Each part builds on the last - so by the end, you’re not just learning tools.
You’re thinking like a data analyst.
Learn Data Analysis the Way Analysts
Actually Work - With AI
This isn’t a static course. It’s a guided learning system that teaches you how to think, analyze, and make decisions with data — using AI the same way today’s analysts do on the job.
Designed by Walter Shields - trusted by hundreds of thousands of professionals to learn practical, real-world data skills that actually stick.
- Learn how to analyze data with AI as your thinking partner, not just a calculator
- Practice real analyst workflows: asking better questions, validating results, explaining insights
- Build confidence using modern, AI-infused approaches - not outdated step-by-step recipes
What You’ll Learn - and How You’ll Learn It
A structured, AI-enabled path designed to build real analyst capability - step by step.
Foundations of Data Analysis
Build the core skills every modern analyst needs. Learn how data is structured, how to clean and prepare it, and how to ask better questions of both your data and AI-so you start analysis on solid ground.
Includes Courses 1 & 2
What this covers:
Course 1: Data foundations, cleaning, validation, and AI mindset
Course 2: Excel + Copilot for real-world analysis and reporting
AI-Assisted Data Analysis
Integrate AI directly into your analysis workflow. Use it to explore patterns, interpret results, validate insights, and turn analysis into clear, explainable stories-without outsourcing your thinking.
Includes Courses 3 & 4
What this covers:
Course 3: SQL foundations with AI-assisted querying, debugging, and prompt crafting
Course 4: Visualization, dashboards, and AI-supported storytelling for decision-making
Statistics & Prompt Engineering for Analysts
Move beyond surface-level insights. Use statistics, visual analysis, and structured prompt engineering to interpret data rigorously, explain results clearly, and guide AI as a reliable analytical partner.
Includes Courses 5 & 6
What this covers:
Course 5: Statistics for analysts with AI-assisted interpretation
Course 6: Prompt engineering for data cleaning, analysis, and transparent reasoning
Instructor
Walter Shields
Founder, Walter Shields Data Academy
“You’ll learn how to analyze data with AI, not around it.”
Walter Shields is a data practitioner and educator with over 25 years of real-world experience working with data across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and regulated industries including healthcare, finance, and retail. He specializes in teaching analysts how to think with data - not just run tools. His approach blends foundational analysis, modern platforms, and AI-assisted workflows so learners develop judgment, confidence, and long-term analytical skill. Walter’s teaching style is practical, calm, and deeply focused on helping learners explain their work clearly, validate results, and use AI responsibly as part of everyday analysis - not as a shortcut.
Walter Shields is a data practitioner and educator with over 25 years of real-world experience working with data across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and regulated industries including healthcare, finance, and retail. He specializes in teaching analysts how to think with data - not just run tools. His approach blends foundational analysis, modern platforms, and AI-assisted workflows so learners develop judgment, confidence, and long-term analytical skill. Walter’s teaching style is practical, calm, and deeply focused on helping learners explain their work clearly, validate results, and use AI responsibly as part of everyday analysis - not as a shortcut.
Cost
Total Hours
15-18 hours of instruction
Hours Per Week
2-4 hours per week
Is the Data Analyst Learning Path Right for You?
Who This Is For ✅
✔️ You want to learn data analysis without a technical background
✔️ You want to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut
✔️ You want hands-on practice, not abstract theory
✔️ You want skills that translate directly to real workplace tasks
✔️ You want a clear learning path, not scattered tutorials
Who This Is Not For ❌
❌ You’re looking for a pure coding bootcamp
❌ You want AI to do the thinking for you
❌ You prefer advanced math-heavy theory with little context
❌ You’re not ready to actively practice and experiment
How You’ll Learn in This Pathway
01
Learn by Doing
You work with real datasets, real questions, and real tools — not contrived examples.
02
Learn with AI (the Right Way)
AI supports exploration, validation, and explanation — while you stay in control of decisions.
03
Learn in a Connected Workflow
Each phase builds on the last, so skills compound instead of resetting every lesson.
Ready to Build Modern Data Analyst Skills?
Join the Data Analyst Learning Path and start working with data the way today’s analysts actually do.
Lifetime access • Learn at your own pace • No prior experience required
Here's what our students are saying about the Data Analyst Learning Path
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. This learning path is designed for beginners and career switchers. You’ll start with foundational concepts like rows, columns, and basic analysis thinking, then gradually build into Excel, SQL, visualization, statistics, and AI-assisted workflows - all step by step.
If you can use a computer and follow instructions, you can succeed here.
Most learners spend 2–4 hours per week, depending on pace. Each lesson is focused and practical, so you can make steady progress without needing large time blocks.
You can move faster or slower - access is self-paced.
This path teaches how modern analysts actually work today.
You won’t just learn tools - you’ll learn how to:
- Use AI to explore, interpret, and validate results
- Combine human judgment with AI assistance
- Explain insights clearly to non-technical stakeholders
AI is treated as a thinking partner, not a shortcut or replacement.
By the end of this path, you’ll be able to:
- Clean and explore real datasets
- Analyze data using Excel, SQL, visualization, and basic statistics
- Use AI to assist with interpretation, storytelling, and validation
- Explain insights clearly and confidently in business terms
You’ll be operating as a modern, AI-enabled data analyst.
Yes. If you enroll and feel the path is not right for you, you can request a refund within the stated refund period in Thinkific’s policy.
We want learners who are confident and committed - not stuck.
You’re not learning alone.
Throughout the path, you’ll have:
- Step-by-step explanations
- Guided examples and exercises
- AI-assisted support woven directly into the learning experience
The goal is clarity, not confusion.
This path is ideal for:
- Beginners entering data analytics
- Professionals looking to modernize their skill set
- Analysts who want to confidently integrate AI into their workflow
If you want practical, real-world skills - not theory overload - this path is for you.
You can always reach out through the platform for additional support or clarification. We’re here to help you succeed.
👉🏾 Enroll Now and Start Your Data Analyst Learning Path
Self-paced • Practical • Built for modern analysts