The world around you is run by numbers. From the latest political poll to the national census, numbers paint a valuable picture. By analyzing numbers, we learn how people think, act, and function. You may have seen terms like data analysis, business analytics, and data science before, but you can learn what they truly mean through data analytics courses.
Simply put, data analysis is the process of analyzing the world around us using raw data. Data analysts extract information from data in numerous ways. For example, techniques like data visualization quite literally allow analysts to form a picture of what a business is doing right and what it could improve.
But how can you begin to analyze data on such a large scale? Lucky for you, there is a surplus of options to help you become more familiar with data analytics, including some free online data analytics courses.
Getting Familiar With the World of Data Analysis Tools
Before we look into data analytics courses, there are some tools you will need to make the most of your general data analytics education. Below are some skills you’ll need to succeed in data analytics.
Math
Data analysis deals heavily with numbers. While you do not need to have a detailed understanding of trigonometry or calculus, you will still need to have a firm grasp on mathematics and its concepts.
Statistics
Having a deep knowledge of statistics is arguably the most useful skill to have if you wish to pursue data analytics. Knowing how different pieces of data are collected and from where is the backbone of the data analysis process. This means you should be comfortable with graphs, charts, regressions, sample sizes, and other data analysis concepts.
Critical Thinking
To effectively analyze real-world data, you need to be able to think critically. This means you can look at one aspect of a study and extrapolate deeper meaning behind it.
Programming Languages
Knowing how to program is a huge bonus, especially in the world of data analytics. There are plenty of different coding languages you may choose to learn, like Python, C++, Java, and more.
Learning Data Analytics Terminology
The world of data analytics is rife with different technological terms you need to get familiar with. This is crucial if you plan on enrolling in data analytics courses. Below are some concepts that make up the most critical facets of data analytics.
Big Data
Big data refers to the concept of an amount of data that is so large that it defies measurement by traditional methods. However, it has now taken on another meaning.
In the modern sense, it refers to the process of predictive analysis and measuring users’ behaviors in a piece of software. Big data relies a lot on inference and mathematics.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is the process of individual machines and algorithms learning through experience, the way humans do. Data scientists use programming languages to equip machines to learn from data all on their own.
Best Courses in Data Analysis
There are many options for pursuing an education in data analysis. Below are some of the best data analytics courses to enroll in right now.
The Data Science Course 2020: Complete Data Science Bootcamp from Udemy
This is one of the top-rated data analytics courses from online course provider Udemy. It will teach you everything you need to know about data analytics and computer science. You will start small and work your way up to study machine learning and more advanced programming.
In this comprehensive course, students will learn the basics of machine learning, business analytics, programming languages, and more, giving you the tools you need to become a successful data analyst.
Business Analytics Specialization
Coursera is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to further their learning, including offering classes on data analytics.
Business analytics specialization is a beginner course taught by Eri Bradlow, professor of marketing, statistics, and education at the illustrious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. The class shows those new to the world of data analytics the power of raw numbers.
Professor Bradlow puts particular emphasis on how data analysis can help businesses. Those wanting to get into data science would be hard-pressed to find a better course than this.
Learning Python for Data Analysis and Visualization
Knowing a programming language is an impressive skill on any resume, but this course on learning Python is specifically designed for data analysts.
Students of this course will learn the fundamentals of data visualization and computer science through hours of video instruction.
By the end of the course, you will have a solid intermediate knowledge of Python. Additionally, you’ll have a more impressive resume, and a knack for creating data sets and data visualizations.
Introduction to Data Analytics for Business
Offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, this introductory data analytics course will throw students straight into the world of data analytics. The program focuses on business analytics and will give you a strong foundation to build future skills. By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of how critical business decisions are made.
What Should You Do After Taking a Data Analytics Course?
After completing a data analytics course, you can put your skills to the test by pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field. You may also consider joining a certificate program.
Since data science careers don’t typically require high-level degrees, both options are practical.
The career prospects for data analysts and data scientists are promising. Many jobs in data analysis are high-paying, even at the lowest percentile. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in data analysis can come with salaries that exceed $100,000 annually.
The Verdict on Data Analytics Courses
Should you take a data analytics course? If you want to see the bigger picture and are willing to dig deep into big data, then you absolutely should. For some, the world of data analytics will come more comfortably than to others. However, with so many data analytics courses out there, nearly anyone can find a potentially lucrative career in data science.
