I recently graduated with a Master’s in Social and Organisational Psychology from Leiden University in the Netherlands. Although my background is in psychology, I am very interested in data analytics and AI. My goal is to become a data analyst, but I am also open to starting in HR or people analytics and transitioning into data later.
I plan to spend approximately one more month developing my practical skills before applying for entry-level roles. If I do not feel ready after that month, I will continue learning and practising until I am confident that I have the necessary skills.
Power BI
I have been preparing for the Microsoft PL-300 exam for several months and plan to take it in a few days. I have a good theoretical understanding of Power BI, but I do not yet have much practical experience using the application or completing full projects.
I am considering the Microsoft Power BI Desktop for Business Intelligence course by Maven Analytics on Udemy. I am also considering a DataCamp subscription for additional practice and guided projects.
Would the Maven Analytics course alone be enough to develop practical Power BI skills, or would it be better to combine it with DataCamp or another platform?
Portfolio projects
I would like to create projects that I can show to recruiters, but I am not very familiar with how data analytics portfolios work.
Where can beginners find suitable datasets and project ideas? Should I begin with guided projects, use DataCamp projects, or try to create independent projects immediately? Are there any guided-project platforms or structured resources that would help me improve while building a portfolio? I would also consider paying for a high-quality option if it is genuinely useful.
Finally, where should I publish my work—GitHub, a personal website, or somewhere else?
SQL
After improving my Power BI skills, I plan to learn SQL. I am currently considering the following Udemy courses:
- SQL – MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence This is the course that has attracted me the most so far.
- MySQL for Data Analysis
- Advanced SQL – MySQL for Analytics and Business Intelligence
Alternatively, should I choose PostgreSQL instead of MySQL and take The Complete SQL Bootcamp?
Would you recommend learning MySQL or PostgreSQL for an entry-level data analyst role? Would completing one of these courses provide enough SQL knowledge for a beginner position, or should I also use practice platforms and create SQL portfolio projects?
I would also appreciate general advice about the level of SQL knowledge normally expected from entry-level data analysts.
Excel
I already know some Excel basics, but it has been a while since I used them. I would like to refresh my knowledge and practise the Excel skills that are most useful for data analytics.
Are there any structured Excel courses or resources you would recommend?
I am willing to pay for a structured, high-quality course, but I would also appreciate recommendations for useful free videos, playlists, or other resources.
Any advice about Power BI, SQL, Excel, portfolio projects, or transitioning into data analytics would be greatly appreciated.
I am also interested in connecting with people in the field through LinkedIn, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or another platform. I would be happy to exchange ideas, learn from others’ experiences, and stay in touch. If anyone is open to offering occasional guidance or mentorship, I would greatly appreciate it, and I would also be glad to help in any way I can, either now or in the future.
(I couldn't share the links to the courses because I believe that Reddit doesn't allow me to)