How to become a product analyst | edX

How to become a product analystProduct analysts use data analysis and user experience skills to improve product development and gain insights to guide product strategy. Read our guide to learn how to become a product analyst.Browse online product management programs and coursesAre you great at handling data-driven tasks and want to use your talent for good? Then becoming a product analyst may be a great way for you to start your professional career.Learn what a product analyst does and what steps you'll need to take to become one.What does a product analyst do?Product analysis is a collaborative role that is primarily responsible for collecting feedback and data about customer preferences and product performance to improve products and services and ultimately increase sales. In this role, you may:Solicit feedback through customer interviews, focus groups, and pollsCollect and analyze data to find and interpret patterns and trendsSet and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to understand product performanceEvaluate products based on data-driven insight from customer feedbackConduct in-depth research on competitor products and apply insightCreate reports, presentations, and dashboards to justify recommendationsThough there is no official pay data available for the product analyst role, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that market research analysts — a related role where professionals carry out a number of similar tasks — earn a median annual salary of $74,680 as of 2023.Steps to become a product analystLearning how to become a product analyst can seem daunting. Here are three steps you can take to get you closer to a thriving career in this role.Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degreeThough it is possible to secure a position without a bachelor's degree, many employers view a degree as a way to set candidates apart from the crowd. In some cases, they may even require you to have one.Bachelor's degree programs in business administration, information systems, and data science teach fundamental concepts like:Database systemsData visualizationPython for data scienceInformation systems managementStrategic managementBusiness communicationIf you have already earned your bachelor's degree and wish to pivot into product analytics, you may consider an advanced degree, such as a master's degree in business analytics or business administration (MBA).Step 2: Get some professional experienceYour professional experience is highly valued among employers, as it signals that you are familiar with the practical aspects of the position and the latest tools and methods many product analysts currently use. You can gain the necessary experience in a few ways, including:Volunteer workPersonal projectsInternshipsEntry-level data analytics rolesYou can also see what roles and projects are available at your current job and ask about taking on additional tasks involving analytics. Anything that involves data collection, analysis, and reporting will be sufficient to get you started, as this will help you develop the real-world analytical skills you need.Step 3: Consider a certification or certificateLike degrees, product analyst certifications and certificates are optional, but they can provide you with leverage in the job search process. They can allow you to showcase your knowledge and position yourself as an expert in your field.A few certifications and certificates that are relevant to the product analyst role include:Microsoft PowerBI Data Analyst Associate certification: Show knowledge of the technical prowess needed to model, visualize, and analyze data on the PBI platformEntry Certificate in Business Analysis: Highlight competencies in business analysis key concepts, from initial planning to lifecycle managementCompTIA Data+ certification: Understand how to mine and analyze data with rigor and communicate insight with clarityEach of these opportunities is open to candidates without a lot of experience who don't have years of experience.Get started on edXExplore the business courses and programs edX offers to help you prepare for your degree program and develop the foundational knowledge you need for success.Stand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Explore all online product management programs and coursesFrequently asked questionsWhat is a product analyst?Product analysts collect and analyze product performance and customer preference data to garner insight on how to improve a company’s products and services.How much does a product analyst make a year?While there is currently no BLS data available specifically for the product analyst role, market research analysts — a related role where professionals perform many similar duties — earn a median annual salary of $74,680 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.How long does it take to become a product analyst?If you learn how to become a product analyst through a degree program, it may take you four years to complete it before you land your first professional role. Building up enough work experience to qualify for a specific role in particular, however, may extend this timeline by a bit.