🔍 1. Data Analyst – The Storyteller
What they do: Clean data, build dashboards, find insights, and explain what’s going on in the numbers.
Great if you enjoy:
- Solving real business problems
- Using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau
- Communicating with teams
Starter tools: Excel, SQL, Power BI, Google Sheets
🧠 2. Data Scientist – The Experimenter
What they do: Use stats and code to build models, run experiments, and forecast outcomes.
Great if you enjoy:
- Coding (Python, R)
- Working with data science or machine learning
- Testing ideas and predicting outcomes
Starter tools: Python, Jupyter Notebooks, Pandas, Scikit-learn
🛠️ 3. Data Engineer – The Builder
What they do: Create and maintain the pipelines and systems that move data around.
Great if you enjoy:
- Backend systems
- Solving technical puzzles
- Making things work behind the scenes
Starter tools: SQL, Python, Apache Airflow, Databases, Cloud Platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)
🧾 4. Business Intelligence (BI) Developer – The Dashboard Pro
What they do: Build advanced reports and dashboards that help companies make data-driven decisions.
Great if you enjoy:
- Working with business teams
- Building sleek visuals and tools
- Making data accessible
Starter tools: Power BI, Tableau, DAX, SQL
📦 5. Data Product Manager – The Organizer
What they do: Manage data projects, coordinate teams, and define what data products need to be built.
Great if you enjoy:
- Strategy and planning
- Talking to stakeholders
- Managing timelines and priorities
Starter tools: Communication tools (Slack, JIRA), Notion, Spreadsheets, light data analysis
🚀 Where Should You Begin?
You don’t have to pick a perfect path right away. Here’s how to get started:
- Learn some basic Excel and SQL
- Take a beginner course on Power BI or Python
- Follow data blogs (like this one!)
- Try small projects: analyze your spending, clean up a messy spreadsheet, build a simple dashboard
Most people start as a data analyst and then specialize over time. The important thing is to begin — the rest will come as you gain confidence and curiosity.
💡 Final Thought
You don’t need a computer science degree to break into data. What you do need is a data mindset: curiosity, problem-solving, and a willingness to keep learning.
🔗 YouTube Channels & Playlists
Alex The Analyst – Data Analyst Full Course (Free)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQQR60KtnFY
🌐 Web Resources
CareerFoundry – How to Become a Data Analyst (Beginner Guide)
https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/data-analytics/how-to-become-a-data-analyst/