What I wish I knew before becoming a data analyst | salary, job, reality

What is the day in the life of a data analyst? I try my best to talk about the things I learned including data analyst skills, how to become a data analyst, and the data analyst salary. I hope this video helps you answer questions about whether a data analyst career path is right for you and what a data analytics career is like.
📚 Resources
Excel: imp.i384100.net/jr6oAP
SQL (I've personally used DataCamp to learn SQL): datacamp.pxf.io/PynDkY
Tableau: imp.i384100.net/xkoGb5
Python: imp.i384100.net/Gmdz5m
Google Data Analytics Certificate: imp.i384100.net/9gqYQy
Interview Query (similar questions to the ones I’ve seen in my interviews): shorturl.at/lyLNT
🖥️ My Desk Setup
Keyboard: amzn.to/3Sny1fw
Mouse: amzn.to/47aYpgM
Cable Management: amzn.to/47hQz5b
Dell Dock: amzn.to/3tNVahv
🙆🏻‍♀️ Connect
📫 Newsletter w/ Free Resume Template: agathakang.com/subscribe
📸 Instagram: / agathaakang
🔗 LinkedIn: / agatha-kang
🎥 TikTok: / agathaakang
Business inquiries: [e-mail]
📄 ABOUT ME:
My mission is to help you grow your career, especially in the world of data analysis. Switching careers to become a data analyst from a non-tech background was overwhelming. I made a lot of mistakes and wasted time trying to figure it out. But having been a manager of data analytics and now a senior business intelligence engineer in tech (FAANG), I've learned a lot and I'm excited to use my experiences to help you navigate your career path. I hope this channel gives you the clarity and motivation to get started!
⌚️Timestamps
00:00 - intro
00:25 - background
00:55 - becoming a data analyst
01:57 - math
03:01 - salary
04:45 - people skills
05:36 - stakeholders
06:55 - transferable skills
08:26 - outro
Content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Some links are affiliate links that support the channel at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

[@agathakang]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful comments! Feel free to connect with me on 📷instagram: instagram.com/agathaakang/ and through my 📬newsletter: agathakang.com/subscribe (free resume template in link)

[@Cali2Kyushu]

I make less than $20,000 a year as a full time teacher, 9 hours a day and many times working 6 day work weeks. I am doing a self study course in data analysis and giving it everything I have so I can live a better life.

[@everythingbeautyboutique5002]

Me too maybe we can be data analysis friends.?

[@harmanbaidwan1713]

I'm a highschool student, and literally every teacher I have gets constantly disrespected. One of my math teachers actually got knocked out by a student last week, its a shame teachers are treated so poorly from both students and admin. I also want to do Data Science, its way better in almost every aspect

[@ZeryusXD]

I'm in a similar situation as you but I'm learning full stack development. Hope we all achieve our goals soon!

[@joelngige5776]

Thanks, Super good explanation about the role of a data analyst!

[@JACQUELINE5832]

Thanks for this video, timing was perfect for me as I’m thinking of pivoting towards a career in IT. Much appreciated

[@savmw]

I'd love to hear more about your healthcare data analyst job and why you switched to a different type of data analyst. I'm very interested in switching to this field, but I will not work for Amazon, Google, or similar. I want to use my skills in a government job or something that benefits people as a whole, not a specific company like Amazon. I know that isn't the route to make the most money, but that's fine with me lol

[@andremember]

I’m curious about this as well. Interested in a similar path that benefits people as a whole

[@kennnnnstar]

Fantastic content! Thanks Agatha!

[@agathakang]

Thank you! ❤

[@kellz_allday]

Just came across your videos!! Love the honesty and explanations. Taking Google analytics certificate, so your videos are helpful. Thank you!

[@agathakang]

That’s a great start! I’m glad the videos help you with your data journey!

[@bigbri04]

Thanks Agatha. Another great video.

[@agathakang]

Thank you Brian!

[@heatherdilorenzo1323]

Thank you so much for this insight. I just changed my major to data analytics, so I'm really excited to dive deeper into data.

[@agathakang]

Very excited for you!! ❤️

[@krystalbrantley4996]

I learn so much from your videos. Best on YT for data analysts, in my opinion. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@agathakang]

Wow I appreciate the feedback and glad the videos are helpful!! ❤

[@SincereFamily1]

We like your openness and personality . Thanks very much for sharing your experiences.

