Data Analyst Q/A #6 | Why Am I Not a Data Scientist?

[@LukeBarousse]

Heck yeah, thank you for answering my question Alex! I'm always curious on what others in our field are planning next in their careers. I'm also a little unsure as well on where I want to go next, so it was refreshing to hear that others are encompassing the same thoughts and issues when planning for the future. Keep up the content! P.S. Regarding my first question (Python vs R), IMHO I would have installed Pandas first... ha!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Haha same :D Yeah it's just strange to think about because I'm so comfortable right now, but I do want to continue to grow. Also, loving your content - watched the R vs Python skit you did and really liked it :D

[@LukeBarousse]

​@@AlexTheAnalyst Awe thank you for checking the video out! Hoping to have more content like this in the future (obviously mixed in with actual informative stuff... hahaha)

[@DataProfessor]

17:49 It’s awesome how you’re crystal clear on your passion! Great video Alex!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Thanks man! I really appreciate! :D

[@KenJee_ds]

He's not a data scientist because I have monopolized all the data science.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Get off my channel Ken

[@timbatman1958]

I am currently a data analyst in a data science department. Personally I enjoy putting data together to tell a story more than building predictive models. I've never felt the need to jump into being an official data scientist

[@harisjaved1379]

The thing is that data analyst and data scientist are very different things. I was a data scientist for 3 years, our department got consolidated and I was let go. Due to extremely high work requirements for a data scientist I actually was looking at a data analyst role and quickly learned that I have never built KPIs, SSRS reports, and very basic forecasting. In one of my interviews I was given a task to do some simple EDA on a medical dataset. When I was done with the task, I actually built a pretty solid XGboost / Classification Models in Python ##(I know python, R, MATLAB, SQL and have written my own packages, cleanup functions) ## including the requested data cleanup EDA. In presenting my findings the manager and her team were more confused with my analysis than anything else. Needless to say I learned that you can’t go from data scientist to data analyst. Recently I got hired back as a data scientist with a different company.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Very interesting story! That's a valuable perspective

[@harisjaved1379]

@@AlexTheAnalyst thank you Alex, I think going from data analyst to scientist is much more defined compared to the other way.

[@katherinegarciacruz370]

It was very refreshing to hear that a data Analyst not necessarily needs to become a data scientist. I share the same feeling more towards data engineering and with this video I have realized that I am not crazy for thinking about it hahaha

[@khaledbarakat5934]

This is really the most authentic Q&A video I'v ever watched, love your content and wishing you the best of luck on your new role

[@piyushpancheshwar9017]

I really appreciate the fact that your answers and reaction to the questions were quite honest and real. I enjoyed and learned a lot while watching this Q & A. Thanks a lot and keep doing it !!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

So glad to hear it!

[@AndrzejFLena]

Wicked, I love your channel man: good to hear an honest opinion about degrees and that you don't just give any old bull about "no regrets" and "just follow your passion", you're open about thinking you could've done better with a different education. Fair enough, I know the feeling! :D Am looking forward to the portfolio video! Peace from UK

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

So glad to hear it man! Thanks for watching and I'm looking forward to making it :D

[@apoorvagupta3371]

Hello, Alex. Great video. I had some questions as well, wanted to clarify some thing. 1) Do you recommend learning T-SQL or PL/SQL as well? 2) What type of datasets to use for a project as a beginner? From a simple dataset to a more intermediate level. 3) How to make sense of data, to spot trends, facts, relationship between them and make inferences? It would be great if you can do a project series. 4) I've been toying with the idea of freelancing. So, if I get a project, how do I go about asking client the questions? Like, what are they looking for or just how do I communicate with them? I have no work experience and honestly this part terrifies me a bit. 5) Suppose a project is at it's end, we have made a report/dashboard. What comes after this? How to convey to the client what insights we have made?

