I think step one is to get good at the technical skills and handling data. Learn how to query data and use Microsoft Excel, Access, SQL Server, and other programs. Math is important, and you need to learn to do calculations and the standard "nerdy" stuff, if you will. Once you get good at that, it's about working/collaborating with people. As much as group work isn't fun in college, that's an important piece because it is what you end up having to do doing in the real world. When you actually get a job, you constantly work with people. Rarely are you doing anything by yourself. It's important to work on those skills, especially when you have disagreements on strategy, etc. It's important to be able to persuade and convince people of your recommendations and explain them.