
{"id":14059,"date":"2022-07-13T18:07:48","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T16:07:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/?p=14059"},"modified":"2022-07-13T18:07:48","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T16:07:48","slug":"junior-data-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/junior-data-analyst\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete Guide to Becoming a Junior Data Analyst"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics skills are in huge demand. And after the global disruption of the last few years, both recent graduates and established professionals are looking to future-proof their careers. Again, data analytics is a great option. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research roles (including junior data analysts) are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">expected to grow by 22% by 2030<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics is a diverse and evolving field that requires a broad set of skills. But it also offers flexible career choices, with numerous pathways towards your dream job. In this introductory guide, we will explore everything you need to know to become a junior data analyst. Once you\u2019re done, you should have a solid idea of the skills you\u2019ll need, the training options available, and how much you might be able to earn. We\u2019ll answer:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#what-is-data-analytics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is data analytics?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#junior-data-analyst\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does a junior data analyst do?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#junior-data-analyst-skills\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What skills do junior data analysts need?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#junior-data-analyst-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much can junior data analysts earn?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#junior-data-analyst-job-description\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where can I find junior data analyst job descriptions?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#become-junior-data-analyst\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to become a junior data analyst: a step-by-step guide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"#takeaways\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll presume no prior knowledge here, so read on to learn everything you need to know about becoming a junior data analyst!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-is-data-analytics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. What is data analytics?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics is the process of examining datasets to uncover patterns and trends. Using these insights, data analysts can then devise actionable steps to drive informed business decisions. Commonly, data analytics predicts (or, at least, makes well-informed guesses) about what might happen in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics has existed in one form or another since humans first started scribbling onto clay tablets with a stylus. Data analytics as we know it today, however, largely emerged with the dawn of modern computing in the 1960s. The arrival of the internet\u2014and the vast amounts of data that come with it\u2014have further revolutionized the field. Once primarily reserved for the natural sciences, data analytics is now transforming every industry: from finance to education, property management, product design, agriculture, healthcare, and more. In short: where there\u2019s data, there\u2019s potential for data analytics.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 21st century boom in data analytics has seen the development of many specialized software systems to carry out the most arduous data analytics tasks. Far from making the role obsolete, however, this has freed up individuals to dive deeper and create ever-more data-driven strategies. From smart supply chains to managing web content, detecting fraud, and more, data analytics has countless applications in the modern world, and new ones are constantly emerging.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"junior-data-analyst\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. What does a junior data analyst do?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an entry-level position, a junior data analyst usually carries out the more routine aspects of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/the-data-analysis-process-step-by-step\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">data analytics process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Nevertheless, they play a vital role in supporting the delivery of data-informed actionable insights that drive a business forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many junior data analyst responsibilities may seem menial, their foundational importance to the overall process can\u2019t be overlooked\u2014there\u2019s no making cups of tea here! A junior data analyst&#8217;s main responsibilities usually include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collecting relevant data<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documenting which information requires further processing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning and ordering data into appropriate storage systems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learning to extract and interpret statistics from datasets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating charts, graphs, and dashboards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting more senior staff with report writing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although exact responsibilities vary depending on the job description, these are typical requirements for any entry-level data analyst. In contrast, junior data analysts are not usually responsible for higher-level strategy, determining which business questions need tackling in the first place or delivering presentations to senior decision-makers. But these are all things you can work towards.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"junior-data-analyst-skills\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. What skills do junior data analysts need?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No reasonable employer will expect a junior analyst to know everything. However, you will need an essential baseline of skills to get started in this profession. Beyond that, there&#8217;s much you can learn on the job. Industry-specific software or processes, for example, are often better learned in-role, under the supervision of an expert manager.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But before you get to that point, here\u2019s a list of the fundamental skills all junior data analysts require:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strong mathematical and statistical skills: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics involves plenty of number crunching. You should be mathematically literate, particularly in the area of statistics.