How to become a Data analyst?

[aa6972]

Does anyone have any insight into what course, skills I should acquire to get a job in this field in the shortest time possible?

What would a employer be looking for (apart from experience). Should I study Excel, SQL, SPSS or R? Would studying statistics - say A-level be a good idea?

I have a degree in Engineering and a MSc in IT, but been stuck in a dead end job for the last few years, this field seems to the best bet to start a career given my education.

Thanks for any info guys.

 

[aa6972]

Thank you so much for all the response guys. Will definitely further my excel skills as a first step.

At the moment I work as a sale assistant in a retail shop but do use the data generated from tills, analyses in excel and identify what line sells, target opportunity etc. I do enjoy it but I am hoping to do it as a real job.