How To Become an Data Analyst Without a Degree

By gaining experience in the field, networking with other professionals, and earning certifications, you can become a data analyst without a degree. There are online courses, separate from degree programs, that can teach you the fundamentals of data analysis and help you gain technical skills.

Data analysts play key roles in big data and helping companies make important business decisions. Recruiters seek candidates with experience and expertise in data analysis as these positions are in high demand.

Taking advantage of online courses, boot camps, and free online data analytics certificates can help you start a data analyst career without needing higher education. The following overview covers the process of working in data analysis without a college degree and the steps that can prepare you to excel in your career.

Can You Become a Data Analyst Without a Degree?

Yes, even if you don't have a degree, you can still become a data analyst. While some employers may seek out candidates with a bachelor's degree or even a master's degree, some prioritize hands-on experience and technical skills. If you can demonstrate your knowledge of data analysis and show your qualifications with certifications or online courses, then you can show hiring managers that you can work as a data analyst.

How Hard Is It To Become a Data Analyst?

Becoming a data analyst is challenging due to the advanced skill set and wide array of data analyst skills needed to qualify for job opportunities. You need to possess relevant skills, such as being able to make predictions based on large data sets, communicate findings with stakeholders, and provide insights that can be used for decision-making.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Data Analyst Without a Degree?

The time it takes to become a data analyst without a degree depends on the route you choose. Some online programs, like boot camps, can take several months, while others can be completed in less time.

Certifications and internships will prepare you for your career but take additional time to complete. If you are dedicated to becoming a data analyst, you can speed up the process. Some people build their portfolios and gain relevant experiences in just a few months.

Can You Become a Data Analyst in 3 Months?

Though it may be challenging, you can become a data analyst in three months. It takes a strong commitment to learn about the field and hard work to develop the necessary skills to prepare you for data analyst roles.

You can do this by taking online courses, gaining certifications, and learning from experienced data professionals. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs working with data can provide you with hands-on experience.

Steps To Becoming a Data Analyst Without a Degree

Becoming an entry-level data analyst without a degree is possible. You can build a strong resume if you gain experience in the field and enhance your understanding through courses, networking, and certifications.

1. Gain Relevant Experience

Gaining relevant experience can involve working internships or even creating your own projects to include in a portfolio when you apply for jobs. Real-world experience dealing with data sets, statistical analysis, and related fields (e.g., data science) can add to your expertise and qualify you for jobs that deem experience equivalent to a college degree.

2. Pursue Data Analyst Certifications

Data analyst certifications can complement your experience by giving you additional credentials as you begin the data analyst career path. With certifications, employers may see you as a qualified candidate, even if you don't have a degree.

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is an eight-course program that provides an understanding of practical and technical data analytics skills. The courses cover data processing, analysis, and visualization. During the certificate program, you'll learn how to utilize tools, like SQL and Tableau, so you're prepared for entry-level roles in the field.

Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Power BI)

With Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification, you can gain expertise using Power BI, one of Microsoft's business analysis tools. Knowing how to use Power BI is an in-demand skill. It is used to develop data reports for visualizing and sharing insights.

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Earning a Certified Analytics Professional credential shows employers you are proficient in data analytics. The certification involves an exam to test your understanding of analytics. Because it is designed for experienced professionals, it can make it easier for those who don't have a degree to enter the field.

The CAP certification requires several years of industry experience to register. Those without industry experience can opt for the Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP) designation.

3. Develop Technical Skills

Aside from problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, data analysts also need to have a technical skill set. Developing your expertise in programming languages and tools for data management and visualization can better prepare you for a data analyst job.

Programming Languages

An understanding of programming languages is a high-demand skill that is crucial not only to computer science and machine learning but also to data analytics. Knowing languages like Python can help you be a more successful data analyst.

Data Visualization Tools

Data visualization tools, like Microsoft Excel and Tableau, can help you display data sets so that you can process and analyze them. These tools can help you create dashboards, charts, and graphs. By using data visualization tools you can compile and organize data more efficiently and provide more actionable insights.

Database Management

Because a data analytics career involves working with complex data sets, database management is a necessary technical skill. Many data analyst positions involve managing and storing data for companies. By strengthening your database management skills, you'll be prepared to oversee and monitor databases for companies.

4. Take Online Courses

Online courses can equip you with many skills to help you become a data analyst without a degree. Free online data science courses are available for beginners who need to gain practical experience. Online courses often involve projects to help you develop the necessary skills and build your portfolio even if you don't have prior experience.

5. Network With Data Analytics Professionals

Networking with data professionals can give you valuable insight into the field and even open the door to entry-level positions. Platforms like LinkedIn can introduce you to experienced data analysts, data scientists, and even business analysts, who can give you helpful advice for your new career.

6. Build a Strong Portfolio

With a strong portfolio, you can demonstrate to employers that you are knowledgeable in the field and have the credentials for a data analytics job. Emphasize your varied skillset with projects that involve data visualization, analysis, and interpretation. Showing you can analyze and clean raw data and present your findings to help employers with decision-making will highlight your technical abilities.