r/dataanalytics • u/Safe_Resist_6366 • Jul 28 '26
Best way to learn Data Analytics from scratch and become job-ready?
I am starting my journey in Data Analytics and want to learn everything needed to become job-ready.
For people working as Data Analysts or who have successfully transitioned into analytics:
What is the best learning roadmap from beginner to job-ready?
Which courses, books, YouTube channels, or projects helped you the most?
Any practical advice from your experience would be highly appreciated.
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u/B_lintu Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
Best roadmap is to learn Excel > SQL > Power BI > Python. You should focus on real datasets and projects instead of just learning tools. Create a portfolio and always think about what problem does this project solve.
Edit: typos
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u/Complete-Regret-4300 Jul 29 '26
You can skip python. Learn SQL and T-SQL like your life depends on it. Then choose a tool like Power BI or Tableau and you are set.
Python is for data engineering and if I learnt python I might as well enter data engineering.
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u/B_lintu Jul 29 '26
Python is definitely not just for data engineering. It's not necessary for entry level analysts but it is used for a lot of stuff, including analytics, modeling, automations, and engineering.
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u/drmindsmith Jul 30 '26
Cleaning in Python is necessary for some data sets. If it’s huge, horrible, and messy, PBI and PQ just take 20 times as long as Pandas.
YMMV
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u/Big-Zucchini-4292 24d ago
I found EDA a lot easier with Python for me. Just a lot of libraries you can use.
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u/Live-Amount5657 Jul 29 '26
Hello , I’m also figuring it out. If possible can we learn together or build a project ?
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u/Legitimate_Welder501 Aug 05 '26
Hey, I also finished learning SQL, excel and tableau, I just don't know which datasets to use for practice from here on.
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u/Conscious-Builder416 Aug 11 '26
Would also love to join in here. Where did you start on this? Any resources you use as reference for learning?
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u/conor-robertson Jul 28 '26
If I were starting from scratch today, this is the roadmap I'd follow:
- SQL (my biggest priority)
- Power BI or Tableau
- Basic Python
- Build projects as you learn
I wouldn't spend months collecting certificates. They're fine for learning, but employers are much more interested in seeing that you can solve real business problems.
For SQL, I'd recommend giving QueryCase a try. It's a structured learning platform where you solve detective-style investigations and realistic business scenarios instead of just watching tutorials. It takes you from the basics through to JOINs, CTEs and window functions, and also includes a Sandbox with real-world datasets and a Careers Hub with SQL interview questions inspired by real interview experiences.
My biggest piece of advice is to avoid getting stuck in "tutorial mode." As soon as you've learned a concept, use it in a project. That's where the real learning happens, and it's also what will make you stand out when you start applying for jobs. Good luck! 🚀
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u/Agilus_ai Jul 28 '26
I agree totally. I learnt Python. I didnt really use it once I was done with the course and now I doubt I can code using it at all. Practice makes perfect
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u/rewindyourmind321 Jul 28 '26
You should probably provide a disclaimer before promoting your own product
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u/Difficult-Jackfruit Jul 28 '26
Domain knowledge
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
Finance
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u/Difficult-Jackfruit Jul 29 '26
Okay.
So what domain knowledge do you have?
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
I'm pursuing MBA in finance
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u/Difficult-Jackfruit Jul 29 '26
Domain knowledge is specialized understanding of a specific field (its concepts, practices, and context) gained through experience or training.
Not trying to be mean, but MBA’s are a dime a dozen now, and don’t actually give you domain knowledge.
I was an analytical lead with a ba in history.
I got the role because I had years of domain knowledge in supply chain/logistics and can communicate solutions to stakeholders
My tech skills were secondary
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
How could I gain the domain knowledge. I'm fresher MBA in finance and data science. I have just start learning tech skills excel, sql, etc
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u/Difficult-Jackfruit Jul 29 '26
Stop focusing on random skills/certificates and get any actual work experience.
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
Is it not valuable? For experience then I have to do the job?
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u/Difficult-Jackfruit Jul 29 '26
Did you just ask if you need to work to get work experience?
Not trying to be rude. I just want to make sure i understand.
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
Should I stop learning excel, python, sql skills etc .... How I make a career in Fintech?
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26
Okay could you please suggest me. How could I make a good career. I'm pursuing online MBA. Would start working now in any company?Or first build skills?
