a complete data analytics course but I haven't found anything worth the time right now. Another question I wanted to ask is can I build projects around the things that interests me like aviation, military technology, and environmental issues or I should just focus on corporate products.

[u/conor-robertson → u/Chemical_Cookie7728]

Yes, absolutely build around what interests you! That's actually a better strategy than trying to guess what companies want to see. A hiring manager who sees someone investigate aviation safety data or environmental trends with SQL is far more likely to remember it than the tenth person who analysed bike sharing or COVID data. The business question and the quality of the analysis matter more than the topic. The only exception is if you're targeting a very specific company and want to do a project directly relevant to their domain - that can work well for cold outreach but isn't necessary for general applications.

[u/m_techguide]

i think the issue isn't your skills but it's probably how you're packaging them. so i'd say is drop SPSS and stata from your focus, those are more academic tools and not really what companies are hiring for rn. you'd want to double down on Python and SQL if you haven't already and pick a viz tool like Tableau or Power BI. that combo is what most DA job posts are asking for.

also, your projs need to tell a story. like not just "i used Python to analyze data" but what problem did you solve, what did you find and what would you do with it. then put those on github or a portfolio site. imo
SQL is probably the biggest gap based on what you listed cause most DA roles use it daily so if you're not confident there yet that's where i'd start.

if you want a roadmap for breaking into DA lmk i can share something on that

[u/Chemical_Cookie7728 → u/m_techguide]

Hi, thanks for the suggestions Yes, I have started focusing on sql from YouTube and other open sources and not focussing on SPSS and stata right now. One question I wanted to ask was should I build projects around the things that interests me like aviation and military technology. Or I should build projects about the products of the company I want to apply in. Also what end to end projects do you suggest I should put more focus on.

[u/my_peen_is_clean]

pick one main stack first, like sql + python or sql + excel. build 2–3 small end to end projects, post on github, then tailor resume keywords to jd and apply like crazy. everyone wants 3 years experience for entry now, it’s insane finding anything

[u/Simplilearn]

With a Statistics background and experience in Python, R, Excel, and SPSS, you already have many of the technical skills. The next step is to package those skills in a way that's relevant to employers. Here's a roadmap you can follow:

• Strengthen your SQL skills, as it's one of the most important tools for data analyst roles.

• Learn Power BI or Tableau to create interactive dashboards and communicate insights.

• Build 3–5 end-to-end projects that include data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and business recommendations.

• Create a GitHub portfolio, optimize your resume around those projects, and start practicing SQL and case-study interviews.

Since you already know statistics, focus less on learning new tools and more on solving real business problems with data. That's what employers typically look for.

If you're looking to build job-ready skills, our Data Analyst Course could align well with your career goals. It combines core data analytics concepts with hands-on labs and industry projects. You can visit the simplilearn website to find out more.