Key skills that Data Professionals must have

Every organization needs professionals with technical and analytical skills to make pragmatic business decisions. There are a number of responsibilities that a data analyst has to fulfill while working on various projects. They communicate and work with the technology teams or the management to set and achieve certain objectives. Not just this, they gather data from both primary and secondary sources and reorganize it to make it more understandable. Data experts also interpret data with the help of statistical tools, identify trends, make predictions, prepare documentations and reports for the stakeholders. However, in this blog we will be discussing the key skills and expertise that are required for the process of data analysis.

When you have large data sets to analyze, leadership skills are equally important to technical skills because they help you in problem solving and decision making. Now let’s explore other skills that are needed for data analysis:

1.      Data cleaning and preparation skills

Data cleaning is a lengthy process where you have to prepare the data for analysis. Data Analysts should be able to retrieve data from multiple sources. They also have to filter out all the information, fill the missing values and remove errors for accuracy. Only then you can perform further analysis.

2.      Data analysis, exploration and visual skills

As a data analyst you should have a clear understanding of the data. You have to be proficient enough to analyze large data sets in order to identify trends, patterns, characteristics as well as to check assumptions. For this, analysts must be well acquainted with various data visualization tools or statistical techniques and should be able to use them in an effective way. Visual communication skills in the form of charts, graphs, maps and plots are required to present findings to the management because they might not be able to comprehend the complexities of raw data.

3.      Statistical, critical thinking and communication skills

A strong grip over probability and statistics is important to perform a valid analysis and to minimize the chances of logical errors. Data analysts must have a broad vision to look beyond the data and provide clear cut implications and insights. Apart from that, communication in written (diagrams or figures etc.), non-verb (gestures and body language), or verbal form (speaking or listening) is needed to interact with the clients or the executives to propose recommendations or findings. 

4.      Proficiency at using spreadsheet software 

Data analysts should have an in-depth knowledge of spreadsheet software, its functions and formulas. It allows you to convert raw data into readable and understandable form such as graphs or tables. Many businesses depend on it for quick analytics and to manage their databases.

There are many other skills that data analysts should learn and possess in order to present reliable information to the company so that it can act accordingly and make decisions.