[@Pattymelt-qo6sm]

Hey there! I really appreciate the videos you are putting out. You have helped me a lot in overcoming questioning my own capabilities for a data scientist role. I just recently was accepted into a master's program for data science and you have played a large part in helping me get there! I just wanted to relay a sincere thankyou from a fellow Texan and future data analyst. :)

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

That's awesome! And thank you! Good luck on your Masters!

[@de_da_oo]

Got SQL( a bit beyond basic select snd joins), Tableau and Excel covered, Excel actually pretty well, as I ve worked with it for a year. Now, the hardest part is getting a job! Literally all jobs I'm seeing out there ask for at least two years of experience.. This is the hardest part to deal with. I 'd like to see a video about legit job requirements; I think I ve seen the one, maybe two, about resumes, and the one about totally unrealistic job requirements, but I think I d appreciate more detailed content in this direction. I got laid off last year when the pandemic hit, so I no longer have the option of transitioning, but have to actually start from zero. Getting the skills is half of the task, the other half being applying them; and I find this part much more challenging. But great work so far, I really appreciate your content.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Good idea!

[@AB-we9dh]

Your videos motivate me to work towards my goal! Thankyou Alex

[@dinadieujuste]

Really looking forward to your SQL portfolio video. I searched high and low and I literally couldn’t find anything 😭

[@mehakmaini9243]

I'm new here and found so much related to my career. I wanna be into data analytics and i have to start my learning. Your content has clear my path and has given me such valuable guidance. Thank you! Your channel is the most clear search i gave gone through till now. 🤗

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

So awesome to hear! Thanks for watching! :D

[@rubyal9045]

Thanks Alex. I like how honest you are when answering questions about career and goals.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Thanks Ruby! Thanks for watching :)

[@sujaynazare489]

Hey Alex. Like your videos... The way you present yourself and your thoughts is really appreciable. Last year I was thinking of transitioning my career from an engineer to become a Data analyst. Your videos helped me a lot. Your videos also helped me to choose the right courses and skills. And now I have all the right skillset to become a data analyst. Thanks! 😄

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

So glad to hear it!

[@ryanwong4315]

Great video! I really liked that you shared your thoughts on why you prefer data analyst work over data science work. Keep doing what makes you happy! Anyways, this has motivated me to start my final project in my data analysis course haha

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Thank Ryan! I really appreciate it!

[@louislane318]

As a current data analyst (health informatics analyst) living in Ohio but working (remotely) out of Michigan I can tell you that Alex is correct. Recently had an offer for a data analyst role and the hourly rate was less than $18.00.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I wish I was not correct, but dang that's low! lol

[@pinetworkminer8377]

Louis, do you work at home? In the current age of worldwide pandemic, I would only accept a position if it's work-at-home. Period.

[@louislane318]

@@pinetworkminer8377 Yes I do work from home, this allows me to get a higher salary compared to what is offered in my local area

[@xenophone2006]

Thanks Alex for a great video! I've been sort of slowly working towards Data Science. However, the more I look into the field, the more I see I'm probably better suited for a Data Analysis role. A good part of the reason for my change has been your very informative videos, so thank you. Yes, DA is the sexy cool job everyone is pushing but damn...the MATH! MY GOD, THE MATH!!!!!!! LOL You might as well just add a dual Statistics major along with anything else you're studying. That, and making data models doesn't seem that interesting. Watching your videos (along with Ken Jee and Jen's Career Force videos) has really helped me refine what I should be working towards. Thanks again!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

That's awesome!! Yep - expect a bit of math :)

[@Mustafakazmi]

Bro when are you going to upload the whole series of the SQL videos. I'm looking forward to it.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Soon! Only about 2 more left 😁

[@Baba_kasih]

@@AlexTheAnalyst Can't wait more!

