With a rise in digital transformation, the demand for data jobs is at an all-time high. But what skills are the most in-demand in the world of data? Here are some important skills you need to have to help you land a job.
Hard Skills
SQL (Structured Query Language)
SQL is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and therefore you need to be able to understand it in order to retrieve and manipulate data. All Data Analysts will need to use SQL to access data from a company’s database making it one of the most required skills to learn. It is more than likely you will be asked to demonstrate this skill in an interview for a Data Analyst.
Other Programming Languages include Python and R
These are both open-source programming languages, Python was originally designed for website development, software development and mobile apps. R is used for statistical computing and data visualisation. There are many more programming languages available, so it is important to check what it is that your employer uses.
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is used for data analysis and is a is a great tool for small set data to help be gather and structure into an understandable and impressive format.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a type of AI that uses algorithms and statistics to find patterns in big data. To be able to understand machine learning is a key skill for Data Scientists as it helps with decisions making and predictive insights.
Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence is a term used for the different tools and processes used to enhance all aspects of a company’s decision making. It is fact-based and uses historical data to help with data-driven decisions. Some of those process include:
- Data Management
- Data Visualisation
- Data Modelling
Data management involves being able to collect and organise data that can be analysed used for making business decisions.
Data visualisation involves using tools including Tableau or Google Charts. These platforms allow you to create a variety of visual elements including charts, graphs and maps that help represent data in a clearer format.
Data Modelling involves creating a diagram of the various sources that make up the database solutions. This will help a company better understand their data flow, it will help to highlight strengths and weaknesses in a system.
Click here to view Business Intelligence Roles
Soft Skills
Communication Skills
When it comes to insightful data you need to be able to communicate the meaning behind it to your colleagues. As a Data Scientist you may be asked to do a presentation based on your predictions and findings and therefore being able to understand who your audience is and how best to communicate with them in a way that is not too overwhelming.
Critical Thinking
This is a key skill for any data job, especially in data analytics. You will need to be able to examine and interpret data, as well as analyse problems objectively before constructing your own opinion that can be valuable to the development of a company’s processes.
Business Acumen
Business Acumen refers to being able to understand the strategy and operations behind a company’s development. More companies are making data-driven decisions to help achieve their goals and objectives. Therefore, being able to demonstrate your business acumen to your employer will make you stand out from the crowd.
These are just some of the data skills to think about when applying for a data job. It is possible to get a data job without a degree however, it is advised you have knowledge and experience of specific skills. If you want to improve your hard skills, there are a range of online courses you can undertake.