The popularity of data analysis tools has grown significantly over the last few years, with a growth in companies that need help from data scientists. As such, the number of companies offering these types of business analyst jobs have also increased exponentially.
Of course, this influx of people looking for these kinds of positions means there are more and more opportunities to apply for these jobs which leads to a lot more competition and a lot less jobs being available.
Ten reasons why you are a rookie in data analysis tools are:
1. You are not familiar with the available tools
Aside from the person that has their finger on the pulse of all things data analysis, there are definitely people who are not familiar with any of the available tools making it harder for them to get hired.
2. You never received any training on using these data analysis tools
This is obviously a given. You need to learn how to use data analysis tools if you want to be able to get a real job in this industry. Otherwise, you are just going to look like a rookie out of the gate if you can’t even open up Excel and create a pivot table. While this may be an entry level position for some companies, most others expect more from their employees especially if they are not trained in any of these areas.
3. You do not understand the capabilities and limitations of these tools
It is very common to be asked if you know what a tool can do and how it works only to have the person behind the desk know even less. With all the different tools there are out there, a lot of what your boss is asking for does not make sense because he or she has no idea how these tools operate and what they are capable of.
4. You only know one tool and its limits, you do not know other tools that can be used for a similar task
Yes, you read that right, if you only know one tool and that is the only one available to you in the hope of getting hired, then it will be next to impossible to get hired. If your boss asks for a pivot table with 3 different fields, you might say ok but at the end of the day he or she wants an answer. If you don’t know how to do that then how are you going to respond? You may be able to make an Excel pivot table but that is all. This can be a real show stopper at interviews.
5. You think these tools are only for data analysis
If you don’t know how to use data analysis tools, then that puts an immediate stop to your career goals. If you rely on the tool and that is all you know, there is no room for growth and eventually it will catch up with you when someone else comes along that knows how to do their job better.
6. You are not proficient enough in the tool of choice to set up complex data analysis projects on your own
While you may know how to run a simple analysis with one tool and get accurate results, what happens when your boss wants something different or he wants you to use another tool. You are going to have to ask questions and even then, you may not be able to figure out what he wants.
7. You only know how to do the work that has already been done
One of the biggest rookie mistakes data analysts make is thinking they can simply run an analysis and that will be it. In most cases, data analysts are required to set up the entire project plan which means they must document everything from beginning to end as well as ensure all problems are addressed before any analysis begins.
8. Your modelling techniques are too limited and cannot cope with complicated data problems
Even with the best modelling technique in the world, you will still have to come up with a set of questions and problems that can be addressed with that tool. If you are new to data analysis tools, then it will be almost impossible to come up with questions like this and make it work in your favour.
9. You do not know enough about the company’s data requirements
It is very easy to overlook this when an employer has only asked “How can we use this one thing”. However, you run into problems if they only ask for sample data or require a data model but it is not clear what they want from a problem solving point of view.
10. You think you already know it all
Another common rookie mistake is thinking you know enough about data analysis tools to get hired or for them to be impressed with your knowledge. In most cases, you need to learn the ins and outs of these tools by sitting in on training sessions and even attempting some minor projects on your own.
Conclusion:
To avoid the rookie mistakes in getting hired as a Data Analyst, you should seek out training from an expert who can help you gain the experience and knowledge that will put yourself above all the other Rookies. It will be a long journey, but you need to keep in mind that the end result is a better job that will help you build your data analysis career.
