How Fast Can I Become a Data Analyst?

If you're planning to pursue a career in data analysis, you may wonder how long it takes and what level of education you need. So, is there any way to speed up the process so you can become a data analyst sooner?

Most data analyst careers require an associate or bachelor's degree in data science, data analytics, or a related field. That said, it's possible to learn the skills you need with an accelerated degree program or by completing a short-term online course instead.

Regardless of the type of training program you choose, you can learn data analytics faster by using transfer credits, having good study habits, and completing internships or bootcamps. Keep reading to find out more about becoming a data analyst.

Tips for Quickly Becoming a Data Analyst

Various options for data analyst degrees and other training programs are available. If you're looking for the fastest way to land your first data analyst role, the tips outlined below can help you learn the hard and soft skills you need in a faster-than-average timeframe.

1. Find an Online Associate Degree Program

Most data professionals develop their skill sets while completing a degree program. The fastest type of degree you can complete in this field is an accelerated online associate degree. Check out some examples of this type of degree program below.

Colorado Christian University � Online AS in Data Analytics

Colorado Christian University is a private school offering many flexible online degrees for busy nontraditional students. One of the programs available is an associate degree in data analytics. Students complete five-week courses, usually one at a time. A generous transfer policy makes it easy to for students to finish quickly, but even those without transfer credits can typically graduate in under two years.

Seminole State College � AA in Data Science

Seminole State College in Florida provides an Associate of Arts degree in data science. All coursework can be completed either online or in-person, making it easy for you to choose the course format that works best for you. Flexible coursework and affordable tuition can help students graduate quickly without breaking the bank.

Southern New Hampshire University � AS in Data Analytics

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school offering hundreds of degrees at various program levels. One of the options available is an Associate of Science in data analytics that can be completed online. Accelerated eight-week courses are highly flexible, allowing you to study whenever it's convenient for you.

2. Utilize Transfer Credits

If you already have prior experience in college, you may be able to transfer your previous credits to your current degree program. Since you don't have to repeat any coursework for any credits transferred, you can typically graduate with your degree sooner.

Each school has its own transfer policy, so check to make sure your credits will transfer to your specific college. Some schools let you transfer up to three-fourths of the total credits required for your degree.

3. Test Out of Courses with CLEP Exams

CLEP exams provide a unique opportunity to test out of some college courses, especially general education requirements. These exams let you earn transfer credits for passing exams, allowing you to skip certain required courses and graduate more quickly.

Check with your school's transfer credit policy to determine how many of your CLEP credits will transfer.

4. Get an Online Data Analytics Certificate

Online data analytics courses can provide a quick and convenient way to develop the technical skills you need for entry-level data analyst jobs. There are plenty of free online data analytics certificates available. Some good certificate courses to consider include the following.

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Google offers a certificate in data analytics through Coursera. The program is self-paced but can be finished in about six months. It teaches essential data analysis skills, including how to use tools like Microsoft Excel, Tableau, and R Programming.

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

This professional certificate program, offered by IBM, is available on Coursera. It's a flexible, self-paced course that, on average, takes about five months to complete. Students learn various skills related to business intelligence and statistical analysis, including how to use visualization tools, make data-driven decisions, and communicate meaningful insights to stakeholders.

Penn LPS Online's Certificate in Data Analytics

The University of Pennsylvania offers various online courses through Penn LPS. One program available is a data analytics certificate that comprises four individual courses. Each course is offered in a flexible eight-week session. This is a great beginner course for those with no previous experience in data analytics or related topics.

5. Create a Disciplined Study Routine

Data analytics courses can be challenging for some students. Whether you are enrolled in a degree program or an online certificate course, having a disciplined study routine is essential.

Online programs require a great deal of self-discipline and self-motivation. The best way to develop good study habits is to commit to studying at a certain time each day. This will help you even as you struggle through challenging course material and ultimately help you reach your goal sooner.

6. Network With Data Analytics Professionals

Knowing other data analysts and professionals in the business world can be incredibly beneficial. Consider networking with professionals in the field, such as data scientists, business analysts, and computer science experts.

These professionals can help you learn more about the job by offering advice and directing you to helpful resources. They may also help you find out about jobs you could apply for, act as a reference, or provide you with letters of recommendation.

7. Seek Internship Opportunities

Internships and data science bootcamps are a great way to gain real-world, hands-on experience in data analytics. These experiences allow you to practice the fundamentals you learned in the classroom.

Internships and bootcamps also enable you to meet others in the data analytics industry, helping you grow your professional network. You may even have opportunities to meet potential employers and make a good first impression with them.

FAQs About Quickly Becoming a Data Analyst

If you're still wondering how to quickly set yourself apart from the competition in the data analytics job market, read on. Below, we'll discuss some commonly asked questions you may have.

Is It Hard to Become a Data Analyst?

Data analysis involves many advanced skills. You'll need to know how to use programs like Python and Excel. You must also understand how to analyze data sets and turn raw data into graphs and other materials using data visualization techniques. Some students will find these topics harder to learn than others.

Whether or not you find it hard to become a data analyst will depend on your unique strengths and weaknesses.

Are Programming Languages Important to Data Analysts?

Yes. Data analysts must be proficient in at least one programming language, and preferably more than one. The most common languages used include SQL and Python.

Is a Degree Necessary to Be a Data Analyst?

Though most data analysts hold at least an associate or bachelor's degree, it's possible to become a data analyst without a degree. The important thing is developing the necessary technical and analytical skills for the job. You can do this through a combination of short-term courses, internships or bootcamps, and entry-level jobs.