[@bl8413]

Hey Alex, bit of a longer question here with some background information if you have the time: So I am a PhD student in a social science field that stresses quantitative research. Essentially, what this means for me is that we utilize software such as R and STATA heavily, deal with large data sets/merging numerous data sets together, running various regression models, interpreting regression outputs, and running diagnostics on these regressions and engaging in data transformation to resolve any errors in the regression models. (Along with data visualization of descriptive statistics and regression outputs). With all of that being said, my excursions on job hunting websites have led me to so many data analyst positions where it appears that none of the things I practice in academia are advertised as required skills in these respective data analyst positions. Am I simply looking for the wrong type of job? Do different types of data analysts do different things? Is there a uniform set of skills, as opposed to programs you need to know (such as SQL being a must), that practically all data analysts are required to know?

[@lv9265]

Great question, I wonder why he didn't answer it. Have you had any luck with finding work?

[@andydataguy]

New subscriber here! Great channel. I'm a recovering digital advertiser transitioning into becoming a data analyst. Looking forward to diving through the SQL videos that you've made! :D

[@kaczucha3able]

I'm just working on my BA thesis, your videos motivate me since you're so passionate about it!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

That's awesome! Keep up the good work!

[@kaczucha3able]

@@AlexTheAnalyst thank you!

[@girlengineer23]

Big big big thanks for this video. And really looking for your SQl videos and portfolio video. I was just looking to get started in Data Analyst role and help for it and you really are helping me a lot. Hope so I get into my passion!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I'm so glad to hear that! :D I'm looking forward to making them!

[@daniyalmalik2011]

if only i had a teacher like you in my school tysm alex

[@kepstein8888]

I'm more fascinated by data engineering too. The thing most data scientists hate about their job is data cleansing, but that's one of my favorite aspects of being a data analyst.

[@james4727]

Im very excited for the project videos, I think it would be to see a professional run through some examples and use the full technology stack.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Same! I'm looking forward to it as well :)

[@nctarheel0619]

In the Google Certificate, I've learned that being a Data Analyst could be a stepping stone to being a Data Engineer as well. Do you ever get asked about that career path? If so, is it more geared towards programming? Or does it require the necessary math skills like being a Data Scientist? Thanks.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I don't get asked about it that much as most people want to talk about Data Science. I think it's a great place to start though. Data Engineering is much more technical on the database management and data pipelines, but not as heavy on the math.

[@mimsy5750]

You didn't mention Information Systems as a good major so I'll give my experience. I just graduated studying it and learned R, Python, SQL, and an array of database management skills. I think for an analyst, it is better than CS. If you want to be a dev or data scientist, then CS is much better. Hope this helps clarify to anyone deciding between majors

[@JimRohn-u8c]

What about if you wanna be a DBA or Data Engineer

[@mimsy5750]

@@JimRohn-u8c DBA you would be good with an IS degree but engineer I would say CS

[@damondupre5350]

This was great! Thanks, Alex!

[@exrentech]

Hi Alex I see Business Intelligence Engineer and Data Engineer start to become more popular these days. Do you think companies are starting to classified Business Intelligence Engineer as a distinct role than general Data Analyst? Will there be a future for this role?

[@nate22621]

Great answers Alex, thank you!

[@muhammedmustafa605]

If you would please answer my question which is, I have been working as a customer service industry and really I got upset of it, recently I'm studying data analysis from udicty platform, my degree is accounting but I don't like numbers at all, however as far I went through the course I found myself adapted with numeric stuff so I wanted to know when I'm getting deeper into it would it requires me to do more complex mathematics thing, or it is more about mining data and visualize it

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

You can definitely find jobs that are less mathematical. Some jobs require quite a bit of statistics. I think if you can do the basics you should be good!