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relational databases:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most data is stored in databases. In particular, you\u2019ll need to understand relational databases (which simply means that data are stored in columns and rows. In contrast, non-relational databases store data in document format.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Structured Query Language (SQL): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing relational databases requires knowledge of SQL. This coding language allows you to retrieve data, insert, update, or delete records in bulk. It\u2019s a core tool for all data analysts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Microsoft Excel:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> We\u2019ve all used Microsoft Excel at one point or another, but do you know the full extent of its statistical functionality? From pivot tables to conditional formatting, filtering, and other functions, aim to familiarize yourself with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analysis-in-excel\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excel&#8217;s essential data analytics features<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Python or R: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While full-on coding isn\u2019t always necessary for data analytics, you&#8217;ll still need to tweak algorithms and amend custom software programs. As the easiest one to learn, Python is the most common language used by junior data analysts. However, R is also popular with those requiring more robust statistical functionality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Critical thinking: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nobody can prove their critical thinking skills with a certificate alone, so you should aim to cultivate a critical thinking mindset in other ways. This will help you connect and probe disparate data, thinking analytically to extract meaningful insights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Data visualization:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> All data analysts need to understand the fundamentals of data visualization. Fortunately, Python has hundreds of libraries of pre-existing code to help. These include Matplotlib, Seaborn, and Plotly. Microsoft Excel also offers visualization functionality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Communication and presentation skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s one thing to understand what a dataset is telling you. It&#8217;s another entirely to communicate this to non-technical decision makers. All data analysts must be able to clearly present their findings using presentation software, dashboards, and reports.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Machine learning and artificial intelligence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While junior data analysts needn&#8217;t be experts in machine learning or AI, some understanding of their underlying principles and theory is beneficial.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although this sounds like a broad set of skills for a beginner, don\u2019t worry! There are many online courses designed specifically to walk you through these essential skills. Even people with little or no background in data will find it easy to comprehend these topics with the right guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"junior-data-analyst-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. How much can junior data analysts earn?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several factors impact how much you earn as a junior data analyst. These include your geographic location, the company you\u2019re working for, the industry, and your past experience. Due to data analytics being in high demand, most junior analysts can earn a competitive salary regardless. This makes any upfront investment in training well worthwhile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following salary comparison sites hint at how much junior data analysts in the United States can earn. Since these are updated in real time, be sure to click the links to see the most up-to-date estimates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>SimplyHired:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplyhired.com\/salaries\/search?q=entry+level+data+analyst&amp;l=United+States\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$31,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Glassdoor:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/us-entry-level-data-analyst-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,27.htm?countryRedirect=true\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$33,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Payscale:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/US\/Job=Data_Analyst\/Salary\/71acf3d8\/Entry-Level\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$42,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salary.com:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salary.com\/tools\/salary-calculator\/entry-data-analyst\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$50,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salary Expert:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.salaryexpert.com\/salary\/job\/data-analyst\/united-states\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$68,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Indeed:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indeed.com\/career\/entry-level-data-analyst\/salaries\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$80,000<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see, there\u2019s some variation here, so it&#8217;s good to take these estimates with a pinch of salt. However, taking an average does offer a representative flavor of what you might expect. Doing so tells us that junior data analysts in the U.S. can earn anywhere in the region of $50,000. Even starting on less than this isn&#8217;t bad for an entry-level position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To dive deeper into factors such as how geography, industry, and even job title can affect your earning potential, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/entry-level-data-analyst-salary\/#average-salary\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check out this guide to junior data analyst salaries<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"junior-data-analyst-job-description\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Junior data analytics job descriptions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve acquired the skills you need to become a data analyst, the next step is the one we all dread&#8230; job hunting! This can be intimidating, especially as a beginner in a skilled profession like data analytics. It&#8217;s made even harder by the fact that job descriptions rarely follow the same format. But feel