Learning Data Analytics does not end with a beginner class. In fact, that’s just the beginning. To truly grow and position yourself as a competent Data Analyst, you have to take practical steps to level up.
So…what’s next?
If you’re serious about becoming a sought-after analyst or even sit for the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam, you need to move from beginner to intermediate and beyond.
Why Staying a Beginner Could Hold You Back
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: beginner skills are everywhere. In job interviews, client pitches, or workplace scenarios, they’ll only get you so far.
Let’s paint a picture:
- You’re asked to automate a repetitive task. But you’ve never touched Power Query or written a complex DAX formula.
- Your team wants to migrate reports to Power BI. You’ve used it before but you never fully internalized how it works.
- A client drops a CSV file with 100,000 rows. You panic, because Excel just froze.
1. Upskill with Intermediate & Advanced Courses
To move from beginner to advanced, you need to build on the strong foundation you’ve already laid. It’s not just about adding new tools to your toolbox; it’s about understanding data at a deeper level and learning how to approach complex problems with confidence. Investing time in further learning keeps your skills relevant and helps you tackle real-world projects with more independence.
Here’s how to take your skills to the next level:
- Take an intermediate course to master advanced Excel functions, complex SQL queries, and powerful data visualization techniques.
- Learn programming languages like Python or R to unlock automation, build predictive models, and perform sophisticated analyses.
2. Start a Data Analytics Capstone Project
Knowledge is good, but application makes you stand out.
- Choose a real-world business problem or dataset.
- Build end-to-end: data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and actionable insights.
- This shows employers and clients that you can solve practical problems, not just follow tutorials.
3. Build a Portfolio as a Data Analyst & Share Online
A well-documented portfolio tells the story of how you think, solve problems, and turn raw data into insights that matter.
Document your work as you go:
- Upload projects to GitHub so others can view your code, data cleaning steps, and analysis process.
- Write about your process and findings on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to build your personal brand and show your approach to problem-solving.
- Share your dashboards, reports, and data stories to demonstrate your ability to translate data into actionable insights.
4. Learn Advanced Statistics & Analytical Thinking
Move beyond “what” happened to “why” and “what’s next”:
- Study hypothesis testing, regressions, A/B testing, and probability.
- Learn to interpret results and explain them in plain language.
These skills help you become a true data-driven storyteller.
5. Master Data Visualization & Communication
It’s not enough to crunch numbers; you need to make them speak:
- Explore tools like Power BI, Tableau, or libraries such as Seaborn and Plotly in Python.
- Learn data design principles to create clear, compelling visuals.
- Practice explaining your insights to non-technical audiences.
6. Write Professional Exams & Keep Learning
If you want to move beyond beginner level and stand out in the data analytics field, professional certifications can make a real difference. They not only prove your technical skills but also demonstrate your dedication to growth and excellence.
Professional certifications like the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (MCDA) or Google Data Analytics Certificate:
- Validate your skills.
- Show commitment to your field.
Read all about How to Pass the Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Exam in one Attempt.
Final Thoughts
To grow as a Data Analyst, it’s about what comes next: learning more, practicing through real projects, and sharing your work. It’s not only about crunching numbers but about understanding them, turning them into insights, and helping others see what the data really means. That’s how you move from beginner to advanced.
Want to begin the Data Analytics Advanced Journey?
Explore Dataleum’s Data School and start building your future in Tech with Data Analytics.