The required stack
SQL (mandatory, deep). Python + Pandas. One BI tool (Looker, Metabase, or Tableau). Git. dbt if you’re aiming for analytics engineering specifically.
Three portfolio projects
1) A SQL deep-dive: pick a public dataset (Spotify, NYC Taxi, GitHub Archive), answer 5 non-trivial questions, write up findings. 2) A dashboard built end-to-end on real data. 3) A dbt model that transforms raw data into clean analytics tables — with tests.
How to differentiate
Write up your work. Most analysts post screenshots. The ones who write *why* a chart is interesting and what the next question would be — they get hired. A weekly Substack of analytics breakdowns is a hiring magnet.
Job titles to apply to
Data Analyst (entry to mid). Analytics Engineer (mid+). Marketing/Product/Growth Analyst (specialist tracks). Business Intelligence Developer (more enterprise). All hire remotely.