Data is the foundation of digitalization and is becoming the most valuable asset for companies. Employees who understand data processes and analytical methods—and who can apply them even without an in‑depth IT background—gain new opportunities to make their work processes more efficient and more creative. The CITT already offers two qualification programs in the field of “Data”. Since both programs include the programming language Python, albeit to different extents, we would like to outline the differences below:

How do the two training programs “Data Analyst (IHK)” and “Data Science Foundation” differ?

The main difference between the two programs lies in the job roles and areas of responsibility they prepare participants for.

“Data Analyst (IHK)” prepares participants— as the name suggests — for a role as a Data Analyst. The focus of this role is on analyzing existing, structured data.

“Data Science Foundation” prepares participants for a role as a Data Scientist. The focus here is on solving or optimizing problems using statistical methods. Unlike the Data Analyst role, Data Scientists often do not receive preexisting data sets. Instead, Data Scientists identify the data requirements of a situation and generate the necessary data basis themselves using statistical methods.

What are the core topics covered in the training programs?

In the “Data Analyst (IHK)” program, you learn the fundamentals of data processing and data analysis. You gain an understanding of how data processes work, how to plan them, and how to implement them efficiently. You will also learn how to visualize complex data and scenarios in an engaging and interactive way to maximize informational value. The program also includes introductory training in Python and Power BI.

In the “Data Science Foundation” program, you also learn the basics of Python and Power BI and how to apply them in a productive business environment for Data Science use cases. The focus is particularly on the areas of data management and machine learning. As an aspiring Data Scientist, you go beyond pure data analysis and also learn statistical methods for generating data.

Who are these training programs designed for?

Both courses are suitable for all departments. They teach foundational knowledge, so no prior experience is required. However, you should bring a general affinity for IT and an interest in programming languages such as Python.

Applications for data analysis and data science can be found across a wide range of departments—from production to marketing.