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Data analyst or SalesForce Platform Developer?
How can I effectively transition into a data analyst role with my master's degree in IT and Tableau Desktop certification? What specific skills or experiences should I focus on developing to strengthen my application? Additionally, I’m contemplating whether pursuing a career as a Salesforce developer might be a better fit. Which field is likely to offer faster job opportunities, and what are the key differences between these two paths in terms of career growth and alignment with my background and goals?
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Nitasha’s Answer
The true answer depends on what you are most likely going to enjoy as your career. Data analyst gives you broader pool of talent which can enable you to work in any domain like finance, banking, product engineering, marketing & many more. Any vertical domain needs data analyst to analyze impact of their business, product, go to market etc. However Salesforce developer will limit you to become an engineer who is great in CRM tools, and no doubt many companies would need Salesforce developer too but those are specific jobs with much competition vs generic data analyst could open plethora of opportunities for you to work, learn & grow in endless companies. Since you are Tableau expert already I would suggest getting your hands on experience in SQL & other BI tools as well. Hope this helps
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Prab’s Answer
Based on my experience of being a Tableau Developer for 2+ years, specific skills needed are: Tableau understanding, SQL, Python (some), and Data Analysis basics understanding. With these skills on resume, having additional projects (school projects or freelancing for local companies) can really strengthen your application as it shows you have real experience with data visualization. This field is always growing as all companies tend to make data-driven decisions and this role is not industry specific, so you can go in different industries and be in a similar role. Being in data would be a good alignment if you like playing around with data, numbers make you happy as you get to drive decisions based on the trends you can find. Hope this helps :)
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Darren’s Answer
With your master’s in IT and Tableau certification, transitioning into a data analyst role is very achievable. Focus on strengthening SQL skills, learning Python or R for data manipulation, and gaining practical experience through projects or internships. Building a portfolio of dashboards or analysis on Tableau Public or GitHub is highly valuable. Strong communication and the ability to tell a clear data story are just as important as technical skills.
Salesforce development, on the other hand, involves coding in Apex, JavaScript, and customizing the Salesforce platform. It offers structured growth and high salaries but usually requires deeper platform knowledge and certifications.
Data analyst roles are generally easier to enter quickly and are more widely available across industries, while Salesforce developer roles can offer faster career progression if you enjoy coding and platform work. Your IT and Tableau background aligns naturally with data analysis, but Salesforce could be a strong choice if you prefer software development.
Salesforce development, on the other hand, involves coding in Apex, JavaScript, and customizing the Salesforce platform. It offers structured growth and high salaries but usually requires deeper platform knowledge and certifications.
Data analyst roles are generally easier to enter quickly and are more widely available across industries, while Salesforce developer roles can offer faster career progression if you enjoy coding and platform work. Your IT and Tableau background aligns naturally with data analysis, but Salesforce could be a strong choice if you prefer software development.
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Colleen’s Answer
I can't speak to the Salesforce developer piece, but I can definitely speak to the data analyst role. I transitioned into data analysis from education and library science. Your master's degree in IT and Tableau Desktop certification are excellent. Learning how to write complex SQL queries would be an excellent skill to add. The roles I have been in have not required me to write stored procedures or load tables into a database using SQL, but I have definitely had to write complex SQL queries, troubleshoot existing ones, and modify existing queries to pull different datasets. My current role is requiring me to learn a lot of Microsoft Power Platform tools, including Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Apps. Power BI and Tableau have a lot of similarities so learning one makes learning the other easier. I would recommend you look for some good online courses in SQL for Data Analysis and Power Platform as your next steps. There are so many great free and low cost courses out there. All of us regularly use YouTube videos and Google searches to figure out how to do things that we don't know as well. Data analysts need to be tenacious, have strong collaboration and communication skills, and be willing to learn new things. As far as data analyst job opportunities, I have not had any issues finding employment and I have been in this field for about 5 years.
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Kaavya’s Answer
If you are still looking, there is a growing product called Salesforce Data Cloud. This role uses Salesforce data but focuses heavily on analytics and AI. With your Tableau background (Salesforce owns Tableau), you could be a "Salesforce Analytics Specialist," which bridges both worlds perfectly.
