How to get a data analyst job

To get a data analyst job, you must get a bachelor's degree in computer science or attend a tech-based bootcamp, work on projects with real data, and build a portfolio of your work. Here is a closer look at these steps and others you can take to get a data analyst job:

• Education

  Most data analyst positions still require a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or another related field. An advanced degree is a great option if you eventually want to become a data scientist, while certifications, like Certified Analytics Professional, help you qualify for more senior positions that earn higher salaries.

• Bootcamp option

  A tech-based bootcamp gives you plenty of hands-on experience and is a chance to start building your work portfolio while you are training.

• Work on projects with real data

  Before you apply for a job, make sure you practice on projects with real data. These can be self-imposed projects. The important part is that you are using data from the real world, such as data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or data from NASA.

• Build a strong work portfolio

  Here are some general tips for building your data analyst work portfolio:

  • Get data from a variety of sources

  • Normalize and clean raw data

  • Make assertions with your data that can be acted upon