Analytics education requires technical proficiency, critical thinking, and data manipulation skills. Formal training and on-the-job experience are necessary, and courses are available from universities, vendors, and professional associations. Independent study options are also available.
The best analytics education provides you with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills you need to be successful in an analytics position. The term “analysis” is used to describe how an organization uses existing data as part of its decision making process. The data used varies widely, depending on the setting and context of the decisions being made. For example, a research project will use analytics to review data from the study, and a business will use analytics to review customer behavior.
Technical proficiency encompasses three specific skill sets: software proficiency, data manipulation, and database management. All three of these skills are required to effectively build queries, review reports for validity, and confirm the accuracy of system results. A combination of formal analytical training and on-the-job experience is the most common way to achieve the required level of expertise.
There are several analysis programs available, depending on the industry and system architecture. User reference guides, online demonstrations, and short courses are the most popular ways to complete your analytics software training. Take the time to read through the prerequisites and make sure you have the skills to follow the material. The concepts used in this type of work are very complex and people without sufficient background will become very frustrated. These courses are usually provided by the vendor or organization that purchased the software.
Data manipulation and database management techniques are solution agnostic and are essential skills in analytics. This type of training is not tied to any specific software but is offered on a more theoretical level. Courses offered by a university as part of a statistical certificate or program are an ideal way to obtain this type of analytical training. Invest the time to learn the keywords and phrases common to this discipline before class to avoid confusion.
Critical thinking courses are available from a variety of colleges, universities and professional associations. Research each program carefully and select the institution that offers accredited programs through a number of delivery methods. Online courses should include a variety of discussion tools to encourage communication with both the instructor and fellow students. Classroom courses are generally offered evenings and weekends to fit the schedules of working students.
There are many books, magazines, free online courses, and seminars covering analytic training topics. These independent study options are a great way to gain background information or enhance existing skills. Research the background of the author or creator of the material to ensure that the data is correct and that the techniques discussed are accepted in the industry.
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