You’ve likely noticed that scrolling through Twitter or checking the news means running into charts, models, or visual explainers at every turn. Data drives the world, and we’re all paying closer attention to it than ever before. But here’s the thing—just glancing at a chart or spreadsheet isn’t the same as actually pulling useful, meaningful insights from it. That second part? It’s a skill. And to employers, it’s an incredibly valuable one.
“Data literacy isn’t just about feeling comfortable with the information in front of you. It’s about being able to analyze it,” says Jim Johnson, a Senior VP at Robert Half Technology with two decades of recruiting experience. He adds, “Data skills aren’t just for analysts, scientists, or executives. When you understand data, you can use it daily to add value to your team and your company.”
Every industry has big questions and challenges to tackle. Whether you’re in service, hospitality, HR, or even your neighborhood grocery store, data probably plays some role in your success—and your long-term career growth.
Here are three key reasons data literacy matters, plus how you can start building these essential skills today.
1. Data Literacy Is the Must-Have Business Skill Now
Think back to the 1990s, when Microsoft’s office tools changed the game. “Suddenly, you had word processors, spreadsheets, PowerPoint—all these new ways to work. Data is that now,” explains David Harris, senior product manager for Udacity Enterprise, which helps companies provide in-demand tech training for employees.
“Just like we had to adapt to computers and the internet, now we all have data,” Harris says. “Knowing how to sift through it and make decisions in an era of information overload is the new baseline for working in the 21st century.”
You don’t need to enroll in a coding bootcamp or take an SQL course to build strong data skills. In fact, “the real skill is treating data as an ongoing learning process,” Harris notes. Like any skill, data literacy improves with time and practice.
2. Numbers Give Your Role Meaning
Endless to-do lists can leave anyone feeling drained, unmotivated, or even invisible. “There’s a difference between being busy and being purposeful—and data can shift you from one to the other,” Johnson says.
When you grasp how data impacts your role, department, and company, you’ll start spotting efficiencies and opportunities in your work. These small wins can add up to bigger gains or cost savings for the business. Understanding the numbers helps you work smarter, and “that impact ripples across the organization,” Johnson adds.
3. Data Rules on Resumes and in Performance Reviews
“Every project and role has an ROI,” Johnson says. So, how do you show what you’ve delivered in return for your employer’s investment? You guessed it—data is the best way to prove your value to managers or future employers.
As a recruiter, Johnson notes that candidates who stand out are those who can explain how they’ve solved problems, driven results, or uncovered opportunities—using data on their resumes (without sharing confidential details, of course). The same goes for reviews: Use data to showcase your skills and make a case for that promotion or raise.
How to Get Started
If you’re eager to build technical data skills and have the resources, consider an online course or a certificate program from a reputable institution. Otherwise, here’s how to sharpen your data skills right away:
- Look Internally
Check if your company offers training, mentorship, or learning budgets for courses. - Tap Into Your Network
Reach out to someone in your organization (or on LinkedIn) who works with data. Ask if you can collaborate on a project or get advice. Most people are happy to help! - Start With the Data You Have, Then Expand
Look at your team’s performance or your own work. Find efficiencies (Could X be automated? Could Y be batched?) and trends (Are there patterns that could boost profit or efficiency?). Then share your insights with your manager. - Track Personal Metrics
Use apps for budgeting, fitness, or other hobbies—they’re great for practicing data skills in real life. - Keep Learning
Explore sites like Stack Overflow and GitHub, where communities share expertise and projects for free.