A career as a data analyst will suit you if you are highly analytical, have strong mathematical skills and are curious and inquisitive
Data analysts translate numbers and data into information that can be used to solve problems or track business. They use data analysis to produce accessible graphs, charts, tables and reports.
Data analysts are in high demand across all sectors, such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education.
The ability to pay attention to detail, communicate well and be highly organised are essential skills for data analysts. They not only need to understand the data but be able to provide insight and analysis through clear visual, written and verbal communication.
Responsibilities
As a data analyst, you'll need to:
- develop records management processes and policies
- identify areas to increase efficiency and automation of processes
- set up and maintain automated data processes
- identify, evaluate and implement external services and tools to support data validation and cleansing
- produce and track key performance indicators
- develop and support reporting processes
- monitor and audit data quality
- liaise with internal and external clients to fully understand data content
- gather, understand and document detailed business requirements using appropriate tools and techniques
- design and carry out surveys and analyse survey data
- manipulate, analyse and interpret complex data sets relating to the employer's business
- prepare reports for internal and external audiences using business analytics reporting tools
- create data dashboards, graphs and visualisations
- provide sector and competitor benchmarking
- mine and analyse large datasets, draw valid inferences and present them successfully to management using a reporting tool.
Salary
- Entry-level salaries range between CAD23,000 and CAD25,000. Graduate schemes in data analysis and business intelligence at larger companies tend to offer a higher starting salary of CAD25,000 to CAD30,000.
- With a few years' experience, salaries can rise to between CAD30,000 and CAD35,000.
- Experienced, high-level and consulting jobs can command CAD60,000 or more.
Benefits can include a company pension scheme, private medical insurance and discretionary bonus.
Income figures intended as a guide only.
Working hours
Working hours are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The role is a salaried position so overtime is not usually paid but may be expected during busy periods or big projects.
At higher levels, data analyst roles may be quite flexible, allowing remote working or commuting on a flexible schedule.
What to expect
- Roles are normally office based, although consulting roles may involve travel.
- Data analysts work for all types of employers, so dress code and office culture will vary depending on the company you work for.
- You'll be working with complex systems, requiring a high level of concentration and attention to detail.
- You'll need excellent communication skills in order to interpret client requirements and present data in a clear and compelling way.
Qualifications
A first degree is often, but not always, required. A degree in a relevant discipline may help, such as:
- business information systems
- computer science
- economics
- information management
- mathematics
- statistics.
You can become a data analyst with any degree subject if you can demonstrate the relevant skills.
Postgraduate degrees in data science are becoming more popular, but they aren't usually required. You may find a postgraduate qualification helpful if you want to learn analysis skills or are changing careers. There are postgraduate qualifications in subjects including MSc Data Science, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Big Data. Search postgraduate courses in data.
You can also learn a lot of desirable data analysis skills through short courses such as Teesside University's Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Visualisation and at specialist data schools, such as:
Skills
You'll need to have:
- excellent numerical and analytical skills
- knowledge of data analysis tools - you don't need to know all of them at entry level, but you should show advanced skills in Excel and the use of at least one relational database
- familiarity with other relational databases (e.g. MS Access)
- knowledge of data modelling, data cleansing, and data enrichment techniques
- Hadoop open-source data analytics
- Google Analytics, SEO, keyword analysis and web analytics aptitude, for marketing analyst roles
- the capacity to develop and document procedures and workflows
- the ability to carry out data quality control, validation and linkage
- an understanding of data protection issues
- for some roles, an awareness and knowledge of industry-specific databases and data sets (particularly in higher education)
- experience of statistical methodologies and data analysis techniques
- the ability to produce clear graphical representations and data visualisations.
Work experience
Entry-level roles are available at companies across all sectors. Larger companies often offer graduate schemes, particularly consulting firms, government, media and telecommunications.
You'll be at an advantage if you've gained experience in an internship or placement during your degree. Taking the initiative to learn data analysis skills and programmes in addition to your degree will help you develop your skills and help set you apart.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Employers
Data analysts can work in large companies, such as consultancies or financial services firms, or consumer retail firms, small and medium-sized businesses such as marketing agencies or the public sector.
Employers of data analysts include the following:
- higher education institutions
- retail companies
- professional services firms
- insurance companies
- marketing firms
- pharmaceutical companies
- telecommunications companies
- information technology firms
- consultancy firms such as PwC, FDM, KPMG, Accenture
- government, including Civil Service, MI5, GCHQ
- the media.
Look for job vacancies at:
- CW Jobs (tech job site)
- StatsJobs
- TechnoJobs
Specialist recruitment agencies include:
- Aspire
- Harnham
- Opilio Recruitment
- Resources Group
Carrers
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