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Poovi’s Answer
To easily enter a Data Analyst role, focus on mastering SQL. Learning Tableau is straightforward, and any issues can be solved with online searches. Once you know one reporting tool, others will be simpler to pick up. Learning Tableau can also prepare you for a Business Analyst role, as both jobs require similar skills.
A Data Analyst needs strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address business needs. For example, when analyzing data, look for and address any outliers to stand out in your field.
While anyone can use a reporting tool, it's crucial to learn SQL to transform data into business solutions.
Exploring a Salesforce Developer or Admin role can be beneficial in the competitive job market, but it's best to keep it as a secondary focus while concentrating on one main area.
Learn Tableau and check the Tableau forum for real time issues and solutions
Implement the SQL knowledge to convert the data into KPI's
A Data Analyst needs strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address business needs. For example, when analyzing data, look for and address any outliers to stand out in your field.
While anyone can use a reporting tool, it's crucial to learn SQL to transform data into business solutions.
Exploring a Salesforce Developer or Admin role can be beneficial in the competitive job market, but it's best to keep it as a secondary focus while concentrating on one main area.
Poovi recommends the following next steps:
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Tim’s Answer
To move into a data analyst role with your master's in IT and Tableau Desktop certification, focus on building key skills and experiences to boost your application. Important skills include data analysis, data visualization, SQL, Python, statistical analysis, and machine learning. Also, working with various data tools and doing projects or internships can improve your qualifications.
If you're thinking about becoming a Salesforce developer, think about the job opportunities and growth compared to a data analyst role. Salesforce developers customize and build apps on the Salesforce platform, while data analysts study data to help make smart business choices.
Job-wise, data analysts are needed in many industries as companies use data to guide their strategies. Salesforce developers are also in demand as more businesses use Salesforce for managing customer relationships.
To explore these careers and build the right skills, consider online courses and certifications. Here are some useful links to trails and trail mixes to boost your skills in data analysis and Salesforce development:
- Data Analyst Trail: [Data Analyst Trail](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/trails/data-analyst)
- Data Visualization with Tableau Trailmix: [Tableau Trailmix](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/users/strailhead/trailmixes/data-visualization-with-tableau)
- Salesforce Developer Trail: [Salesforce Developer Trail](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/trails/force_com_dev_beginner)
By using these resources and getting practical experience, you can choose the career path that best fits your background, goals, and interests. Both data analysis and Salesforce development offer exciting growth, so it depends on what you prefer and aim for in your career.
If you're thinking about becoming a Salesforce developer, think about the job opportunities and growth compared to a data analyst role. Salesforce developers customize and build apps on the Salesforce platform, while data analysts study data to help make smart business choices.
Job-wise, data analysts are needed in many industries as companies use data to guide their strategies. Salesforce developers are also in demand as more businesses use Salesforce for managing customer relationships.
To explore these careers and build the right skills, consider online courses and certifications. Here are some useful links to trails and trail mixes to boost your skills in data analysis and Salesforce development:
- Data Analyst Trail: [Data Analyst Trail](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/trails/data-analyst)
- Data Visualization with Tableau Trailmix: [Tableau Trailmix](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/users/strailhead/trailmixes/data-visualization-with-tableau)
- Salesforce Developer Trail: [Salesforce Developer Trail](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/trails/force_com_dev_beginner)
By using these resources and getting practical experience, you can choose the career path that best fits your background, goals, and interests. Both data analysis and Salesforce development offer exciting growth, so it depends on what you prefer and aim for in your career.
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Michele’s Answer
As an insider at Salesforce, I can assure you that both the roles of a Salesforce developer and a data analyst are greatly sought after! To determine which role suits you best, consider conducting a self-evaluation. Ask yourself - do you find the technical intricacies of coding exciting (as a Salesforce developer would) or do you derive satisfaction from dissecting and illustrating data through reports and analytics?
