Creating a More Just and Merciful World
Building A Data Analyst Portfolio
A portfolio is a showcase of skills, talent and achievements. For data analysts, it is also a way to tell a story. But, instead of telling a story about data, the analyst gets to express their own story.
A well-crafted portfolio allows a data analyst to present professional highlights, while also helping others understand the analyst’s personal ideas. New and experienced data analysts use portfolios to show hiring managers and potential clients that they have the primary competencies to be successful, including:
- Exceptional presentation skills.
- Strong communication talent.
- Expertise in data visualization.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Broad technical knowledge.
What Makes a Data Analyst Portfolio Stand Out?
A data analyst’s portfolio should include visually appealing elements that detail projects and accomplishments. Carefully chosen words and images can help people gain insight into the analyst’s thinking.
Visual elements can include charts, maps, graphs, diagrams, infographics and company logos.
Layout is also important. The audience should be able to scan the portfolio to get an immediate glimpse into the data analyst’s work and expertise. Some of the elements of layout include headings to describe each section of the portfolio, bullet points of highlighted details and a format that shows a clear visual hierarchy.
Putting the Best Work Forward
A data analyst’s portfolio should demonstrate their skillsets, and include the work that best reflects their ability to:
- Perform various kinds of analysis, whether it is descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, or another type.
- Interpret complex data concepts and make them easier to understand.
- Visualize data and know the right way to maximize effectiveness when presenting data.
- Collaborate with others and support teams and the organization as a whole.
- Use data and trends to identify challenges and opportunities.
A data analyst can include a section dedicated to projects in a portfolio. In this section, they can emphasize the projects that helped their team or organization meet goals, boost sales, or improve efficiency. The projects can be examples of data storytelling, data cleaning, or a full end-to-end process that includes data gathering through visualization.
A portfolio can also include a blog or explanatory section that describes more about the analyst’s process and findings. Additionally, testimonials from professors, employers, clients, or colleagues can help provide more storytelling power to the portfolio and improve credibility.
Importantly, data analysts must choose a platform to host their portfolio. Whether it is on a free or inexpensive website, or through a platform like LinkedIn, data analysts can use simple templates to build their portfolio online.
Gain Real-World Experience as a Data AnalystAre you interested in a data analytics career? Would you like to gain the hands-on experience needed to start building a compilation of work that demonstrates your skills? Carlow University’s bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics program can provide you with the skills and experience needed to become a qualified data analytics professional.