Dear Aspiring Data Analyst: Stop Listening to This Advice
No enemy is worse than bad advice ― Sophocles
You do not become a data analyst in isolation; you become one by feeding off information and knowledge from other people. The good news is that there is a lot of information out there (e.g., online forums, social media). The bad news is that, while most of it is helpful, there is a lot of advice that aspiring data analysts must avoid. Aspiring data analysts must be cautious of bad advice that can derail their career growth.
In this article, I will look at five pieces of advice that may be counterproductive to your career growth and that you must avoid if you are aspiring to become a data analyst.
1. "Learning Python to Become a Data Analyst is a Waste of Time"
This has to be one of the most ridiculous things that I have heard. What makes it even more ridiculous is that it comes from people who claim to have skin in the game. While it is true that some roles or those focused on specific domains (e.g., finance) might prioritize other skills like SQL or business acumen and not Python, online job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor show percentages in the range of 60–70% of data analyst jobs listing Python as a requirement or preferred skill. Reports from tech recruiters or training providers suggest even higher numbers, reaching 80% or more. So do not let anyone discourage you from learning Python. In my own experience, adding Python to my resume significantly increased recruiter outreach. Python is the key to future-proofing your career. As the field of data analysis evolves, skills in Python open doors to advanced analytics, machine learning, and data science roles. Neglecting Python can limit career growth opportunities. My advice is that you should learn both SQL and Python.