[@muhammedmustafa605]

@@AlexTheAnalyst so this field has a position that doesn't need that much of mathematical thing, I hope so I will go deeper but anyway the job's concept is incredible

[@ahmedtarek3782]

Great video alex Thank u so much I have found ur channel and it's a big boost for me to link my medical background ( I am a pharmacist working for 3 years now ) with data analysis which I really like cuz the combination of these two set a lot of potentials imo in medical field Currently I am working in data analytics certificate in the second course and at same time I am working in Udacity course ( there are 3 tracks) I am in the Challenger track ( next one is professional and advanced ) Which one u think I should put all my time and effort ( Google or Udacity) cuz feel I am distracted between both switching back and forth ! Hope u can give ur insights I would really appreciate it Best greetings from Egypt

[@robinjones1866]

Thank you so much for these videos. I relate to your career story so much! I was wondering about what a data analyst role can be in the clinical setting. I am a former respiratory therapist and professor of biology and I really want to analyze clinical(patient) data. Not as interested in insurance analysis. Do you know much about how data analysts are used for clinical data, if at all?

[@TheSwengland]

Ive been 3 years into my Journey using mainly tableau. Ive been spoiled by solution architects writing SQL that i visualize. Think its time to learn more SQL!

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Agreed! :D

[@binksterb]

Amen about doing Python first, of course that is the ML mindset.

[@millionaire_minimalist]

Hey Alex. I regret to not have asked this question in AMA. What job role and salary one can expect if one has 2 years of experience in operations and post that a MBA in data analytics concentration? Will he still be considered a fresher?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

It is possible you would still get an entry level role - I think it depends on the type of experience and what tools you used in those roles. With your education you could be looking at more than a normal entry level though. I would expect 55k+ to start.

[@pradyumnberiwal1975]

Hey,i just got an internship as a data analyst in a startup. thanks to you too. but now the problem is how do I progress as a data analyst. could you share some resources to get more insights and better understanding on data.

[@danielsamuel3406]

Please can you share information on how to apply internship for data analytics.

[@GarthVader78]

Hi Alex, thank you for your videos, they are super helpful. I'm not sure where to ask questions; I watched a video today on an intro to stats and near the end of the video he talked about p-value hacking. Do you know about this? I am trying to get into data analysis and am wondering if this sort of stats stuff relates to data analysis roles at all? Thank you again.

[@nordenlashangderpalama8876]

Hey, Alex Thanks for answering my previous question. Do you need to make any notes or revise in order to complete the google data analytics at a high level, or are you just required to watch the videos and do the questions in order to complete the course and gain the certificate? Thanks

[@Jordan-on8wu]

Thank you for the transparency! As far as data science goes, do you think the field is getting hard to break into? Will the field eventually "close"? And if so, when?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Definitely won't close, but yeah it is harder just because it's so popular and there are more people in the job market due to covid

[@2b_outdoors182]

I'm taking a data science specialization rn, currently going through statistical inference. How important is that in terms of data analytics (which is what I think I would like to land a job in)? Also if I already have a decent base in r, (retrieving, cleaning, and graphing data) how important is it to still learn sql?

[@MichaelVash7886]

One thing I haven't figured out is the best way to find data sets to use for practical practice or portfolio projects. Any tips?

[@errolm8313]

Exactly! I'm wondering about starting a project myself.... I'm learning python and am wondering what project I can start with the what knowledge I have

[@t.warren1363]

I recommend looking on government websites. U.S Census, BLS, USDOJ, etc.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I just use Google Datasets or Kaggle - I can find most of what I need there

[@AudioDestinyHQ]

Thanks for the information

[@osito9810]

Hi Alex, when you say " if you have 2 years experience of Data Analyst, you should know a lot", I think in depends where you did it, for example, I started my 2 first experiences working with SAS Software, It was not SQL, I needed after to learn sql, python etc One other stuff, I have a computer science degree, and sometimes I think It was not necessary to do 5 years to do this job, because It was a lot of Math, but really who really cares in Company, It's better to be good in programmation and communication to do this job

[@jacobmark8810]

Really good video! Quick question though, but if you could give a percentage or break down of what data analyst skills you use day to day what would it be?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

40% SQL, 40% Excel, 20% Python :)

[@jacobmark8810]

@@AlexTheAnalyst ok so perfectly balanced as all things should be :) So wait you don't use a data visualization tool in your job like tableau?

