So you’ve been itching to grow within your organization or switch jobs. You did your research, and you want to become a data analyst. It makes sense, as the demand for data analysts is booming, and it’s a top career choice. But there’s just one problem. You don’t have the technical skills, experience, or college degree to get an entry-level data analyst job or be promoted to an analyst role in your current organization.
We have good news for you – becoming an entry-level data analyst without experience or a college degree is possible. This article will explain how to explore a career in data analytics and provide resume examples that worked for Pathstream students!
Why it’s possible to get an entry-level data analyst job with no previous experience or college degree?
Many employers are open to hiring candidates without prior experience or a degree, and we’ve seen it happen repeatedly. Here’s why the data analytics field is more accessible than you might think:
- Rapid Industry Growth: The data industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate, creating many job opportunities. With technology generating more data than ever, companies need skilled data analysts to turn that information into actionable insights. Demand for data analysts is expected to grow by 12.3% over the next decade (Burning Glass Technologies), making this the perfect time to pivot into this career.
- Transferable Skills: Many soft skills you’ve developed in your current or previous roles are essential in data analytics. For example, if you’re a team lead with excellent communication skills, those are directly transferable to data analytics, where presenting findings to stakeholders is key. Chances are, you already possess several skills needed for an entry-level data analyst position.
8 Steps to Becoming a Data Analyst Without a College Degree or Experience
Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills
Start by auditing the skills you’ve acquired throughout your career. Think about how these skills might transfer to a data analytics role. Common soft skills needed in data analytics include communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
Step 2: Learn the Technical Skills
Identify your skills gaps by researching the “Top Skills Data Analysts Need.” Then, look for courses to bridge those gaps. You can opt for self-paced learning through free online classes or consider more structured certificate programs for guided learning.
Step 3: Consider a Certificate Program
You don’t need a traditional degree to become a data analyst, but you do need to build technical skills and foundational knowledge. Certificate programs are an efficient way to do this. The best programs are project-based and offer career services to help you navigate the job market.
Why Choose a Certificate Program?
- Hands-on curriculum to master skills through practice
- Build a portfolio of real projects to showcase your experience
- Access to career guidance and resources
- More affordable than returning to college
Pro Tip: If cost is a concern, explore your employer’s education benefits. You may be eligible for tuition reimbursement or other financial support.
Step 4: Develop a Data Analyst Portfolio
Without experience, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate your capabilities. Employers want to see proof that you can apply what you’ve learned to real projects. Build your portfolio with projects from your certificate program, freelance work, or volunteer opportunities with small businesses or nonprofits.
Key Projects to Include:
- Data scraping from various sources
- Data cleaning and preparation
- Data visualization
- Actionable insights extraction
Ready to start your portfolio? Check out our guide to building a Data Analyst portfolio that gets you hired.
Step 5: Build Your Data Analytics Network
Create a shortlist of companies you’d like to work for and schedule regular check-ins on their job boards. Networking is also key, so don’t hesitate to contact employees at your target companies for informational interviews.
Step 6: Focus Your Effort on Top Industries Hiring
If you’re not tied to a specific industry, target sectors with the highest demand for data analysts. For 2024, the top industries include:
- Business Intelligence (BI)
- Finance
- Healthcare
- E-commerce
- Telecommunications
Learn more about the top industries and companies hiring data analysts here.
Step 7: Update your resume.
Once you find a job posting that excites you, tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the job requirements. Be sure to proofread your resume and seek feedback to ensure it’s polished.
Helpful Resources:
Step 8: Prepare for your first data analyst interview.
Great job; you lined up a few interviews! This last tip will help you set yourself up for success and prepare to ace the interview. Most companies will set up a 30-40 minutes phone screen with their recruiters or hiring managers. This interview helps them understand your background and potential fit for the role. We put together a few blog posts to help you stand out during your interview for an entry-level data analyst role.
Check out and click here to download our resume examples below!
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