Roadmap to Learn Data Analysis (Beginner to Advanced)
Overview
This roadmap is designed for individuals with little or no background in data analysis. It covers
fundamental tools, concepts, and techniques used in the industry. By the end, you should be able to
handle real-world datasets, extract insights, and communicate findings effectively.
Phase 1: Foundation
1. Introduction to Data Analysis:
- Understand what data analysis means.
- Learn the importance of data in decision-making.
- Get familiar with different types of data analysis: Descriptive, Diagnostic, Predictive, Prescriptive.
2. Learn Spreadsheet Tools (Excel or Google Sheets):
- Sorting and filtering data
- Using formulas like SUM, AVERAGE, IF, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH
- Creating Pivot Tables and basic charts
- Data cleaning techniques
Phase 2: Statistics and Mathematics
3. Basic Statistics for Data Analysis:
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Variance, Standard Deviation
- Probability basics
- Correlation vs. causation
- Sampling methods and distributions
Recommended Resources: Khan Academy, StatQuest (YouTube)
Phase 3: Programming for Data Analysis
4. Learn Python for Data Analysis:
- Data types, variables, loops, functions
- Libraries: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn
Project Ideas:
- Sales data analysis
- COVID-19 trend visualization
- Sports or movie data insights
Phase 4: Working with Databases
5. Learn SQL:
- SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY
- JOINs, Subqueries, Window functions
Practice Platforms: Mode Analytics, W3Schools, LeetCode
Phase 5: Data Visualization and Dashboards
6. Learn Data Visualization:
- Tools: Matplotlib, Seaborn, Excel Charts, Power BI, Tableau
- Chart types: Bar, Line, Pie, Scatter, Histogram, Box Plot
Phase 6: Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
7. Exploratory Data Analysis:
- Data cleaning
- Feature extraction
- Summary statistics and visualizations
- Pattern recognition and variable relationships
Phase 7: End-to-End Projects
8. Apply Skills in Real Projects:
- Product sales trend analysis
- COVID-19 dashboard
- Customer churn analysis
- A/B testing analysis
Data Sources: Kaggle, Data.gov, UCI Repository
Phase 8: Optional - Data Science Basics
Topics:
- Regression and classification models
- Clustering and time series forecasting
- Model evaluation (accuracy, precision, recall)
Tools: scikit-learn, Statsmodels
Additional Recommendations
- Build a GitHub portfolio
- Write blog posts or share dashboards
- Network on LinkedIn
- Join competitions on Kaggle
Suggested Timeline
Month 1: Excel + Basic Statistics
Month 2: Python Basics + Pandas
Month 3: SQL + Data Cleaning Projects
Month 4: Data Visualization + EDA
Month 5: Build Dashboards + Case Studies
Month 6: Final Projects + Portfolio Building