Both roles demand a certain level of technical expertise. However, a developer primarily concentrates on backend development and usually collaborates with business analysts to collect client requirements. On the other hand, data analysts interact more directly with clients to comprehend their business needs and accordingly, develop reports/analytics. If you prefer working behind the scenes, the developer role might be more suitable for you. But if you enjoy engaging with people, particularly clients, then you might find the data analyst role more fulfilling.
Another point to consider is that the data analyst role often overlaps with the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a sector that is predicted to grow exponentially. This is an important factor to consider when choosing your career path.
Salesforce offers numerous training modules for both these career paths. I recommend enhancing your knowledge by taking some of these courses. This could also assist you in determining which path resonates more with you. All you need to do is set up a free trailhead account to get started. Then, you can explore more about roles such as Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Designer, Salesforce Consultant, or Business Analyst on the Data Side. Here is a link to get you started: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/career-path
Wishing you all the best in whichever path you choose!
Both roles demand a certain level of technical expertise. However, a developer primarily concentrates on backend development and usually collaborates with business analysts to collect client requirements. On the other hand, data analysts interact more directly with clients to comprehend their business needs and accordingly, develop reports/analytics. If you prefer working behind the scenes, the developer role might be more suitable for you. But if you enjoy engaging with people, particularly clients, then you might find the data analyst role more fulfilling.
Another point to consider is that the data analyst role often overlaps with the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a sector that is predicted to grow exponentially. This is an important factor to consider when choosing your career path.
Salesforce offers numerous training modules for both these career paths. I recommend enhancing your knowledge by taking some of these courses. This could also assist you in determining which path resonates more with you. All you need to do is set up a free trailhead account to get started. Then, you can explore more about roles such as Salesforce Developer, Salesforce Designer, Salesforce Consultant, or Business Analyst on the Data Side. Here is a link to get you started: https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/career-path
Wishing you all the best in whichever path you choose!
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Ronny’s Answer
If you feel you prefer solving automation solutions, or you have identified you love coding or finding bugs go for Developer. Data analysis is the choice if you know you like to find patterns, and deep dive to understand behaviors.
For understanding which path may give you an offer sooner, you could try explore in platforms like glassdoor. My guess now is that Data analysis is still a role with big demand, specially at enter level.
Your background seems a match for Data Analyst, but again you should aim for the type of activities you feel more comfortable with, if you have the opportunity to choose.
For understanding which path may give you an offer sooner, you could try explore in platforms like glassdoor. My guess now is that Data analysis is still a role with big demand, specially at enter level.
Your background seems a match for Data Analyst, but again you should aim for the type of activities you feel more comfortable with, if you have the opportunity to choose.
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IBM’s Answer
Salesforce usage is widespread, but it is still a single technology. Some of the learnings from being a platform developer will translate to other platforms but others will not.
Data analyst, on the other hand, can be a stepping stone to data science, which is in high demand, especially if you either have background or interest in statistics. Plus data is everywhere. Learning how to turn data into information is a powerful skill.
Think of data as raw and information as data with intrinsic value.
Data analyst, on the other hand, can be a stepping stone to data science, which is in high demand, especially if you either have background or interest in statistics. Plus data is everywhere. Learning how to turn data into information is a powerful skill.
Think of data as raw and information as data with intrinsic value.
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Mounika’s Answer
Consider Data Analyst if you: Enjoy working with data, numbers, and uncovering trends. Prefer a role that spans multiple industries.
Data analysis can be more accessible for beginners, while Salesforce development requires learning a specific platform and its proprietary language.
With my background in Salesforce (SFDC), I recognize that data analysts play a vital role in every organization. With Tableau certification and pursuing your interests in data can open doors to advanced positions such as data architect or data scientist.
Data analysis can be more accessible for beginners, while Salesforce development requires learning a specific platform and its proprietary language.
With my background in Salesforce (SFDC), I recognize that data analysts play a vital role in every organization. With Tableau certification and pursuing your interests in data can open doors to advanced positions such as data architect or data scientist.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
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Katherine’s Answer
Hey Abdul,
Maybe reading Ken Coleman's book The Proximity Principle would help you make your decisions.
Maybe reading Ken Coleman's book The Proximity Principle would help you make your decisions.
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