After thorough research, you’ve decided you want to become a data analyst. You’ve decided that this is the career path you’ve chosen either because you think it’s interesting, there’s a lot of money in it or you’re just curious. Either way, you want to know exactly what a career as a data analyst entails and most importantly how you can make it happen.
Industry-specific data analysis is a crucial component of strategic planning. If you enjoy using data(or clues, evidence, information) to solve problems and make informed predictions and decisions, you might enjoy a career as a data analyst. All businesses rely on data to make decisions. A coffee shop might look at sales from different periods of the year to dictate hours of operation over the holidays. A software company might examine labor costs and compare them with profits to decide on staffing for the upcoming year.
Becoming a data analyst doesn’t require the same schooling as many other tech careers. Although direct certification is certainly helpful, data analyst requirements do not always include it.
WHAT DOES A DATA ANALYST DO?
Data analysts turn data from customers, products, performance, and cost into valuable insights that can guide strategic decision-making. Companies collect data on every business activity and expense they have, be it operational costs, sales data, inventory and supply data, and much more. But once they have that data they need to transform it into information that can guide them to make decisions.
Break down of data analyst duties:
- Data Collection: Gathering and acquiring data from various sources, such as databases, spreadsheets, or APIs.
- Data Cleaning: Preprocessing and cleaning data to remove errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies.
- Data Analysis: Using statistical and analytical techniques to examine data, identify patterns, and draw insights.
- Data Visualization: Creating charts, graphs, and reports to present findings in a clear and understandable manner.
- Reporting: Summarizing and communicating results to stakeholders or team members.
- Data Modeling: Building predictive models or statistical algorithms to make data-driven decisions.
- Data Interpretation: Drawing actionable conclusions and recommendations from the analyzed data.
- Data Quality Assurance: Ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and security.
- Data Management: Organizing and maintaining data repositories and databases.
- Collaborating: Working with cross-functional teams to address specific data-related challenges.
- Continuous Learning: Staying updated on the latest tools and techniques in the field of data analysis.
- Problem Solving: Tackling complex business problems with data-driven solutions.
Data Analyst Skills
Data analysts have easily transferrable skills. Thus, you don’t necessarily need a degree to be a successful data analyst. To become a data analyst, you will need the following qualifications and knowledge:
1. Programming Languages: Data analysts use statistical programming languages to present, analyze, and interpret data. Usually, data analyst job descriptions will identify the programming language they prefer candidates to have. But, you’re safe if you have python of R knowledge, as they are the most common.
2. Data Tools: Data analysts use various software and tools to do their job. Google Sheets and Excel are common in all industries, while SQL is a more advanced tool that allows you to work with larger amounts of data.
3. Visualization and Presentation Skills: Data analysts need to make complex data digestible. Good communication skills are essential for the role, and visualization and presentation tools like Tableau and Jupyter Notebook help as well.
4. Statistics: Most data analysts have an extensive understanding of math and statistics, which help identify data errors and interpret data more effectively.
It’s important to note that data analysts can work in pretty much any sector from finance to healthcare to marketing and beyond. Most organizations gather raw data and hire analysts to turn it into actionable insights. This means that, in addition to the core skills outlined above, each company will come with its own unique set of requirements. You’ll get a good idea of the kinds of companies hiring data analysts and what they’re looking for simply by browsing through job ads.
NEWLY QUALIFIED ANALYSTS: HINTS FOR STANDING OUT
Newly Qualified Analysts: Hints For Standing Out
It’s no secret that data analytics is a rapidly growing field, meaning data analysts are in high demand. Still, breaking into a new industry can be daunting, especially in such unpredictable times like these. You’ll need a few strategies up your sleeve in order to find relevant opportunities and set yourself apart.
Basically, it’s like new graduates figuring out what they can do to be successful in the current job market.
Check these tips:
● Target high-growth sectors that have survived and / or thrived during the pandemic; for example, healthcare and health services, home delivery and logistics companies, online education and remote learning, and digital media and entertainment companies.
● Focus on personal branding. As a newcomer to the field, it’s important to market yourself in a way that highlights both your newfound skills and any transferable ones you bring from your previous career.
● Use your “newcomer” status to your advantage. Although competition for jobs might be especially fierce right now, you offer many unique perspectives and benefits as a newcomer to the field. Be sure to highlight these in your applications. This is something a career coach can help you with, so choose a program that offers such support
Conclusion
Wondering how to get into data analytics? There are many ways to get there.
Everyone has a different path to becoming a data analyst. If you prefer more structure, you might choose to obtain your degree, but you can also study independently and network to save time and money.
Looking to expand your data analytics knowledge and qualifications? Check out these data analyst certifications. (https://linktr.ee/workentralng)