[@mokan8358]

You mentioned that you would like to move into a data engineer role, can a data analyst move into a data engineer role?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

For sure - I work alongside Data Engineers all the time - I'm picking up a lot of what they do and how they do it and what things to learn at home.

[@michelleclifton4745]

Would you be able to talk about what I can do to get from mid level analyst to senior level? Or is it purely on experience?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Mostly experience, domain knowledge, and growing your technical/soft skills. Genuinely experience and growing in those aspects will take you to the senior level.

[@jhoneduardo15]

Ohio - yeah you are right, we don't get pay that much lol.. I have compared my salary with other states and we don't make that much.. what do you think about micro masters from MIT and Harvard?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Haha :) I don't know much about them to be honest. Do you have a link? Sounds interesting.

[@mariodjameh]

Hey Alex. Big fan. Awesome video. How does the Google data analytics certification compare with the data analytics or data science track on datacamp? Thanks

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I think there is a difference in what I would be learning in each. For the Google cert I would be taking it for the core skills and job help. For DataCamp I would use it for a lot of other skills like Data pipelines, ETL, ML, etc. - all the things that aren't covered in the cert.

[@abythomas6803]

Please do a video on projects that can help a person stand out in an entry level role. Also take us through all the steps so that we can have a idea on how to do our own projects.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Coming soon!

[@abythomas6803]

@@AlexTheAnalyst looking forward for it. ⚡

[@iitian2012]

heyy Alex.... Is front end engineering has more number of job opportunities that Data analytics/engineering??

[@themichael7400]

Hi, Alex, I hope you ar doing well. Do you think that being 30 years old with no experience apart from excel is a huge liability if I want to start learning data analyst skills and potentially look for a job as one? Keep up the amazing channel!

[@sabrina.natalie]

No, 30 is definitely not “too old”. Too old is not even existent. You’ve got this! Go for it! 💕

[@themichael7400]

​@@sabrina.natalie Thank you for your kind comment. I'll do my best!

[@A_B718]

Do you think data analyst job will be automated with AI?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Not soon - check out my ATA Show on this subject :)

[@nirvedhsutey]

Timestamps for questions please Thanks!

[@lc6972]

Do you know if there are any useful/ worth while data analyst courses on LinkedIn Learning? or Tableau, R, Python, SQL, Excel courses on LinkedIn Learning?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I haven't really used LinkedIn Learning that much - sorry!

[@lc6972]

@@AlexTheAnalyst no problem, thank you!

[@nevinnevin8278]

really am not so good at programming and i would like to study data science or data analyst can i pursue it

[@victorcleftune7344]

Is it possible to become a Data analyst and also a Data engineer. Like having equal experience on both and decide to analyze and also do the engineering work?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

It may be possible although I don't know of anyone who has done that myself. It would be an interesting position/company that would let you do that.

[@AlisaHof]

Hi Alex. I really appreciate your channel. I'm wondering if your estimate of entry-level data analyst salaries is a little too low? The information for the Google data analytics certificate lists $67,900 as the average entry-level salary. Do you think that's unrealistic? Maybe that average is skewed with all the jobs in Silicon Valley. Thanks for any input.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I think that's fairly accurate for the average data analyst - Junior to Senior. I think for Entry level it'll be lower, but as a whole for all Data Analysts that seems fairly accurate.

[@AlisaHof]

@@AlexTheAnalyst Thank you for the reply. Great videos!

[@karaokewaala9107]

Hi Alex, This was a really great video can you make a video about "How much math do you really need to know to be a data analyst?""

[@syedaqib7531]

Hey Alex, I hope you are doing well. I am in Business Management Major, Planning to transition to Data Analytics, Can you give me some tips on what to learn first for Data Analytics, And any other advisr you can give. Thank you.