[@agathakang]

You’re so welcome and thanks so much for the genuine comment ❤️

[@Frankfranky2233]

that was really helpful and full of info thank you

[@agathakang]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@user-eh9pv9yc3j]

Thank you for this video

[@agathakang]

I’m glad this was helpful!

[@ShondaD_]

Thanks for talking about the math side of Data Analysis. To be honest, math isn’t my strong suit either and thats what hindered me from looking more into becoming a DA, but I will definitely look back into it.

[@agathakang]

Agreed. Keep going! I wouldn’t let the math part stop you!

[@destinyisyours]

Thank you!!!

[@kezohemeng3053]

Just earned yourself a subscription from me! love your content!

[@agathakang]

❤ thanks so much!

[@kezohemeng3053]

@@agathakang sure! would I be able to get your email please? i had some specific questions about the field

[@bobbyggezs2898]

Salary around 76k isnt too bad, especially if you're looking at the start of your career.

[@Hijabiglobetrotter]

Great and informative video! Do you think Ai poses as a challenge in a Data analyst career or does it enhance it? How can one use Ai to enhance their career in Data analytics?

[@Denis-pd1nw]

Hi! Thank you so much for this great video! I have a question: which bootcamp did you go to? And would you recommend? Thank you!!

[@andreagazane]

Hi! Same question here as I’m about to dive into this new field

[@MedMateus]

How would you approach networking as someone trying to switch to a data analyst role? I am pursuing a masters in data analytics while also working a full time job. What are strategies that I can employ to know more people in the data field for when I’m finally ready to pull the trigger on changing areas?

[@Kilo1Nation]

I just graduated and I am trying to find an entry level role. I would like to hear more about this as well.

[@sebastianjones6233]

I want to make the switch from LPN to a data analyst in Healthcare since i know the field, is that possible without a college degree? I am nervous to make the switch and where to even learn everything to make it happen.

[@gerbervanrooyen5643]

Thank you for the content Agatha. Where would you recommend I look for remote data analyst jobs in the US if I am from another country? Thank you😄

[@agathakang]

You’re welcome! I find Google jobs is a good tool bc they have filters to apply by level of experience and remote positions. Finding remote jobs outside the US will really by company dependent so look for those companies first

[@amwellin]

Criminal Justice degree here...similar to you, I am trying to look into tech. I was recommended Data Analyst or Cybersecurity... what is your take on this type of position? I'm not sure where to start quite yet. I live outside of the US, so I feel like I'm quite restricted in my opportunities.

[@sbotros]

Thanks for the video. Wondering what bootcamp you studied?

[@agathakang]

Hey you're welcome! I did a data science bootcamp with data science dojo. So many of you have asked me to do a bootcamp review so I'll be doing one in the coming weeks!

[@jeremyhand4700]

I am 28 with bscs, im working on MiM and MDA

[@agathakang]

Hey that's great! Those backgrounds will really set you up for your career

[@samiarakji996]

Im trying to find my way into the world of data, but I’m somehow struggling. Im taking a course in Power BI, but i dont understand a lot of the terms being used. Is there a better way? Should i study for a comptia A+ certificate instead? I feel so lost.

[@SFgamer]

Summary: -Have decent sense of math that pertains to Data analytics (foundation-wise) -Salary...know what you want. Does the work reflect pay? -Know what is stakes. And what you are in for. -Transferable skill (what skills carry over)

[@Tee-ty9ml]

Hello Agatha, thank you for the expository video. I am an Accountant, diving into Tech, but still indecisive of whether to go in for data analytics or financial analytics? Kindly advise me please. Thank you

[@agathakang]

Hey! Having an accounting background is a great start to a data analyst or financial analyst career. Depends on what you want to end up doing. With both career fields you can leverage your accounting background

[@jackofalltrades12]

How did you self-study/ Did you get the information on youtube, did you sign up for courses, etc.? How did you get the knowledge needed to begin applying for employment? Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated.

[@mugomuiruri2313]

data science is an art of science ,u grab the skill and that is the end ,next is more practice.The skills do not depend on your previous education background. Agatha can u work with 3 to 4 companies at the same time?

