![[Featured image] A data analyst wearing a yellow tank top and eyeglasses sits in front of a laptop in an office writing a statistical analysis program.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6GMqQSTh1qQuN0fwhguOpP/62cef08df6ecadb880db3605f38c9049/Python_vs_r.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should You Learn?
Is it better to learn R or Python for a career as a data analyst? Learn more about how to choose the best statistical programming language for your career goals.
April 16, 2021
Article
Data analytics is the collection, transformation, and organization of data in order to draw conclusions, make predictions, and drive informed decision making. Learn more about data analytics and career opportunities with these resources.
Discover courses in data analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Rmarkdown, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics), Analytics, Stakeholder Management
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Presentation, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, SQL, Generative AI, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Excel Formulas, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Data Presentation, Microsoft Excel, Excel Formulas, Pivot Tables And Charts, Dashboard, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization Software, Data Cleansing, Statistical Analysis, Spreadsheet Software, Data Manipulation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Entry, Data Processing, Data Quality, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Data Analysis, Visual Basic (Programming Language)
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Every day, data analytics powers business decisions and product innovations around the world. Data analysts are in high demand across many industries.
Not sure where to start? We've compiled free articles and resources on this and other data topics, including:
AI and machine learning
Data basics
Data engineering
Data science
Generative AI and ChatGPT
Yes, a master’s degree in data analytics can be worth it—depending on your goals and your resources. Advanced degrees in this subject can lead to higher salaries, diverse career opportunities, advanced knowledge and skill sets, and exciting networking opportunities, among other benefits.
Beginning data analysts should ensure they have a solid technical understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL), Microsoft Excel, and R or Python. Additionally, they should be able to think critically, present confidently, and tell their data's story visually. Read more about these and other key data analyst skills.
The time it takes to develop the skills you need to get a job as a data analyst will depend on what you already know, your strategy for learning new skills, and the role you're applying for. But it might take less time than you think. It's possible to learn the skills you need for an entry-level role as a data analyst in approximately 64 hours of learning, according to Coursera's 2022 Global Skills Report. Earning your Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate in less than six months is possible.