As you progress through your career, it’s natural to pause and ponder what lies ahead and how you can elevate your performance. This guide serves as a resource tailored for individuals operating within analytics and data-centric roles, offered as a tool to navigate the available materials.
We’ll explore the pathways within the analytics domain, with a special focus on the dynamic world of Tableau. We’ll also look into a handful of resources, which span from quick, focussed sessions to comprehensive courses, ensuring a diverse and enriching learning journey.
Data-Centric Tableau Career Paths
First, let’s understand where you are in your career and how data and insight focused your role is. You should be able to place yourself under one of the four key umbrellas for data-centric roles:
- Analytics Specialist
- Data Specialist
- Developer
- End User
Transitioning to new roles or embarking on a different career trajectory involves acquiring fresh skills. It’s crucial to identify the required skills for this transition and what can help you on the way. This involves not only honing Tableau skills, but also broadening your expertise across the realm of analytics.
The infographic below highlights various career trajectories which are significantly influenced by the ability to analyze and visualize data – fundamental elements for deriving actionable business insights. This focuses on the level of Data Visualization and Interpretation versus Data Analysis and Modelling required by the path.
Data Specialist Roles
These roles are highly specialized, demanding expertise in data wrangling, calculation, and modeling. Among the array of positions available (including but not limited to) are Data Scientists, Data Modelers, Machine Learning Specialists, and Artificial Intelligence Specialists. The predominant focus in these roles is often on modeling and analyzing data complemented by elements of data visualization.
Analytics Specialists
Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Data Engineers, and Consultants stand as the primary users and creators within Tableau, as they have a deep familiarity with the product (or multiple products).
They are the architects behind the development and upkeep of visual analytics dashboards, along with the data that fuels them. Proficiency in the entire analytics lifecycle and strong visual acumen are commonly expected of these professionals.
Architecture Specialists
These encompass Architects, such as Tableau Site/Server Developers, Analytics Infrastructure Architects, and Designers. Individuals in these roles must possess a profound comprehension of the Tableau workspace, focusing less on report development and more on establishing and refining the entire infrastructure. This entails crafting working environments that are tailored to meet the needs of the entire organization.
End Users
These individuals within a business may not necessarily delve deeply into analysis or utilize the Tableau platform extensively. Often, they are explorers of reporting and consumers of insights rather than hands-on users. Nevertheless, they are committed to understanding best practices and maximizing the potential of the workspace. Examples include Business Managers/Leaders and Decision Makers.
Let’s explore the resources available to help you reach your desired destination. For ideas on how to upscale your resume, check out this guide on how to do that using Tableau.
Tableau Certifications
Currently, the industry provides five certifications for users to become Tableau certified. Prior experience with the application is recommended, ideally suited for individuals already on an analyst career trajectory or those who regularly work with data. Each certification requires payment, inclusive of provided learning materials. Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a specialist certification.
Tableau Analyst Certification will require some working knowledge within Tableau stack including Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, and either Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud. If you prefer to only focus on desktop fundamentals then Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification will provide you with exactly that.
These are the most relevant certifications for all the data and visualization analysts out there. The design solidifies the skills of either Tableau desktop or the full Tableau stack.
Tableau Certified Consultant Certification is for individuals who excel in collaborating with business professionals to craft and disseminate dashboards aimed at extracting valuable data-driven insights.
All of the above certifications are ideal for Analytics Specialists career paths.
Tableau Server Associate Certification is targeted at system administrators or consultants. Through the program, you will learn and be tested on deploying, configuring, and managing the Tableau server – it’s an administrative approach to running a server.
Tableau Certified Architect Certification possesses advanced expertise in collaborating with Enterprise IT professionals to implement, expand, and uphold Tableau Server infrastructures. This exam confirms a candidate’s capacity to design and implement secure, adaptable solutions.
All of the above certifications are designed for those on an Architect path.
Trailhead Academy
The majority of the Salesforce ecosystem will be familiar with Trailhead Academy and the abundance of training courses offered there – you can choose from instructor-led or online courses. Looking back at the beginning of my analytics career, I’ve taken Tableau Desktop 2: Intermediate in-person training class which I highly recommend if you’re just starting off. I’ve gained practical skills within two days which really set me up for success.
These courses offer an excellent opportunity for a bite-sized approach to learning, especially now that it’s available on-the go.
Data Specialists and Analysts will benefit the most from Trailhead Academy.
Free Materials
Let’s step out of the ecosystem and look at what other resources there are to help you upskill your data-focused career.
Check out this Coursera course (and multiple others) for training courses on analytics. Most of the training courses tend to be free on this app with a paid certificate at completion. A mobile app is also available.
You could also skip paid courses online and focus on a 6-hour crash course on YouTube, allowing you to move at your own pace. This free course is ideal for those starting off or refreshing their expertise.
If developing dashboards (including working with raw data) isn’t what you’re looking for, you are in fact an end user. This ultimate guide on how to navigate Tableau from the user perspective will walk you through Tableau Cloud, covering the basics such as pages, dashboards, and filters.