[@mimsy5750]

I would recommend switching to a more technical major like information systems for a data analyst. from my knowledge, business analyst is more inline with a business management major

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Check out my video on Data Analyst Skills Path - that would be what I recommend :)

[@prashammarfatia5047]

Hi....pls do full project video on sql...plzzz

[@errolm8313]

I'm à recent college graduate with realistically about a year or so experience... I mean I have been in my Co op role for almost 3 years.... In my internship supporting a fortune 500 company IT dept.... Very experienced in excel, comfortable with SQL, learning python.... And I feel like I'm ill-equipped. Struggling finding a job. I feel like I have fundamental knowledge of alot of things like data mining, machine learning, nosql data structure, big data, etc.... But I'm no expert at none of these. Any advice or tips?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

My biggest advice for your situation is to try to get a job where you're working. Since they know you there it may make it easier to land something there. If that's not possible try working with a recruiter. If you're actively in an internship and working that is a huge plus to help get a job through a recruiter.

[@de_da_oo]

I hear you, I m pretty much in the same boat, not clueless, but I also don’t have enough experience to qualify for most jobs out there. And it’s so frustrating.. Doing the new google course, trying to finish ASAP, so I can be in the first wave of google certified data analysts. The course has a slow pace, I m half way through, and expect to learn very little SQL on top of what I already know. Same goes with r, sine I worked on some market surveys analysis for a big pharma. However I m hoping some companies will be curious enough to give me a chance. This approach costs me a total of 250h of study, at a rate of about 50h/week(brutal) so it’s expensive!!

[@MarkRodriguez-sy6cz]

Math was never my strong point. Do you feel there is a deep need for it as a deep level to succeed as as analyst?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

I don't think you need deep knowledge

[@ernestanonde3218]

Great Video I have a degree in Mathematics. Is Data Analytics suited for me?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Could be? Depends on if you like the technical skills needed and if you enjoy this kind of work. Mathematics is a useful degree though!

[@ernestanonde3218]

@@AlexTheAnalyst I have been admitted to study Master of Data science Analytics at university of Hertfordshire. I am happy i found ur channel and i will take ur advice . Sequel, tableau, excel and python here i come. Thanks a million.

[@pinetworkminer8377]

@@ernestanonde3218 Hi, is it possible to take the course 100% online?

[@leshok]

I don't have any questions for you. I just wanted to say you are doing a great job 👍

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Haha thank you! I really appreciate that

[@Major_Data]

If you just jump right into Python, you can get really lost - yep, been there.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Been there - got lost in there lol would not recommend to learn first

[@devweb710]

You said you regret not having done computer science but you can learn in your free time, right?

[@wilsonman8661]

Appreciate the last answer, Alex. We need more exposure for this other perspective. There's way too much narrative about data analyst as a means to an end. It's almost just assumed that of course everybody wants to be a data scientist. Nah.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Agreed! :)

[@jayashukla4799]

Do I need to learn python in-depth or "python for data analysis"? P.S.: Coding haunts me😶‍🌫

[@baliflorent6971]

Is statistics obligatory to become a data analyst ?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Not a lot at the beginning, but it'll be more important later I think. Some industries also value it more than others - like Finance and Banking.

[@baliflorent6971]

@@AlexTheAnalyst ok thanks.

[@lc6972]

Hi, new follower! :) So why don't you go ahead and get a degree in computer science now?

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Hey! Good question! I'm just super busy right now with working full time, kids at home, etc. - just been overly busy. Once things return to somewhat of a normal schedule I do plan on it!

[@lc6972]

@@AlexTheAnalyst Cool, thanks for reply! Looking at completing another degree myself :)

[@itsahmemariano]

Watched this video as I sit in the middle of no where Ohio 😂

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

Everywhere is in the middle of nowhere in Ohio :D Thanks for watching!

[@AbcDef-ei6oc]

Data analyst remote work

[@Major_Data]

"This is going to be pretty laid-back." Awesome! Because I hate all your stodgy, buttoned-up videos. Take the tuxedo off and relax, man.

[@AlexTheAnalyst]

For real.... lol