The role of a Data Analyst

These skills make a data analyst successful

Data analysts must be strong in both analytics and communication. These are the most important competences that every data analyst requires:

• Data-driven thinking: Data analysts recognize patterns and trends in complex data sets and translate these into usable insights. 

• Knowledge of tools and programming: Data analysts use SQL and Python for data analysis. They visualize findings in Power BI or Tableau. 

• Understandable storytelling: By transposing numbers and analyzes into a clear story, data analysts can advise stakeholders clearly on the basis of data. 

• Problem-solving capacity: By quickly establishing correlations and interpreting data effectively, data analysts can suggest well-founded decisions and improvements. 

• Communicative skills: A good data analyst actively obtains the requirements from the business and ensures that solutions align with their needs. 

• Link with the business: By listening closely and with focused questioning, data analysts ensure that solutions align with what an organization truly needs (requirements). 

With these skills, data analysts can provide valuable insights that help organizations make data-driven decisions. 

Essential professional knowledge for a data analyst

How do you become a data analyst? To be successful in this profession, it’s important to be on top of the most recent analysis methods and technologies. Certifications and training courses in topics such as SQL, Power BI and machine learning help you obtain profound insight into data analysis and in how to apply this knowledge effectively.

• Microsoft Power BI certification: Power BI is a popular tool for data visualization that helps present information in an understandable way. 
• Machine learning and data science: For advanced analytical techniques that help organizations make predictions based on historical data. 
• GenAI for data professionals: Data analysts work more productively and efficiently using generative AI tools. Consider, for example, generating DAX code more rapidly in Power BI or accelerating data preparation and documentation. 
• Microsoft Fabric (DP-600 and DP-700): Microsoft Fabric allows you to develop data analyses by means of Fabric Data flows, pipelines and notebooks – ideal for setting up scalable analysis assets. 
• SQL: This programming language helps database analysts manage databases more efficiently and write queries for data analysis. 

With this knowledge and the certifications, you can become a data analyst and tackle complex data issues. 

The must-have training course(s) for data analysts

Would you like to become a data analyst or hone your skills? There are several training courses that, together, provide a solid foundation. These training courses provide insight into the entire process of data collection, analysis, modeling and visualization. Essential for anyone wanting to make a difference with data:

• Introduction to data analysis: Learn how to turn data into insights and how to perform meaningful analyses using such tools as Microsoft Excel and Power BI. This training course provides the ideal foundation for anyone who wants to get started with data in a practical way. 
• Introduction to data science: Discover the world of algorithms, machine learning and advanced analyses. You learn not only to describe what has happened, but also to predict what may yet happen. 
• Data visualization: Learn to make dashboards that not only inform, but also convince. You translate raw numbers into visual stories that truly resonate. 
• Dimensional Modeling: Learn to structure data for reports and analysis, with recognizable business dimensions. Ideal for anyone working in business intelligence or data warehouses who wants to model intelligently. 

View all of the data analyst training courses at Capgemini

Capgemini Academy offers a range of training courses for data analysts – from beginners to advanced – who give meaning to the profession of data analyst. With all Capgemini training courses, you receive a digital badge as proof of participation. Many courses also include an official exam and certification.

What is data analysis? Here’s an overview of the training courses, from the basics to specialization. 

Orientation and basic knowledge 

• Introduction to data-driven working: Inexperienced working with data? Then this is your starting line. You learn what data-driven working means and what you can do with this in your organization. 
• Introduction to Data Management based on DMBOK: Do you want to understand the entire landscape of data? This training provides a solid basis for such topics as data governance, metadata and data quality. 
• Data analytics – the basis: This training shows you how to deploy data for analysis and decision-making. Ideal for starters who want to learn how to think in terms of data patterns and KPIs. 
• Introduction to Data Analysis: Learn how to obtain valuable insights from data using such tools as Excel and Power BI. A practical and accessible step toward the role of data analyst. 
• Introduction to Data Science: Get acquainted with machine learning and algorithms. You learn not only how to reflect, but also to predict using data. 
• Data visualization: Discover how you can make convincing dashboards and visualize complex information simply. Essential if you wish to share your analyses with stakeholders. 
• Dimensional Modeling: Learn to structure data for reports and dashboards. Perfect for anyone working with BI tools or data warehouses. 

Advanced training and certification 

• Introduction to Python: Learn the basics of programming with Python – a tool often used in data analysis and data science. 
• PL-300 – Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst: Immerse yourself in Power BI as a powerful tool for data visualization and reporting. This training is ideal for those who work with Microsoft 365 environments on a daily basis. 
• DP-900 – Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Gain insight into cloud data solutions. This training course is a good basis for working with Azure 

Future-focused working 

• GenAI for data professionals: You first learn the profession of data analyst; only then do you learn how to deploy generative AI effectively. This training course prepares you for the fundamental changes in the way of working with data. 

Personal skills for data analysts

As a data analyst, you work on the cutting edge of data and decision-making. This demands more than just technical knowledge. These training courses will help you excel in both communication and personal skills.

Essential personal skills training courses 

• Consultancy skills – communicating: Learn to communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders and clients, even about complex messages. 
  Pyramid Principle: Build logical, convincing arguments and present your analysis in a structure that is remembered. 
• Fundamentals of presenting professionally: Learn to present your story powerfully and with confidence – from dashboards to boardroom. 

Important personal skills training courses 

• Cooperating in a team: Do you work in multidisciplinary teams? This training will help you improve your collaboration and interaction. 
• Storytelling: Transpose data into stories that convince and activate – essential for every data presentation. 
• Realistic Persuasion: Convey your insights convincingly, with respect for your audience and mindful of resistance. 

Extra personal skills training 

• Professional Presenting – Advanced: For those who have mastered the basics and want to excel in high-level presentations – to senior stakeholders, for example. 

Our experienced professionals are ready to share their knowledge and expertise with you! 

Do you have questions about the role of the data analyst or about which training fits best for you? Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be glad to share thoughts with you – also if you’re looking for custom courses for yourself or for your team.