Common Mistakes New Data Analysts Make – and How to Avoid Them

Breaking into data analytics is exciting—but it’s easy to fall into avoidable traps, especially in your first projects or job. At the Nigerian Society of Data Analysts and Business Intelligence Experts (NSDABIE), we see many new analysts repeating the same mistakes.

Don’t worry—every expert started as a beginner! Here’s a practical guide to common mistakes, plus how to avoid them so you grow faster and deliver value confidently.

1️⃣ Jumping into Analysis Without Understanding the Problem

The Mistake: Many beginners get excited to run charts and build dashboards before fully understanding what question they’re answering.

The Fix: Slow down. Talk to your client, manager, or stakeholder. Ask:

• What decision do you want to make with this data?
• What does success look like?
• What action will you take when you see the results?

2️⃣ Ignoring Data Quality

The Mistake: Trusting that data is clean just because it’s in a file or database.

The Fix: Always check for

✅ Missing values
✅ Duplicates
✅ Inconsistent formats (e.g., dates, numbers)
✅ Outliers that could skew results

Make data cleaning your first priority!

3️⃣ Doing Everything Manually

The Mistake: Spending hours repeating the same Excel steps, filters, or copy-paste work.

The Fix: Learn to automate.

✅ Use formulas and pivot tables.
✅ Master basic SQL queries
✅ Automate steps with Python, R, or simple macros

4️⃣ Overcomplicating Visualizations

The Mistake: Using too many colors, unnecessary charts, or complicated dashboards that confuse rather than clarify.

The Fix: Keep visuals simple and clear.
✅ Use the right chart for the right story.
✅ Label axes and legends properly.
✅ Highlight the insight, not just the data.

5️⃣ Focusing Only on Tools, Not Insights

The Mistake: Thinking your job is to produce charts or tables—and stopping there.

The Fix: Remember: Your job is to find meaningful insights and communicate them well. Always ask:

✅ What story does this data tell?
✅ What action should the audience take?

6️⃣ Not Validating Your Work

The Mistake: Rushing to share results without double-checking for errors.

The Fix: Cross-check numbers.
✅ Test your formulas and queries with sample data.
✅ Ask a peer to review your dashboard or report before presenting.

7️⃣ Not Documenting Your Process

The Mistake: Working on complex steps but not keeping notes. Later, you can’t remember how you did it.

The Fix: Get used to good habits:
✅ Keep tidy, commented scripts.
✅ Save queries and versions of your files.
✅ Document assumptions and data sources.

8️⃣ Not Communicating Enough

The Mistake: Hiding behind your laptop and assuming your stakeholders understand your work.

The Fix: Communicate early and often.
✅ Clarify requirements.
✅ Share drafts for feedback.
✅ Present your insights in a way that non-technical people understand.

Key Takeaway

Every new analyst makes mistakes—but you don’t have to repeat them! Stay curious, keep your workflow clean, communicate clearly, and always focus on solving the right problem.

At NSDABIE, we help new analysts build good habits, connect with mentors, and gain confidence through practice and community.