It is true that today data plays an important role for businesses and organizations. It is not about collecting data alone, it’s about extracting meaningful information from it. This information is then analyzed and used to understand consumer behavior and drive smarter decisions.
This is what we call the science of data analytics.
The process helps businesses simplify complex data into actionable insights. This streamlines operations, optimizes strategies, predicts outcomes, and improves customer experience.
Reports say companies that employ data-driven decision-making increase their operational productivity rate to 63%.
So, it is evident that data analytics is the future of strategic business growth and innovation. And that is the reason why hiring seasoned professionals with data analytics skills has become a top priority for companies aiming to stay competitive and future-ready in this rapidly changing market. Organizations are actively looking for talent that can not only interpret data but also translate it into impactful business decisions.
In this blog, we will dive deep to explore the top analytics skills and also how upskilling in data analytics through the best edp courses in data analytics is helping professionals keep up with current trends and meet the growing demands of data-driven industries across sectors.
Top Skills Every Professional Needs to Succeed in Data Analytics
No wonder data has taken center stage in this tech-driven world. The rising demand for data isn’t just limited to tech companies alone; sectors like finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and even manufacturing heavily rely on data analytics skills to stay competitive and future-ready.
As a result, most professionals are shifting towards learning practical skills in data analytics to stay relevant, grow in their careers, and meet industry expectations. The use of data analytics tools has become crucial for handling large volumes of information, identifying patterns, and making faster decisions.
Do you know? 3 in 5 organizations are using data analytics to drive business innovation.
Some of the top data analytics skills every professional needs to stay competitive in the market are as follows:
- Python: It is the go-to language for data analysis, machine learning, and automation. It encompasses libraries like Panda, Numpy, and Scikit-learn, which makes it a versatile tool. It can be used for everything, from data mining to modeling.
- Tableau: It is the perfect tool for interactive data visualization. It helps users in creating interactive dashboards that can easily spot trends, patterns, and KPIs in real-time. In roles where storytelling through data is required, Tableau is a must.
- Power BI: Microsoft Power BI is widely adopted in the corporate world due to its seamless integration with Excel, Azure, and Office 365. It enables professionals to connect, model, and visualize data from multiple sources. It is just a drag-and-drop method that aids flexibility for the users.
- SQL: Structured Query Language (SQL) is the backbone of data extraction and manipulation. So, knowing how to write efficient queries is a non-negotiable skill, especially when working with large-scale databases.
- R: R is a critical tool in academic, healthcare, and research-focused analytics roles. It is mostly used for statistical modelling, hypothesis testing, and research-heavy analysis.
- Microsoft Excel: Even in 2025, Microsoft Excel is still a go-to tool for quick analysis, pivot tables, dashboards, and modeling. Mastery in Excel adds speed and flexibility to the workflow, especially in relation to cross-functional roles.
Remember, mastering one or two tools isn’t enough anymore. If you focus on upskilling in data analytics, then it is important that you learn a combination of tools and techniques that can boost your productivity. Whether it’s through executive certification programs, hands-on projects, or case-based learning, practical exposure is what turns skills into career growth.
What Do Top Industries Really Want? Skills That are In-Demand Across eCommerce, BFSI, Healthcare & More
Different organizations may have different requirements, but one thing is common for all industry sectors—they all want professionals with advanced data analytics skills. They need employees who can extract useful data and turn them into actionable insights.
Whether it is an eCommerce company tracking customer behavior, a bank detecting fraud, or a hospital decoding a patient’s chart, data analytics is a must.
Thus, most industry sectors prefer hiring certified professionals who can show agility, precision, and a strong problem-solving mindset in their approach. It is believed that professionals who have earned the business analytics certification are better equipped to handle real-world data challenges and make data-backed decisions.
Since data analytics is a cross-industry skill, the tools, techniques, and approach can vary depending upon the sector. Here are the in-demand skills for data analytics professionals that industries like eCommerce, BFSI, and healthcare are actively looking for.
- eCommerce
In eCommerce, analysis is used for tracking customer behavior, optimizing processes, and managing supply chains. Professionals are expected to work with tools like Python, SQL, and Tableau to analyze large volumes of customer data, identify buying patterns, create real-time dashboards, and predict future sales trends.
