So you have heard about data analytics and how it powers business decisions, but you are not sure where to begin? You are not alone. At Jeks Analytics, we meet aspiring analysts every week who feel overwhelmed by the jargon, the tools, and the pressure to “know everything.”

This guide breaks it down into manageable steps so that anyone—whether you are switching careers, just out of school, or simply curious—can begin your journey confidently.

1. Understand What Data Analytics Really Is

At its core, data analytics is the practice of using data to generate insights that inform decisions. Whether it is sales trends, customer behaviours, or operational efficiency, data analytics helps answer one key question: “What is the story behind the numbers?”

There are different types:
– Descriptive analytics – What happened?
– Diagnostic analytics – Why did it happen?
– Predictive analytics – What could happen?
– Prescriptive analytics – What should we do?

Knowing this gives you a sense of where your interest might lie and what roles may suit you—like data analyst, business intelligence analyst, or even data engineer.

2. Start with the Tools You Already Know

You do not need to start with Python or machine learning. Most people already have Excel on their computers. Excel is still one of the most used analytics tools in business. Begin with:
– PivotTables
– VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
– Charts and dashboards

Once comfortable, move on to tools like:
– Power BI (for interactive dashboards)
– Tableau (for storytelling through data)
– SQL (for querying data from databases)

At Jeks Analytics, we structure our tutorials so you grow step-by-step. No fluff. Just practical learning.

3. Learn by Doing, Not Just Watching

A common mistake we see? People watch 50 tutorials and complete none. Real learning comes from doing:
– Recreate dashboards from scratch
– Work on small datasets
– Try mini-projects like a personal finance tracker or sales report

💡 Tip: In our mentorship programme, we give you practice files and review your work—just like in a real job.

4. Build a Portfolio (Even as a Beginner)

You do not need a job to show your skills. Create a free portfolio using:
– Google Drive or OneDrive folders
– GitHub repositories
– Power BI or Tableau Public profiles

Include:
– Screenshots of dashboards
– Short write-ups on your approach
– Links to your working files

Hiring managers love to see proof of practice.

5. Join a Learning Community

Learning can feel lonely. That is why we built Jeks Analytics to be more than a channel—it is a community:
– Ask questions in our WhatsApp group
– Share your dashboards for feedback
– Attend free Zoom training sessions

Surrounding yourself with people on the same path makes the journey lighter.

Conclusion

Getting started in data analytics does not require perfection. It just requires a plan, a few tools, and the right support system. Whether you are learning Excel, building your first dashboard in Power BI, or applying for your first internship—know that we have got your back.

Next Steps

– Watch Our Excel to Power BI Series
– Join the Mentorship Community
– Download Free Practice Files