Finishing the Google Data Analytics Certificate is a milestone — but it's not a job offer. What you do in the 90 days after completion largely determines whether the certificate translates into a real career move. Here's your action plan.
Days 1–14: Portfolio and LinkedIn
Before you apply anywhere, make sure your foundation is ready. Polish your capstone project — it should be publicly viewable on GitHub or Tableau Public with a clear README. Update your LinkedIn to include the certificate, your new skills, and a headline that reflects your target role. A headline like 'Aspiring Data Analyst | SQL · Tableau · Google Data Analytics Certificate' works better than leaving it blank or generic.
Days 15–45: Applications and Networking
Start applying to 5–10 roles per week. Target entry-level titles: Junior Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Coordinator, Marketing Analyst, Operations Analyst. Apply even if you don't meet every listed requirement — the 'ideal candidate' in a job description is aspirational, not a checklist.
Simultaneously, start networking. Connect with data analysts on LinkedIn with a short, personalized note. Join data analytics communities on Discord, Reddit (r/dataanalysis), and Slack. Informational interviews are one of the most underused job search tools available.
Days 46–90: Interviews and Skill-Building
If you're getting interviews, your priority is interview prep — particularly case interview practice, SQL whiteboarding questions, and behavioral stories using the STAR format. If you're not getting interviews, the bottleneck is likely your portfolio or application materials, not your skills. Get feedback on your resume and portfolio before changing your target roles.