What skills are required or recommended for the data analytics field? This article outlines what skills are in high demand, how to practice relevant skills, and program and training opportunities to build these skills.
Technical Skills
- Research Software: SPSS, MATLAB, SAS
- Applications: GitHub, RESTful APII
- Data Analysis Software: Apache Spark, Tableau
- Database Management: Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, NoSQL, AWS, Access, PySpark, SQL
- Programming Languages: C, C++, Python, Java, R, Perl, Ruby
Employability Skills
- Communication-verbally and written
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving
- Collaborate
- Trainability/Lifelong Learner
Practicing Skills
Practice doesn’t always make perfect but, it can certainly help. As you begin to learn new technical and employability skills, applying them to your day-to-day will be critical for skill development and proficiency. Here are a few methods to growing your skills.
Hone in on a skill
Developing your skills becomes much easier when you have identified the skills you would like to grow. Focusing on a manageable number of skills at a time will ensure thorough practice and comfortability with the skill.
Consider choosing 2-3 skills to focus on at first. This could be a combination of technical and employability skills. Identify skills that you haven’t used yet or, are new to you.
What next?
Is the skill you’re focusing on technical?
If so, here’s your chance to get hands on practice. Identify a personal or group project, a research opportunity, a hackathon or data challenge. Self-paced courses can be helpful especially if the skill you are focusing on isn’t yet covered in your classes. As a Duke student, you have access to LinkedIn Learning and Coursera courses covering a wide range of technical skills and topics. Keep in mind, personal or group projects do not have to be a success or even complete to be helpful. They provide valuable skill development through all phases of the project.
Is the skill you’re focusing on non-technical?
If so, here’s your chance to get involved and perhaps even stretch your comfort zone. You may be able to implement this skill in your day-to-day fairly quickly. For example, if your focus is communication look for opportunities to use this skill in your classes, group projects, and other interactions around campus. This might mean setting a goal to go to your Professor’s office hours or, speak up in class.
If the day-to-day isn’t more easily identifiable, consider getting involved around campus. Join a student group that encourages use of the skill you’re focused on. If you’re already part of a group, consider taking on a role or officer position that will encourage you to use your focus skill. As a Duke student, you have access to LinkedIn Learning and Coursera courses covering a wide range of employability skills and topics.
