This blog post summarizes a video by Brian Knight, a seasoned data expert with nearly 30 years of experience, who outlines a six-month roadmap to becoming a data analyst.
Excel is a mission-critical tool that benefits any career path. Starting with personal data, like monthly spending, helps build foundational skills. Free datasets are available on data.gov and Kaggle.com. Pragmatic Works also offers a free Excel class.
SQL is essential for querying databases. Beginners can start with W3 Schools or install Microsoft SQL Server Developer Edition. Pragmatic Works provides a free TSQL course.
Power BI is the leading visualization tool in corporate America. It’s free to download and supported by many free classes from Pragmatic Works. Microsoft also offers “Dashboard in a Day” live sessions globally.
DAX enables advanced analytics in Power BI. Once proficient, pursue the PL-300 certification to validate your skills and enhance your LinkedIn profile.
Stand out by showcasing your work. Include Excel spreadsheets, SQL queries, and Power BI dashboards. Use Kaggle challenges to build your portfolio and consider volunteering for nonprofits to gain real-world experience.
Use tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to simulate interviews. Practice answering questions and refine your responses to reduce anxiety and improve performance.
Brian Knight emphasizes accountability and community as keys to success. He encourages learners to share their goals and progress in the video comments to inspire and learn from each other.
Follow this roadmap and you’ll be well on your way to landing your first data analyst role—and possibly advancing to roles like data scientist or manager in the future.
Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Dax and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.