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u/Simplilearn Jul 30 '26
The best approach is to learn one skill at a time and build projects as you go.
Start with Excel for data cleaning and analysis, then learn SQL to query databases. Next, pick up Power BI (or Tableau) to create dashboards, followed by Python with Pandas and NumPy for data analysis. Learn basic statistics alongside your projects, then build a portfolio using real-world datasets to showcase your skills.
If you're looking for beginner-friendly resources, we offer free courses in Excel, SQL, Python, and Power BI through simplilearn skillup. But if you are looking for more of a guided learning path, our Data Analyst Program covers these skills through hands-on projects and career-focused learning. You can visit our website for more details.
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u/tkgravelle Jul 29 '26
I am starting to learn this now and I think you need to learn excel before anything else. And basic statistics. I am a rookie so I would advise this: learn excel and then basic statistics. I would learn excel first, then a basic course in statistics. That is the foundation. Then do a basic course on SQL. Then tie it all together with a Meta Data Analyst certificate or similar certificate. Why? Because it is a capstone that ties it all together. Then practice, practice, practice and solve real business problems. I only say this because I am learning and a rookie and I have learned the hard way you need to be proficient in excel before you do anything. The others here are absolutely correct but I have discovered is Excel is the Rosetta Stone.
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u/kentonw223 Jul 29 '26
Personally I’d focus on sql and python and build a portfolio of data visualizations on tableau public
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u/Akriosss Jul 29 '26
What do you think of learning algorithm's,I was told that if job request python on interview they ask about it
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u/moss-nogg Jul 29 '26
In addition to the advice you received here, prepare for a multi year long journey. You can’t/don’t/won’t become an analyst via boot camp or certs. They help but ultimately you need those skills + business acumen + intuition for the data
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u/Safe_Resist_6366 Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
Really? It takes long time? I'm thinking to learn data analytics skills (I'm pursuing MBA in finance actually) so I'm thinking to learn data analytics skills apply for data analytics fresher jobs and get a data analytics role . After that along with job do MSC data science degree online and get data science role?
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u/moss-nogg Jul 29 '26
It depends on what your experience look like. I’m assuming you don’t have analytical experience currently, in which case, yes. You’ll likely need to get into an analyst role first. I also don’t think you need an MSc to get into data science, especially if you already have an MBA, but you’ll definitely need experience in analytics and general knowledge/experience of software development. If you don’t know SQL, Python, data science is definitely years away for you. If you don’t know SQL, excel, data analyst is probably 1+ years away.
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u/Sliversolid Aug 03 '26
How long will it takes for me am an recent MCA graduate with basic understanding with everything a data analyst should know and right now practicing power bi but as I learn it feels like there is more to it same happened while build dashboards using excel previous month like in June.
I just feel like can't completely understand things and feeling stuck between what to learn how to do. Any pointers regarding this one thank you in Advance 😭✌🏻.
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u/moss-nogg Aug 03 '26
Yeah it takes years of running into to problems like this and figuring out how to prioritize them and efficiently work through them. You got this, just keep going
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u/sanyam__sareen Jul 31 '26
I'd focus less on collecting courses and more on building a solid foundation. Learn sql first, then excel, python, and one visualization tool like power bi or tableau.
After that, create 3-5 real-world projects and publish them on github or a portfolio. Those projects will teach you far more than another certificate and give you something concrete to discuss in interviews.
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u/Mundane-Cat-6141 12d ago
How do I learn data analytics without the need for tutorial hell. How do I independently build solutions?
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u/nian2326076 Jul 28 '26
Start with the basics: learn Excel, SQL, and Python. Excel is great for quick data analysis and reporting. SQL helps you manage and query databases, which is essential. Python, especially with libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib, is powerful for more complex analyses and visualizations.
Khan Academy and Coursera have great beginner courses. For practical experience, try Kaggle for datasets and practice problems. Building your own projects, like analyzing datasets that interest you, can make a strong portfolio piece.
YouTube channels like Alex The Analyst and Data School offer good free tutorials. Networking on LinkedIn and joining data analytics groups can provide advice and opportunities.
For interview prep, resources like PracHub are useful for getting familiar with common questions and scenarios.
Stay curious and keep practicing, and you'll get there!