Discussions Posted On: Are Statistics Or SQL Skills Required In Data Analyst Careers?

Nayan Gupta

Nayan Gupta — Thu, 06 May 2010 13:08:59 +0000

hey thanks for such a wonderful insight into the topic . Even I was confused before reading this . I am also an Undergraduate student in Statistics currently in third year .

I want to become a data analyst . I am efficient in C /C++ and applications of algorithms . I want to ask Whether I should go for SAS / SPSS first or for SQL and databases !!!!!

waiting for reply !!!!!

Your Opinion Counts - What Makes A Good Data Analyst?

Your Opinion Counts - What Makes A Good Data Analyst? — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:09:45 +0000

[...] I just read through the article entitled ARE STATISTICS OR SQL SKILLS REQUIRED IN DATA ANALYST CAREERS? [...]

Kingsley Tagbo

Kingsley Tagbo — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:23:41 +0000

Jonathan:

Thanks for independently verifying this information … I am going to publish it

jonathan mukundu

jonathan mukundu — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:06:42 +0000

I just read through the article entitled ARE STATISTICS OR SQL SKILLS REQUIRED IN DATA ANALYST CAREERS?.

Kingsley was really to the point in this article. I have a Bsc in Mathematics with statistics myself. In most if not all organizations data is kept in relational databases. Even in a research based organizations like National Statistical Offices where surveys are done using statistical packages like SAS,SPSS,CSPRO etc, Data is best kept in a relational database especially if one is to analyse the data across many surveys

In short Databases are the best Data storage tools while Statistical packages and spreadsheets are best at number crunching. To be effective with Databases you need to know SQL
So, a combination of Databases skills and Statistical skills makes a good Data Analyst.

I would therefore encourage all Statisticians, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, planning officers, Economists etc to learn Databases and SQL.