Must-Have Tableau Skills for Your Next Job

The statement that “knowledge is power” is not new, but it still holds true today. What’s the best way to gain knowledge? The answer is to collect information which is gained by putting together small pieces of data. Data is the rudimentary source for information, and with information, you can build knowledge. And as we stated before, knowledge can be very powerful, depending on how you choose to use it. 

Tableau helps you do just that. It facilitates the gathering of smaller pieces of data, sometimes from multiple sources, and helps you to mold them into one cohesive data story. Let’s look at some of the listed Tableau skills and basics that are needed to create visually appealing, highly informative reports and data visualizations.

1. Basic Data Comprehension

It’s necessary to have a basic understanding of how data can be linked together as well as how to compile that data into a structure that’s easily understood. Some basic knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, as well as how to gather and query data, will help you to get started. Experience with data insight can come from the use of tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other data compiling programs.

2. Data Modelling & Transformation

Next, you’ll need to know how to analyze data objects and their relationships as this is important to the collection and organization of your data. The knowledge of how different types of data fit together is essential to presenting it in an easily consumable format. The cleaner the data, the easier it is to work with. Having ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) skills help to clean, massage and mold data into a form that can be easily analyzed.

3. Math & Statistical Analysis

Basic and comprehensive math skills are required to develop objectives using your compiled data. Using these skills, you’ll have the power to process the data into something much more valuable than just a list of numbers or information. Then enhancing that data with calculations, forecasting, trending, statistics and other methods of data manipulation will help you to build better visualizations.

4. Analytical & Visualization Skills

The ability to accurately and effectively translate business requirements into functional specifications is an extremely valuable skill to have. This ensures that you’ll be able to produce the requested results efficiently and persuasively. The ability to feed analytic data into charts, graphs and other types of visual reports is especially important. If your audience can quickly and easily consume the information that’s being presented, then they’ll be able to make knowledgeable and informed decisions based on the presented data.

5. Filtering, Sorting and Grouping

After you’ve translated the data into the requested specifications, you can filter the data and then sort it so that the most important or freshest data is easily accessible. Finally, you can group it into sections that make sense to your office or client. The ability to find a way around obstacles, provide results and then effectively communicate those results with clarity will help you to maintain your place and provide proof of your value to your company and clients.

6. Tableau Software Suite

Finally, a knowledge of how to use the different pieces of Tableau software will help you amass all the skills mentioned above into an applicable, visual composition. Tableau Desktop, Tableau Server, Tableau Public and the other products provided by Tableau give you the power to become the data scientist that you aspire to be. Using these tools, you can compile, organize and display your data to suit any audience with a visually impressive presentation.

The best way to strengthen your Tableau skills is to obtain training from a certified training center. Contact ONLC today to find out how to become a professional data scientist by utilizing the extensive Tableau training provided at one of our 300 remote classroom sites.