reassured<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014i<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">n reality, most junior data analyst job descriptions tick off the same conditions. The trick is learning to spot these requirements, which may be worded differently or compiled under different headings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this section, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the different types of requirements usually outlined in junior data analyst job descriptions, so you know what to look out for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Education<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of educational requirements, data analysts usually require an undergraduate degree. Ideally, this will be in math, statistics, or a computing-related subject. However, as long as you have an additional <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/best-data-analytics-certification-programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">data analytics certification<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to evidence your skills, any degree will normally do. While for higher-level roles, hiring managers may request a subject-specific qualification such as a master\u2019s degree, that\u2019s not usually something you need to worry about at this stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applied skills<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Junior data analyst job descriptions will usually highlight a particular set of hard skills. As per section 3, these include knowledge of databases, data mining, SQL, Python, data viz, and sometimes proprietary data-related software like Google Analytics. Often, these skills are described using generalized terminology such as &#8216;computing skills&#8217; to encourage you to apply. Some jobs prioritize one or two of these skills, meaning you can pick up other vital skills on the job. Something to keep in mind when you\u2019re applying.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General skills<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your focus may be on acquiring the relevant technical skills, many employers also prioritize general business and workplace employability skills. We&#8217;re talking about things like teamwork, communication, time management, and a general \u2018can-do\u2019 attitude\u2014standard job competencies for the 21st century. These are often surprisingly hard to come by, as traditional education systems don\u2019t tend to teach them very well. While you can learn many technical skills via a certified course, don\u2019t forget to highlight your employability skills too, evidencing them where possible with examples (more on this in section 5).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes junior roles cite the need for \u2018at least one year\u2019s experience in a data analytics role\u2019. This is a common problem for new entrants to the job market\u2014if all jobs require experience how can you land a job to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gain<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that experience? One way is by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/how-to-land-a-data-analyst-internship\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doing an internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But since these aren\u2019t always paid, we understand they\u2019re not an option for everyone. Once again, taking a certified course can be an excellent solution. A well-designed bootcamp usually includes a portfolio project (or several) to help build your skills and provide you with the evidence to prove them. While this may not be the same as \u2018a year\u2019s work experience\u2019, it does show willingness and commitment, which is often sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to apply and when not to apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senior data analytics roles often require highly-specific industry or domain-related knowledge. This is rarely true for junior positions. As such, don\u2019t be afraid to apply for a role\u2014even if you don\u2019t think you tick off 100% of the qualifications it asks for. This doesn&#8217;t mean you should apply for any old job if you lack all the qualifications. But if you can cover the basics, demonstrate a track record of success, and a willingness to learn (and have a portfolio) you\u2019ll be surprised how far these can take you. The worst thing that can happen is that you won&#8217;t make it to an interview&#8230; so give it a go!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"become-junior-data-analyst\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. How to become a junior data analyst: a step-by-step guide<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now we\u2019ve covered what skills you\u2019ll need, how much you might earn, and how to navigate job descriptions; what are the next steps towards becoming a junior data analyst? Here\u2019s our five-step guide:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While pretty much anyone can learn the necessary skills to become a data analyst, it\u2019s inevitably a time (and potentially cost) commitment. Before diving deeper, familiarize yourself with the fundamental theory of data analytics to see if it&#8217;s for you. For instance, you might want to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/different-types-of-data-analysis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research the different types of data analysis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/what-is-an-outlier\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">learn what outliers are<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, among other things. Don&#8217;t forget to look at the general skills and software you\u2019ll need to learn, too. There are tons of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/free-data-analytics-courses\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free online tutorials<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you can dip into to pick up this know-how, without any commitment to splashing the cash.