Quick answer: For data analyst jobs, you need SQL skills such as SELECT, filtering, GROUP BY, JOINs, subqueries, CTEs and window functions, and Power BI skills such as Power Query data cleaning, star-schema data modelling, DAX measures, interactive visuals and publishing reports. Together, SQL and Power BI cover most day-to-day analyst work.
Table of contents
- Essential SQL Skills
- Essential Power BI Skills
- How SQL and Power BI Work Together
- Portfolio Projects
- Interview Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Power BI training and internships in Mohali
Essential SQL Skills
| Skill | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY | Retrieve and filter data |
| GROUP BY, HAVING, aggregates | Summaries such as total sales per region |
| INNER/LEFT JOIN | Combine data from multiple tables |
| Subqueries and CTEs | Break complex questions into steps |
| Window functions | Rankings, running totals, month-on-month change |
| CASE, date functions | Categorise and analyse by time |
Essential Power BI Skills
- Power Query: import, clean and transform data.
- Data modelling: fact and dimension tables, relationships, star schema.
- DAX: measures such as SUM, CALCULATE, FILTER and time intelligence (YTD, MoM).
- Visuals: choosing the right chart, slicers, drill-through and tooltips.
- Publishing: Power BI Service, sharing and scheduled refresh.
- Design: clean layouts and clear KPIs.
How SQL and Power BI Work Together
Analysts often use SQL to extract and shape data from databases, then load it into Power BI to model, calculate measures and build dashboards. Knowing both makes you faster and more independent.
Portfolio Projects
- Sales dashboard with YTD and month-on-month trends
- HR attrition analysis
- Customer cohort and retention analysis using SQL window functions
- Inventory and supplier performance report
Interview Tips
- Expect live SQL questions on joins, grouping and window functions.
- Be ready to explain a dashboard you built and the decisions it supports.
- Know the difference between calculated columns and measures in Power BI.
Prepare through the data analyst course in Mohali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SQL more important than Power BI?
Both matter. SQL gets the data; Power BI turns it into insights. Most analyst roles ask for both.
How long does it take to learn Power BI?
Basics take a few weeks; becoming confident with DAX and modelling takes two to three months of practice.
Which SQL database should I practise on?
MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQL Server are all fine; the core SQL is very similar.
Is there a Power BI certification?
Microsoft offers the PL-300 Power BI Data Analyst certification, which is well recognised.
Power BI Training and Internships in Mohali
If you want to learn Power BI with hands-on practice, techcadd Mohali offers classroom training, project work and industrial training options for students, graduates and working professionals:
- Power BI course in Mohali – syllabus, tools and projects
- 6-week industrial training in Mohali – for B.Tech, BCA, MCA and diploma students
- 6-month industrial training in Mohali – project-based training with a live project
- Internship programme in Mohali – eligibility and how to apply
Explore Power BI Training at techcadd Mohali
View the Power BI course syllabus or enquire about admissions at techcadd, Mohali. Our counsellors can help you choose between a short-term course, 6-week industrial training and 6-month industrial training based on your background.
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