What does a Data Analyst do?
Data Analysts typically work for corporations across various industries to help company executives identify process improvement opportunities and discover ways to maximize efficient operations through >KPIs and metrics to measure the success of company initiatives.
They also help develop predictive analytics models that inform machine learning algorithms at advanced levels. Additionally, a Data Analyst reviews company databases and external sources to make statistical inferences, complete reports and create presentations based on their findings. Some Data Analysts speak publicly to highlight business growth and relay information regarding initiatives.
Data Analyst skills and qualifications
A Data Analyst employs several essential skills, including:
- Technical writing skills
- Coding skills in languages such as Python
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to set and meet deadlines
- Ability to work in high-pressure situations
- Experience with statistical software
- Data visualization and reporting skills
- Attention to detail
Data Analyst experience requirements
Data Analysts can start with no prior experience, but they do often need on-the-job training to succeed in the position. This training helps them become accustomed to company policies and procedures, and it allows them to learn how to apply their education to a business setting. Some employers may seek candidates with prior experience in their industry. Data Analysts who work with large, complex data sets should have at least three years of experience, and senior-level Analysts should have at least five years.
Data Analyst education and training requirements
Data Analysts must complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, computer science or a similar field. Some candidates may also complete a master’s degree or obtain certifications in programming languages or other topics related to data analytics. Students who wish to become Data Analysts should complete internships in their industry of interest to get practical training.
Data Analyst salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Data Analyst is Business Analyst
Data Analyst salary expectations
-
Common salary:
84680.86 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
22000.00 -187000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Frequently asked questions about Data Analysts
What’s the difference between a Data Analyst and a Data Scientist?
The difference between a Data Analyst and a Data Scientist is seniority and scope of job responsibilities. For example, Data Analysts receive tasks from upper management to pull data from internal databases based on their needs. This might include tasks such as determining employee retention, customer satisfaction or sales figures.
By contrast, Data Scientists hold a more senior position within a corporation. Instead of responding to data requests from upper management, Data Scientists develop their own questions and pull data to make predictions about company operations. Data Scientists also differ from Data Analysts in that they pull data from both internal databases and external sources.
What are the daily duties of a Data Analyst?
On a typical day, a Data Analyst starts by reviewing their email and voicemails and responding to messages from upper management. Throughout the day, they participate in meetings with management and other data professionals to determine new assignments and present their findings regarding company operations. Once back at their desks, Data Analysts look through company databases and isolate relevant data points. After locating all relevant information, Data Analysts compare those figures to make inferences about employee turnover rates, company products or employee productivity.
What qualities make a good Data Analyst?
A good Data Analyst has an investigative nature that lets them review databases and extract information in response to specific questions. They value continued education and look for certification courses related to statistics or data analytics to improve their professional capabilities. A successful Data Analyst also has excellent written and verbal communication skills that help them present findings to company executives and compile high-level written reports. Having a team-oriented mindset and working well with others also helps make a strong Data Analyst.
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