Data analytics is one of the most in-demand skills for 2024, and the trend is predicted to continue… [+] At least until 2032
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According to predictions from the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs 2023” report, big data analytics is expected to be one of the core drivers of economic growth over the next four years. Findings from the same report also show that analytical thinking will be in high demand this year, taking the number one spot as the most in-demand skill. Meanwhile, data analytics is ranked 6th in LinkedIn’s “Top 10 Most In-Demand Skills 2024” report.
Data analytics is a valuable skill to master as organizations have many priorities: AI (artificial intelligence), big data, and a focus on data-driven decision-making and business strategy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job demand for data scientists is expected to continue to surge by 35% through at least 2032, which is much faster than the average job growth rate in North America.
Thanks to demand, data analytics jobs are highly paying and can lead to six-figure incomes, with data scientists making an average of more than $119,000 per year, as evidenced by current average salary figures from Salary.com.
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Why engage in data analysis?
As if all of the above wasn’t enough, here are two more great reasons to pursue data analytics as a career.
Firstly, data analytics is a versatile skill and a capability that is needed across all industries around the world. It is similar to careers such as project management, which has the same characteristics of global demand and versatility across industries. You can work in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, finance, e-commerce, marketing, and of course technology.
Second, with the acceleration and advancements in AI (artificial intelligence), now is the perfect time to learn about data analytics, a boost that can help enhance operations and ensure accuracy. Data work can come at a critical time as organizations look to prepare their data for use with in-house AI tools and processes.
Free Online Courses on Data Analytics
If you’re looking to upskill or refresh your skills, you may not have the spare cash to invest in a course or get a degree in this field. However, there may be some free courses available that can help you.
1. How MIT processes, analyzes, and visualizes data
OpenCourseWare is an online platform that hosts many courses from the world’s leading universities, including Ivy League universities, for free using Creative Commons licenses. One of the courses from the world-renowned MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) features lectures and course materials on how to process, analyze, and visualize data.
Developing in-demand skills opens up high-paying, diverse career opportunities
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2. Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional Certification
This free online course offered through Coursera comes with an exclusive bonus: a Professional Certification. Google’s career certifications are widely recognized by employers around the world, and earning one is a great way to fast-track your career development and get invited to job interviews. In the advanced version, you’ll learn skills like Python, Machine Learning, Jupyter Notebook, and Tableau software, all of which can be added to the skills section of your resume, increasing your chances of getting hired.
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3. Google Data Analytics Professional Certification
This course is designed to teach data analytics at a beginner level and is a great introduction and springboard to further learning such as the advanced courses mentioned above. As with all Google Career certifications offered on Coursera, you have the option to apply for financial aid to cover the cost of the course, depending on your qualifications.
4. HarvardX Data Science Professional Certification
Harvard University has partnered with edX to offer free courses to learners on the edX platform. You must pay for the entire training to get a certificate, but when you click on each module (course) within a certificate program on edX, you are given the option to study the course material for free. To get a certificate, you must upgrade.
5. AWS Data Analytics
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a variety of online certifications and continuing professional development training tailored to specific technical career paths. One of these learning paths is data analytics training. We offer this through free virtual training webinars and individual courses, such as data analysis fundamentals and data warehousing best practices, that you can study on their own or as part of a data analytics learning plan.
You can study from the best Ivy League schools, without having to go directly to an Ivy League school or pay tuition fees… [+] Huge student fees
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Overall, choosing to pursue a career in data analytics is a decision you won’t regret. If you commit to ongoing professional development and seek out new training opportunities, you too can experience the high pay, remote work opportunities, flexibility, and diverse opportunities that others in this profession already enjoy.
