Data Analysis: Unveiling Your Inner Analyst
Written on
Understanding Your Role as a Data Analyst
Do you consider yourself “not a data person”? Or maybe you’re contemplating a career as a data analyst but feel daunted by the need for advanced education? Allow me to reassure you: you’re already a data analyst—yes, you!
Let’s embark on a data analysis journey together!
At first glance, this collection of numbers—let’s call it a matrix—may seem overwhelming and tedious. This is merely a fragment of a much larger dataset, repeated numerous times.
If you’re feeling uneasy, that’s a natural response—a sign of boredom. And you’re absolutely correct! This matrix is indeed dull.
The Significance of Context in Data
Contrary to what some may claim, data isn’t inherently thrilling. To make this matrix engaging, context is essential. There are two primary types of context:
- Context that enhances the utility of the data. If you have a specific question, you’d find this matrix intriguing if it offered solutions to your problem.
- Context that makes the data more relatable. Our goal is to simplify the interpretation of these numbers, making it easier for you to understand.
Let's see if we can make the meaning behind this data pop out more clearly.
Voila! Using basic software, we’ve discovered that this dataset represents a photo of my rather unexciting wooden floor. By utilizing this tool, we've reduced the effort needed to interpret the dataset, transforming it into a visual that’s easy to comprehend. More importantly, this demonstrates that you are already functioning as an analyst.
What you've just done is known as data visualization—a fundamental skill for analysts, alongside data transformation and summarization.
You Are Already a Data Analyst
If anyone ever doubts your ability to analyze data, remember these points:
- Viewing photographs: If you've looked at a picture, you’re analyzing data.
- Searching online: Your queries make you a data analyst.
- Listening to music: Manipulating .mp3 files means you’re engaging with data.
- Using maps: Navigating with a map is another form of data analysis.
- Checking the weather: Investigating global weather data makes you an analyst too.
- Opening spreadsheets: Familiarity with spreadsheets confirms your analyst skills.
I’ve yet to meet someone who genuinely isn’t a “data person.” Consider your data-processing capabilities compared to those of an Ancient Greek—they’d be in awe!
Photograph by Hert Niks on Unsplash
These skills may seem mundane because you’ve mastered data-processing tools like Microsoft Paint, Google Maps, and Spotify. While these applications may not explicitly advertise themselves as analytics software, that’s precisely what they are. You’re already part of a world filled with data wonders.
Are You Ready to Become a Professional Analyst?
Not quite yet. There are significant distinctions between an amateur and a professional analyst. If you’re curious about these differences, stay tuned for my next article. The positive news is that bridging this gap involves practice and experience. If a career in analytics excites you, don’t just dream—start exploring! Challenge yourself to engage with diverse data formats and learn the tools that will streamline your analysis. There are no barriers holding you back. Enjoy the journey!
If you're eager to enhance your skills, check out my mini course on analytics.
Analytics: The Complete Minicourse
One of my aims with this newsletter is to transform my scattered thoughts into coherent learning experiences…
bit.ly
Footnote: My unexciting wooden floor
I used a mundane image of my floor to illustrate that not all data analyses yield groundbreaking insights. Often, they don't. However, presenting data in a familiar format makes it easier to derive meaning, which is half of an analyst’s role. The other half involves maximizing inspiration, but that’s a topic for another article.
Have you ever experimented with the clap button on Medium more than once? 🤔
Liked the author? Connect with Cassie Kozyrkov
Let’s be friends! You can find me on Twitter, YouTube, Substack, and LinkedIn. If you’re interested in having me speak at your event, please get in touch using this form.
Think Twice Before Becoming a Data Analyst
This video discusses critical considerations for anyone thinking about entering the field of data analysis, emphasizing the challenges and rewards.
My Honest Advice to Anyone Who Wants to Be a Data Analyst
In this video, I share candid insights and advice for aspiring data analysts, focusing on what to expect and how to prepare for a successful career.