Group 1 - The core competency of market analysts combines both hard and soft skills, enabling them to translate data into actionable business insights [1] - The growth trajectory for market analysts is divided into three phases: foundational (0-1 years), breakthrough (2-3 years), and leap (5+ years), each with specific skill development tasks [1] - In the foundational phase, analysts should focus on mastering Excel for data visualization and identifying anomalies in reports to enhance their visibility to management [1] - During the breakthrough phase, analysts are encouraged to utilize Python for automated reporting and explore user behavior correlations to suggest marketing strategies [1] - The leap phase emphasizes advanced techniques like machine learning for market penetration predictions and strategic thinking for customer lifecycle value analysis [1] Group 2 - The CDA certification is highlighted as a significant asset for career advancement in data analysis, offering three core advantages: knowledge input, practical validation, and certification endorsement [2] - Completing learning stages and obtaining CDA certification serves as a benchmark for skill assessment, enhancing the analyst's profile on platforms like LinkedIn [2] - The ability to present data-driven insights with certification backing can significantly increase an analyst's credibility in professional settings [2]