The in-demand skills employers seek in eCommerce professionals are as follows:
- A/B Testing and Funnel Analysis
- Real-time data dashboards (Tableau/Power BI)
- Predictive modelling using Python
- SQL for transactional data extraction
- BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance)
In the finance sector, data analytics plays a crucial role in managing risk, detecting fraud, improving customer service, and making smarter financial decisions. Finance professionals work with popular data analytics tools like R, Python, SQL, and Power BI, which help them identify transaction patterns, build financial risk models, and ensure regulatory compliance.
The analytics frameworks and tools greatly assist banks and insurance companies in doing credit scoring, portfolio analysis, and extracting industry insights.
The in-demand skills employers seek in finance professionals are as follows:
- Python and R for risk scoring and modeling
- SQL for working with big databases
- Power BI for data visualisation and dashboard reporting
- Regulatory and compliance-based data handling
- Healthcare
Data analytics skills have brought some transformative changes in the healthcare sector. Analytics tools like R, Python, SQL, and Tableau are used to handle large volumes of patient data, enabling greater accuracy in diagnosis, improved operational efficiency, and more flexibility in managing treatment plans.
Data analytics tools aid in personalized treatment plans and healthcare delivery services, helping medical professionals make insightful decisions, cut down extra costs, and manage resources.
The in-demand skills employers seek in healthcare professionals are as follows:
- Python and R for clinical data modeling
- SQL for querying EHR systems
- Tableau for visualizing health parameters
- Ensuring HIPAA-compliant data management
How Executive Certification Programs Build Hands-On Skills in Data Analytics Tools and Case-Based Learning
The demand for industry-focused skills is on the rise in the market. And this is compelling most working professionals to upskill themselves and stay industry relevant in the sector they are working in. Most mid-career professionals and even senior executives are choosing top B-schools and globally recognized institutions to get enrolled in data analytics programs like the IIIM Jammu data course to upskill and learn in-demand skills.
This helps professionals gain practical experience on the latest analytics tools, understand in-depth concepts that are pivotal for the industry, and gain the confidence to apply those skills in real-life situations.
Structured business analytics certification courses are emerging as the fastest, most practical way for professionals to gain analytics expertise. Here’s how they help—
- Case-Based Learning – Learners engage with case-based sessions to understand real-life business problems. This helps them implement data analytics tools and frameworks in practical scenarios.
- Capstone Project – The industry-focused projects are an imperative part of the program. It hones practical analytic skills and adds to the professional credibility of the candidate.
- Tool-Based Learning – Upskilling in data analytics involves tool-based learning. The program offers hands-on learning on both data analytics tools like Tableau, Python, SQL, etc., and generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.
- Peer Learning and Mentorship – Participants come from diverse industries and job roles, creating a rich environment for cross-functional peer learning. The program offers you sessions led by expert faculty and industry mentors and also provides you industry insights.
- Hands-on Assessment and Quizzes – To reinforce learning, candidates are given interactive quizzes and regular assignments throughout the course. This helps them test their skills, engage better, and build clarity over advanced concepts.
- Access to Alumni Networks – Executive programs from top B-schools like IIMs also offer access to alumni network groups. This provides long-term benefits such as networking opportunities, career support, and exposure to the latest industry trends.
Do you know? Subscription-based analytics solutions hold a significant share in the global market. The Analytics as a Service (AaaS) market is projected to reach $132.9 billion by 2032.
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Get Certified. Get Ahead.
In 2025, digital expertise is of paramount importance. Organizations are hiring data analysts who can not only run digital tools but also comprehend data meaningfully. They want strategic thinkers, problem solvers, and confident leaders who can interpret complex data, build smart strategies, and leverage the right tools to drive growth.
And that’s exactly where the executive certificate programme in Data Analytics comes in.
Such executive programs on analytics equip you with skills that top companies are hiring for. Programs from top B-schools like the IIM Jammu data course combine academic rigor with practical industry application that speeds up the career growth for working professionals. Upon completion of the course, they often witness significant salary hikes, gain eligibility for leadership roles, and open doors to global career opportunities.
So, if you are someone aiming for upskilling in data analytics, now is the time to take the leap. Enroll in the program and unlock new career opportunities.