How do I build a data analyst portfolio with no experience?
Pick three public datasets from different domains, run a full analysis on each, and write a one-page summary per project explaining what you found. Host them on a free site or a GitHub repo. Three projects is enough for the first job.
Which datasets to pick
One public sector dataset (ONS, ABS, BLS, StatsCan), one ecommerce or marketing dataset (Kaggle has plenty), one operational dataset (transport, weather, sports). Mix proves you can adapt.
What each project should show
Cleaning, transformation, a clear question, a chart, a short narrative. Stakeholder-friendly, not a Jupyter notebook dump.
How recruiters actually read it
Most spend 60 seconds. Lead with the question, the answer, and the chart. Method details go below the fold.
Related questions
Ready to actually do this?
CPD Base trains career switchers from non-tech backgrounds. Live online cohorts, capstone projects, CV and interview support.
Apply now