This page is a practical resource for aspiring and early-career data analysts who want to build a portfolio that reflects real business thinking, not just tool usage.
You will find:
| Phase | Core Question | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Descriptive | What happened? | Establish baseline performance |
| Diagnostic | Why did it happen? | Identify root causes |
| Predictive | What might happen next? | Reduce uncertainty |
| Prescriptive | What should we do? | Recommend action |
You do not need all four phases in every project. Strong portfolios show depth, not box-checking.
Focus areas include patient access, outcomes, cost drivers, and operational efficiency. Accuracy and documentation matter more than speed.