Data and analytics are increasingly important to how we do our jobs. But how do you know which data skills to learn (or brush up on)?

o To figure this out, think about two factors: the amount of time it will take to learn a certain skill and how useful it will be in your role. For example, data visualization might be relevant and useful to your job, and it’s generally straightforward to learn (at least the basics).

o Focus on skills that are useful and aren’t time-consuming to acquire; these will have the most immediate payoff for your career. Think carefully about skills that would be useful but would take a lot of time and effort to learn.

You’d have to prioritize them ahead of other activities, so you’d need to be sure they’re worth the investment. And the skills that are easy to learn but not that useful? Skip them.

Adapted from “Prioritize Which Data Skills Your Company Needs with This 2×2 Matrix,” by Chris Littlewood