Hey there! If you’re looking around for a job in the IT industry and wondering whether becoming a programmer or a data analyst is the better choice, this article is for you. It seems there are two main paths you can follow, right? On one hand, you have coding and app development as a programmer, and on the other, data analysis, statistics, and drawing conclusions as a data analyst. The truth is that today becoming a Data Analyst is the best way into in IT.
Shocking, right? Well, I want to convince you that a data analyst role is just as tempting and, in my opinion, even a better option, especially for those starting their journey in IT. Why? The answer is more complicated than you might think.
How to Start in IT: The Easy Path for Analysts
Let’s be honest, programming is cool, but breaking into this world can sometimes be harder than we assume. Every programming language has its quirks, libraries, frameworks, and rules. The leap from “Hello World” to creating real, useful applications is often bigger than we’d like. Meanwhile, a data analyst can start working with tools like Excel or free data visualization software and immediately begin adding value. By the way, if you share your experience on LinkedIn or anywhere else, you immediately become more attractive in the eyes of potential employers.
Project Portfolio
Becoming a data analyst isn’t easy. BUT: You’ll look much more interesting to potential recruiters if you have a few cool projects in your portfolio. They don’t have to be gigantic undertakings; a few well-thought-out analyses and visualizations will suffice. Five smaller projects often make a better impression than one “super-mega-awesome” thing that nobody can fully understand or appreciate.
Continuous Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Sharing what you do is another super important point. Every time you learn something new, share it! Don’t worry that something is “too weak” to show. No one is perfect in the beginning, and every step forward is a success worth celebrating and showing to others.
Why Experience is Key
If you’re just starting, even in a position that’s not ideal, you’ll level up as a candidate over time. After nine months on the job, even if it’s not your dream job, you become an experienced data analyst. And that, dear reader, is highly valued in the job market. Even if you know less than someone who stays at home honing their skills, you’re still more attractive to employers.
Conclusion
In the end, when it comes to earnings, career growth, or job satisfaction, data analysts have nothing to be ashamed of when compared to programmers.However, it’s good to remember that these are two different career paths, each with their pros and cons. Nevertheless, if you’re at the beginning of your journey in IT I believe that right now becoming a Data Analyst is the best way into in IT.
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Prefer to read in Polish? No worries – here’s the translation.
That’s all on this topic. Analyze in peace!
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