| 1 |
Understand the Data Analyst role and choose a project topic |
A clear goal and context keeps learning focused. |
Read about the daily work of data analysts (job posts), List important workplace tools (Excel, SQL), Brainstorm project topics (e.g., sales data, survey results), Pick your project topic and describe one data question |
Written summary of a data analyst’s day, Chosen project topic and first question |
| 2 |
Start working with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) |
Spreadsheets are a key skill for all data analysts. |
Open a sample dataset in Excel, Sort and filter the data by one column, Calculate basic totals and averages, Write down each formula you use |
Spreadsheet file with formulas, List of formulas used, with examples |
| 3 |
Clean and explore data in spreadsheets |
Clean data is essential for analysis. |
Check for missing or outlier values, Remove duplicates from your data, Fix obvious data entry errors, Create a simple data summary (total sales per category) |
Cleaned spreadsheet, Notes on cleaning steps and summary table |
| 4 |
Visualize data with simple charts |
Charts make data insights easy to see. |
Make a bar chart (e.g., sales by product), Make a line chart (trends over time), Try changing chart styles and colors, Write a short caption for each chart |
Spreadsheet with at least 2 charts, Chart captions describing key findings |
| 5 |
Learn database basics and try simple SQL queries |
Databases help store and access large amounts of data. |
Read what databases are and why they matter, Log in to a free SQL editor, Upload or use a practice table, Write SELECT queries to answer simple questions |
Written answers found with SQL queries, Saved query results as CSV |
| 6 |
Combine advanced SQL queries and compare to spreadsheet results |
Using both tools builds confidence and flexibility. |
Practice WHERE and ORDER BY SQL commands, Try joining two tables if possible, Compare one answer found in SQL and Excel, Record the steps you used for both tools |
Short report on findings (SQL vs Excel), SQL scripts used |
| 7 |
Complete your showcase project: clean, analyze, and visualize |
A finished project shows real skills to employers. |
Review and clean your project dataset, Analyze data to answer your main question, Make 3 charts to illustrate findings, Write up a simple project report |
Project folder with data, charts, code, and report |
| 8 |
Prepare resume, portfolio, and practice interviews |
Being ready shows professionalism and boosts confidence. |
Add your project to a simple online folder (Google Drive, Notion), Write a project summary for your resume, Fill out a basic 1-page resume, Practice 3 most common interview questions aloud |
Online folder/portfolio with your project, Final resume |
