It's normal to feel inadequate as a Data Analyst.

I get envious when I see others:
- landing roles at FAANG companies
- building complex ML models
- earning multi six-figure salaries

But
- My goals aren't tech giant focused
- I'm happy storytelling with data
- Compensation isn't my only metric

How to embrace Excel as a data analyst:

Automate more. Validate more. Visualize more. Structure more. Document more. Question more.

Copy-paste less. Assume less. Overcomplicate less. Ignore errors less. Work manually less. Rush less.

Excel isn't about knowing every function; it's about clarity.

Here's 5 things you need to become an indispensable data analyst:

- Speak in business outcomes, not technical jargon
- Build relationships before you need them
- Learn to tell stories, not just show charts
- Automate reports that drain time
- Regularly ask, "Why?"

Your soft skills get you promoted

Avoid the "Learning Illusion" in Data Analytics

It's a common trap for data analysts.

Here's what it looks like:

- Completing endless SQL tutorials
- Collecting certificates in Python

But you never apply these skills.

Stop chasing new tools. Start solving problems.

AI is everywhere.

But which tools actually drive results for data professionals?

Here are 12 AI tools helping data analysts get more done 👇

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Want more? Check out The Variance Newsletter: dncollins.com

The SQL Habits Separating Junior from Senior Data Professionals

5 minutes of intentional formatting saves 50 minutes of debugging.

Yet 90% of data professionals skip the fundamentals.

Tomorrow, I'll share 5 tips to write cleaner, more readable, and collaboration-ready queries.

👉 : dncollins.com

Everyone thinks it's about advanced algorithms and complex dashboards.

But real data impact comes from methodical habits that build trust and deliver insights.

Here are 20 signs of a truly effective analyst 👇

What if uncertainty is our biggest advantage?
Uncertainty is everywhere.
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” -Aristotle Onassis
Those most uncertain times cause me to look toward the light.
Uncertainty isn't the enemy - it's the catalyst.

Found it. Extra points...
If you can count the number of beard styles.
P.S. Bro got a sweet dock set up.

Tableau courses cost $2,000+.
But these 5 YouTube channels will teach you everything the expensive courses do:
1) Andy Kriebel: buff.ly/CbN7DQK
2) Anthony B. Smoak: buff.ly/WXd2HMF
3) Data with Baraa: buff.ly/60CD0UC
4) Alex Freberg: buff.ly/KHoXvaT
5) The Information Lab: buff.ly/zxzUQ4s

You don't need to master Power Query before building your first dashboard.
Bad advice:
"Learn more Excel before building anything."
Good advice:
"Build something useful with the Excel you already know."
Start with SUM, AVERAGE, and basic charts. You'll learn advanced features when you need them.

SQL was the most needed programming language for data analysts in 2024. But we often overcomplicate queries, and we forget to connect our queries to real business outcomes. This morning, I shared how I am working to turn SQL queries into strategic business results.

Check it out ↓
buff.ly/ubxRv7h

Been interested in agentic analytics engineering. Found this end to end AI agent data engineering paper. You think it’s inevitable?

d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/pu...

SQL is useless if we don't use it to solve real business problems.
Some ways: 1. Stop writing complex queries to show off
2. Focus on results, not jargon
3. Understand the problem before writing code
Tomorrow, I'll share my thoughts + A FREE SQL Cheat Sheet!

dncollins.com

Everyone's racing to build the flashiest dashboards. But memorable data stories aren't built with tools. They're crafted in these moments that make stakeholders stop scrolling. Here are 6 ways to make your data unforgettable 👇🏼

Why did the SQL query go to therapy?

It had too many JOINs and couldn’t find itself.

*No self JOINs allowed (this isn't a SQL interview test)!

Hey I’m new to BlueSky. Looking to connect with data people.

If I wanted to break into data analytics or change jobs in 2025, here's the path I would follow:

It's not grinding my way into data analytics.

It's strategic action over mindless output every time.

Last week, I shared what I'd do.

Read it here ↓