[@agathakang]

As a freelancer or data consultant you could definitely work with multiple companies at once. As for can you be a full time employee at 1 company and also work for others? That just depends on the company HR policy. I think some people have been really just depends on the company

[@goodvibesonly126]

Good to know…I recently got scholarship to study data science and machine learning although am currently studying my second masters in business Analytics…I be driving into data science..thanks

[@reinamontejo4228]

Hello! You recommended this career for single moms, since the work hours are long... I have been thinking in changing my career to become data analyst/digital marketing, since I already have a degree in Business and Marketing. Have you taking any data science courses at Berkeley? They are offering a boot camp in these fields Thank you for all the information you shared in this video

[@agathakang]

Hey! In general the data analyst career in my experience has been a good work life balance and something I can see myself doing even when I become a mom. I haven’t taken any classes from Berkeley but I have taken a bootcamp and found it very helpful for my career. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@Arichanice]

I’m a medical coder and I want to get into healthcare data don’t know where to start.

[@Chimera_166]

Would you say investment banking falls into this field?

[@txreal2]

so how do you accept & prioritize requests from stakeholders? thanks (take a vacation, just say no, pushback or discourage it, pass the buck, what questions to ask, or filter thru. your manager, etc...)

[@agathakang]

The manager is responsible for filtering through those requests and figuring out the priority. It also helps that we have a rotating team "on call" schedule where only during that week are you responsible for ad hoc work and the other weeks you can focus on your dedicated tasks

[@Felipe_Calavera]

ÁGATHA HELLO, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU IF IS NECESSARY TO LEARN VBA MACROS LANGUAGE, I AM A SELF TAUGHT DATA ANALYST LEARNER ,OR IS SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN SKIP ?, I LOVE YOUR CONTENT!

[@agathakang]

Hey! I would say VBA Macros is not high o the list of skills that you need to learn. I would skip it and focus more on SQL that will be fundamental to a data analyst role

[@countmindlos]

Hey agatha, what about those who dont have a degree at all, what do you say?

[@agathakang]

Hey! Having a degree helps and depending on the role, you may see a degree is still required. But with online learning so readily available now I'm starting to see the trend of skills being more important than a degree.

[@thehappyfairy2020]

Without a degree in biology science, how did you land a job as a healthcare data analyst?

[@amuselessharry6978]

Most of healthcare data need analyst for processing and usually have domain expert in either clinical or science background (depending on source of data if its lab or other related setting) to explain problem or project outcomes. Further , u have to also be convincing on ur analytical skills to land those roles. So really depend but now a day degree only come into play in more corporate setting but in healthcare setting might matter if ur applying for large organisation but wont if its start up or SME etc. this can be argued but is case by case assessment as well. Hope this helps.

[@MutaYaro-bw8kl]

i wish i knew that before ........

[@loujon191]

I’m sorry. I’m confused. You have a degree in business and sociology but you also went to law school? You said you took the bar exam

[@agathakang]

I should have clarified! I have an undergraduate degree in business and sociology and wanted to go to law school so I took the lsats 2x and my scores were too low so I never went to law school 😆 hindsight I’m glad I didn’t end up becoming a lawyer

[@jelenadj7289]

Do you have some advice of websites, where you can do individual projects of a certain duration (to make some money on the side) as a data analyst?😊

[@malitman]

Why are you still on the floor instead of the couch?

[@moonymoomoo5570]

Maybe she placed her camera/phone on a low desk or something -> she sat on the floor, so it's in her eye line

[@capturingmoments20s]

is there any big differences between a data analyst and business intelligence?

[@agathakang]

They are very similar. As a data analyst I've done a lot of BI work and as a BI engineer I do a lot of data analyst work lol but I would say the biggest difference is that a BI engineer has more data warehousing responsibilities like ETL, cloud computing, data modeling. I actually go into this in an upcoming video going over 5 different data jobs :)

[@expertgaming5146]

i think BI uses more visualization tool and business strategy and thinking

[@ForbiddenFish]

@@agathakang - Looking forward to it!

[@capturingmoments20s]

Bi engineer, in terms of visualization, does that mean you have to stick with Power BI or can you use Tableau instead?

[@agathakang]

BI Engineer can you use any BI tools that is not limited to power BI or Tableau. So Yes you can use Tableau or any other BI tool

[@nemuelpaiva3738]

I think you have your average salary wrong miss trust me

[@TheTypical685]

Care to add context instead of "trust me bro"?

[@nurcholismadjid4232]

Harusnya berapa?

[@wolfgangkrausser3220]

bad advice you are giving knowingly AI will replace these jobs