How to Start a Career in Data (with no experience)

Are you looking to break into the data industry with no experience? You’re not alone. With data becoming central to business strategy across the UK, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in data, even if you’re just starting out.

This guide explains how to launch your data career from scratch, why demand is soaring, and which entry-level data jobs are available right now.

Why the Demand for Data Jobs in the UK Is Rising

The UK’s data job market is booming, and for good reason. Here’s why:

Digital Transformation Across Industries

Companies in industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and tech are all investing in digital tools and analytics. From customer insights to AI implementation, data professionals are essential to this shift.

Government Support for Data Skills

The UK government’s National AI Strategy and other digital economy initiatives are fuelling job growth in data science, analytics, and related fields.

Growing Tech Investment

Major companies, including Amazon, are investing billions in UK-based data centres, increasing the demand for data infrastructure and analytics roles.

Entry-Level Data Jobs You Can Get Without Experience

You don’t need a computer science degree to start a data career. Many roles are open to beginners who demonstrate basic skills and a willingness to learn.

Junior Data Analyst

Responsibilities: Data cleaning, trend analysis, reporting
Skills needed: Excel, SQL, Tableau or Power BI
Average UK salary: £25,000–£35,000

Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst

Responsibilities: Creating dashboards and KPIs
Skills needed: SQL, BI tools (Power BI, Looker)
Ideal for analytical thinkers with a business mindset

Data Administrator

Responsibilities: Data entry, database management, quality control
Skills needed: Attention to detail, basic database tools
A great stepping stone into analyst roles

Junior Data Scientist

Responsibilities: Building models, data experimentation
Skills needed: Python or R, statistics, machine learning fundamentals
Best for those who’ve completed skills bootcamps or self-study courses

How to Kickstart Your Data Career from Scratch

Follow these steps to get noticed in the competitive (but welcoming) data field:

1. Learn Key Data Skills

Focus on software and programmes such as:

- Data analysis: Excel, SQL
- Programming: Python or R
- Visualisation: Tableau, Power BI

2. Build a Data Portfolio

Create projects using publicly available datasets (like from Kaggle or government portals). A solid GitHub portfolio can help make up for a lack of formal experience.

Top Tip: Get Certified

Certifications and industry-recognised qualifications can help boost your credibility and overall employability.

Our fully-funded Level 3 NCFE Certificate in Data course provides you with an industry-recognised qualification, as well as key skills to get started as a data technician.

You can also consider:

- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate

3. Apply for Entry-Level Data Jobs

Search platforms like Reed, Indeed, and LinkedIn for:

“Entry-level data analyst”
“Graduate data roles”
“Junior BI analyst”

4. Network with Data Professionals

Join communities like:

LinkedIn groups for data jobs
Data Science Meetups in the UK
Online forums like r/datascience on Reddit

Start a Data Career with No Experience

The UK data job market is wide open to motivated newcomers. Whether you’re transitioning from another field or looking for your next full-time role, there’s a clear path forward.

Focus on building your skills and growing your network, and you’ll soon find your first role in the world of data.

Fully Funded Data Training Course Available

To kickstart your journey to becoming a data technician or similar, you can sign up for our fully-funded Level 3 Data course, which provides the key skills needed to get started in this field, as well as an NCFE qualification to add to your CV.

If you’re currently unemployed, over the age of 19 and looking to get back into work, our range of training courses could offer you a pathway to a new career. Our employment support programmes are also available in multiple areas throughout the UK.

Please contact us here and a member of our team will get in touch to talk through the options available to you.

Back2Work Complete Training provide Pre-Employment Training throughout the UK.

Pre-Employment Training works great as both a recruitment service for employers and an employment service for those who are unemployed.

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