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Consolidate your learning with a structured course<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve decided that data analytics is right for you, it&#8217;s time to take your learning to the next level. One option is to apply for an undergraduate or a master\u2019s degree in a relevant data-related subject. Let\u2019s face it, though\u2014that\u2019s an expensive, time-consuming route for a junior role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A better option is to take a structured online course. These are generally more affordable than full-time degrees and faster, too, packing in all the need-to-know skills you need to get started. A well-designed course will lead to an industry-recognized certification, practical experience, and support with job applications and interviews. You&#8217;ll also build a resume and portfolio. Better yet, some courses offer a job guarantee or accept employer scholarships, meaning your employer can foot the bill. To learn more, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analytics-courses\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the top online data analytics courses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/best-data-analytics-bootcamps\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">round-up of the best data analytics bootcamps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Refine your soft skills<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve mentioned, employers don&#8217;t just want technical skills. They also want &#8216;soft&#8217; employability skills. Things like: communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, writing and language, teamwork, digital literacy, and leadership, to name a few. Seek out any opportunities you can to refine these skills. These opportunities don\u2019t always have to be work-related.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, perhaps you\u2019re the captain of a local sports team. How has this contributed to your leadership skills? Maybe you took a gap year abroad. How did being in a different country contribute to your intercultural understanding? If possible, seek out volunteer positions or project work. Get creative! See how you can find ways to access some of these learning opportunities to bolster your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Build professional connections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As they say: \u201cIt\u2019s not what you know. It\u2019s who you know.\u201d This is as true for data analytics as any profession. Try to network with like-minded individuals, or find an experienced mentor. Networking opportunities are invaluable for better understanding the industry and finding job opportunities. You can do this virtually by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/d\/online\/data-science\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">attending online webinars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or by building a professional network on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Alternatively, find some local <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/topics\/data-analytics\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">data analytics groups on meetup.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You may be surprised by how much a supportive community of data professionals can help as you embark on your new career.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Perfect your portfolio and resume<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, when you\u2019re ready to start applying for jobs, you&#8217;ll need a resume and a portfolio of work. Your resume may be the only thing a recruiter looks at, so it\u2019s vital to get this right. Check out some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analyst-resume\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tips for creating a job-winning data analyst resume in this guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, as a junior data analyst, having a portfolio of work may seem premature. It doesn\u2019t need to be jam-packed with real work experience, though. It can also include pet projects that show off your skills. To see what we mean, check out these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analytics-portfolio-examples\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">exemplary data analytics portfolios from real data analysts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To inspire your own projects, you can also browse these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analytics-portfolio-project-ideas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">data analytics portfolio project ideas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"takeaways\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There we have it! Our comprehensive guide to becoming a junior data analyst. Hopefully, by demystifying the topic, we&#8217;ve shown that going from complete novice to qualified data analyst isn&#8217;t as intimidating as it might seem\u2014it&#8217;s simply a case of breaking the process into more manageable steps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, we&#8217;ve learned that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Data analytics involves examining datasets to uncover trends and create actionable insights that drive smarter decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Junior data analysts usually carry out more elemental aspects of the role, such as collecting, processing, and storing data, and supporting more senior team members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common skills for junior data analysts include strong math skills, databases, SQL, Python, and Excel, and excellent critical thinking, communication, and data visualization skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average starting salary for a junior data analyst in the U.S. is around $50,000 a year. Not too shabby!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before looking for junior data analytics job descriptions, you should consider taking a certified short course, networking with other data analytics professionals, and building a portfolio of projects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next step on your journey to becoming a junior data analyst? Researching the topic further! To learn more about what a career in data analytics might entail, check out this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/courses\/intro-to-data-analytics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free, 5-day short course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or read the following introductory guides:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/data-analytics-training-courses\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Top 14 Data Analytics Training Courses<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/tableau-visualizations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating Data Visualizations in Tableau (A Beginner\u2019s Guide)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/data-analytics\/what-is-power-bi\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is Power BI?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this introductory guide, we will explore everything you need to know to become a junior data analyst. Once you\u2019re done, you should have a solid idea of the skills you\u2019ll need, the training options available, and how much you might be able to earn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101,"featured_media":14061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-data-analytics"],"acf":{"homepage_category_featured":false},"modified_by":"Kirstie Sequitin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14059"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14059\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14059"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14059"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}