How to become a data analyst: Education and career paths
Data analysts help organizations make smarter decisions. They interpret data, identify trends and turn raw numbers into insights that drive action. That's data science. And as more companies rely on data to guide their strategies, the need for data analysts is increasing.
If you're considering a data analyst career path, it's a smart time to get started. This is a growing field with career opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, government and beyond. If you enjoy working with numbers and finding meaning in information, it could be a strong fit.
So how do you become a data analyst? There’s no single route into the field. You can become a data analyst in Canada with a bachelor’s degree, through a bootcamp or by learning independently. In this article, we’ll explore how to become a data analyst, step by step, and what kind of data analyst career progression you can expect along the way.
Key takeaways
1. Data analysis is a high-demand, high-impact career
As organizations become more data-driven, skilled analysts are needed to turn raw data into actionable insights. This makes it a smart and versatile career path.
2. Foundational skills + real-world experience = success
Data analysts need a mix of technical skills (SQL, Python, visualization tools) and soft skills (critical thinking, communication). A strong portfolio showing applied work is important to growing your career.
3. UFred’s CS degree equips future analysts with lasting value
The University of Fredericton’s online Bachelor of Computer Science offers a flexible, in-depth education that builds both analytical and technical skills. It sets students up for long-term success in data-focused roles.
What does a data analyst do?
Key responsibilities of a data analyst
Data analysts collect, clean and examine data to help organizations make better decisions. They look for patterns, trends and relationships within data sets, often using tools that allow them to dig deep and draw meaningful conclusions.
Data analyst skills
To do the job well, data analysts need a mix of technical and soft skills. On the technical side, most roles require:
Proficiency in SQL for working with databases
Knowledge of PythonorR for data manipulation
Experience with spreadsheets and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI
A strong grasp of statistics and data analysis techniques
Soft skills matter, too. Data analysts must be able to think critically, solve problems and clearly explain their findings. They can explain these things so that people who aren’t familiar with data can understand it. Strong communication skills help bridge that gap and make the data actionable.
The work can involve everything from tracking customer behaviour to measuring business performance or forecasting future trends. Data analysts also play a key role in data-driven decision-making, providing reports and recommendations that guide strategic decisions across organizations. That's the power of data analytics.
Together, strong data analyst skills join forces with soft skills for the makings of a smart data scientist. Think you'd make an exceptional data professional? Explore how a computer science degree can open doors.
Key steps to become a data analyst in Canada
Step 1: Develop essential skills
Start your path to become a data analyst by building a strong foundation in the tools and techniques used in data analysis. You'll need to become comfortable with data visualization platforms such as Tableau or Power BI, and learn programming languages like SQL and Python, which are widely used in the field.
A good understanding of statistical analysis, data management and spreadsheet tools like Excel will also be important. These skills allow you to organize large data sets, explore trends and share insights that support better decision-making. Your data analysis skills can be used across departments to improve business operations.
Step 2: Gain relevant education
Many data analysts begin with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as computer science, data science or statistics. These programs often include coursework in analytics, databases and probability.
For those looking for flexibility and a strong academic foundation, the University of Fredericton (UFred) offers a fully online Bachelor of Computer Science. This program is designed to help students build technical and analytical skills while learning from anywhere, on their own schedule. We'll introduce you to the right data analysis tools for exciting data analytics jobs.
Learn more about UFred’s Bachelor of Computer Science program.
There are also shorter, more focused options. Bootcamps, online courses and certifications can be good alternatives, but they may leave gaps in foundational knowledge.
Step 3: Get hands-on experience
In data analytics, theory is only part of the equation. Employers look for candidates who have worked with real data. You can gain that experience through internships, personal or freelance projects and by analyzing publicly available datasets.
Tools like Excel, Google Analytics, Power BI and SQL-based platforms are commonly used on the job. Building a portfolio that shows how you’ve applied these tools to solve problems is one of the best ways for you to stand out as an up-and-coming data analyst.
Step 4: Specialize in a niche
As your skills grow, you may want to focus on a particular area within data analysis. Some professionals specialize in business intelligence, while others lean into predictive analytics, customer insights or machine learning.
Developing domain knowledge in a specific industry (such as finance, healthcare, or marketing) can also make niche skills more valuable. It shows you not only understand the data, but also the real-world challenges behind it. And that’s what makes aspiring data analysts stand out.
Career opportunities and job outlook for data analysts
Job market and industry trends
Data analysts are in high demand across Canada. As companies increasingly rely on data to drive strategic decisions, industries such as tech, healthcare, finance and public sector organizations are hiring more analysts to interpret and act on that data. If you're looking for a sign to become a data analyst, this is it.
Major metro areas like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are key hubs for for data analysts roles, but opportunities are also growing in smaller cities thanks to remote and hybrid work trends. The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) forecasts continued growth in analytics jobs.
Entry-level data analyst positions
Entry-level data analyst positions often include job titles such as "junior data analyst" or "business analyst." These roles typically require basic proficiency in Excel, SQL and data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
Starting salaries are competitive and reflect the growing demand for data-driven decision making across industries. Most professionals earn an average salary of $54,000–$78,000/year ($65K/year average base pay).
Job growth is strong, too. As analysts gain experience and skills, many people move into roles like business intelligence analyst, analytics manager or senior data analyst, with compensation increasing accordingly.
Learn more about the computer science paths available to you.
How can a computer science degree help you become a data analyst?
Want to become a data scientist? A computer science degree is a strong starting point for anyone considering a career in data analytics. It offers a structured foundation in core areas like programming, databases, data structures and statistics. All of these are essential for working with data effectively.
Through courses in Python, SQL and algorithms, students learn how to collect, clean and analyze data. They also gain experience with problem-solving, logical thinking and data-driven decision-making. These skills are highly valued in analytics roles across industries.
At the University of Fredericton (UFred), the Bachelor of Computer Science program is designed to equip students with the technical and analytical skills needed in today’s job market. The flexible, online format makes it accessible for working professionals or those looking to transition into a tech role.
