4 in-demand skills for Data Analysts in 2024

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for skills in data analysis and 2024 looks set to continue with that trend.

If you are currently working with data or looking to move into that role, here are 4 in-demand skills that you should be focusing on for 2024:

1. Python

Statistical programming languages are essential tools for the analysis and interpretation of large datasets. Python has become very popular amongst data analysts in recent years. It is very versatile and is considered relatively easy to learn. According to Statista, it was the third most used language of 2023, behind Javascript and HTML/CSS.  It offers a wide range of libraries and tools for manipulating, visualizing, and modeling data. Libraries like NumPy and Pandas are ideal for exploratory data analysis, other libraries such as Plotly and Matplotlib are used to visualize the data.

2. Excel

It is hard to ignore Excel as the staple diet for anyone who works with data on a regular basis. It is estimated that over 1 billion people worldwide are Excel users. It is of course, limited to just over 1 million rows of data, but if that is all you need, then it offers a range of excellent tools such as Power Query for cleansing, Pivot Tables for analysis and a range of chart types for visualization. It is easy to learn and with the help of a wide range of functions, including new Array functions in Office 365, it is still unarguably one of the most versatile and user-friendly tools available to help work with data. It has been around for years and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for the foreseeable future.

3. Tableau or Power BI

Although tools such as Excel or Python will help cleanse, analyze and visualize data efficiently, Tableau or Power BI will enable you to transform the results of your analysis into stunning visualizations, dashboards and engaging business intelligence reports. They are both user-friendly with a range of customizations which allow you to build interactive reports which tell a compelling story with the data.

4. Communication and Presentation Skills

A Data Analysts’ job does not end once the analysis is done. The presentation and communication of the key insights must be given to the stakeholders involved. Strong communication skills are needed to present the findings in an informative and engaging way and which is relevant to all those involved. This is a skill which cannot be ignored. You may have carried out the most complex of tasks in order to cleanse the data and have created some stunning visualizations, but if you cannot present your audience with the relevant information in a way which is easy to understand, then the analysis is worthless.

Our workplace Data Analytics training programs not only help learners to build confidence with best practices on programs such as Python, Excel, Power BI and Tableau, but also empowers learners to extract data insights that drive real value at their organizations.