Calling all data analysts and senior data science engineers! I'm writing a blog and I need your help.

Hey all! I'm writing a blog for those of us trying to get into the "data science" space (I know that is a shamed name but it's what people know it by). The goal of this blog is to bring the reader along for my journey learning and applying the skills needed by data analysts and even getting the first job and moving up.

I'd like your help understanding what roles exist at companies in the data science space, especially in FAANG.

Starting at the very bottom, what skills would each of these roles exhibit. What are the REAL expectations of a data analyst (and other roles), not just the junk they toss on job descriptions? What tools should one know how to use, are "free" alternatives to those tools accepted for people who can't bear $70+/mo. just to learn and experience (I'm looking at you, Tableau). Arguably the most important part, if you were to hire a data analyst, especially one without a degree, what qualities would make someone stand out, and land them the job over someone with a degree.