what is a data analyst?
As a data analyst, you spend most of the day organising data and helping stakeholders draw conclusions from the information you present. Regardless of the industry you work in, your job is to collect and interpret data. For instance, in sales and marketing, you translate sales figures into tangible evidence that helps the company make better decisions.
A data analyst examines historical data from an organisation, such as quarterly sales, monthly income or annual web traffic, to identify trends or spot patterns. You apply your knowledge of descriptive and diagnostic analytics to explain situations or outcomes in a business. Apart from interpreting historical data, data analysts also assist organisations with forecasting. You use descriptive data to detect tendencies and trends and make predictions. Predicting outcomes allows companies to make proactive decisions to avoid adverse consequences.
what does a data analyst do?
When a business wants to determine a course of action, they rely on data analysts to provide data-driven evidence to help them. Using prescriptive analytics keeps companies ahead of industry trends. As a data analyst, you use complex algorithms, statistical methods and machine learning technology to organise and evaluate data. Proficiency in data visualisation and database programming languages helps you to manage data sources and databases.
Would working as a data analyst suit your analytical skills and love of numbers? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a data analyst role.
view jobsaverage salary of a data analyst
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data analyst is ₹6,00000 per year in India. You have many opportunities to increase your salary by taking on a more challenging schedule. For instance, you can work extra hours for overtime pay or bonuses. Depending on your specific duties, you may also be eligible for various allowances and benefits.
what factors affect your salary as a data analyst?
A career as a data analyst offers a competitive salary and generous benefits. However, your industry, educational background and experience are the driving factors that determine your take-home pay. For instance, if you have a degree, your earnings will be lower than those of a data analyst with a master's or PhD. A degree is the minimum requirement, but more qualifications enable you to negotiate a better compensation package. Specialisation in statistical modelling or information design also enhances your salary prospects.
Salaries are also dependent on your industry and your employer's resources. For instance, finance, healthcare, insurance and information technology rely on data analysts to make decisions, so they pay more. Location is also a driving factor due to the high demand for data analysts in big cities, compared to small towns.
types of data analysts
Some types of data analysts include:
- business intelligence analyst: your job is to identify patterns and interpret data gathered from the company’s systems. As well as internal data, you also collect and evaluate external data from competitors and the market to identify patterns and potential issues that could affect the business.
- logistics analyst: as a logistics analyst, you gather and organise data from supply chain processes. You use the information to create strategies to optimise processes, lower expenses and enhance efficiency in production and distribution.
- business systems analyst: you are responsible for evaluating and leveraging data to improve the functions of a company's information technology systems. You also create strategies to improve the systems.
- marketing analyst: your job is to use data to help the sales and marketing team understand the market and their customers. You analyse the organisation's target market information and develop robust marketing strategies.
working as a data analyst
Data analysts focus on numbers and can use numerical data to explain technical ideas and concepts. Read on to identify some of the daily tasks and career opportunities for data analysts.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the specific tasks of data analysts include:
- data mining: as a data analyst, your primary role is to mine data from primary and secondary sources. That means collecting relevant information from the company's database or gathering it from external sources. For instance, you carry out surveys or track users' actions on your company's website. You also structure raw data for interpretation using various tools and software.
- pruning and cleaning data: after extracting data, you correct and organise it for analysis. Sometimes, data contains outliers, duplicates and errors that influence interpretations. The cleaning process also involves removing any information that may distort the evaluation process or lead to skewed conclusions.
- modelling data: your programming skills are useful for organising databases and establishing data categories and relationships. You also determine the appearance of the data in the storage spaces.
- interpreting information: you use analytical tools to derive conclusions from the data you collect. The results should provide answers to specific questions. Your logical thinking helps you examine data components and use statistical tools to identify trends and patterns.
- creating data reports and visualisations: as a data analyst, it is crucial to translate raw data into information that assists decision-makers and other stakeholders. Reports help businesses monitor performance and ensure it does not fall outside the expected range. You can use charts, graphs and other data visualisation tools to explain your findings.
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work environment
As a data analyst, you work in any industry, from finance and insurance firms to healthcare institutions and IT companies. You utilise your analytical skills to help improve efficiency and optimise business processes. You work for both the public and private sectors. Your work is home or office-based, and you can expect a comfortable environment conducive to undertaking complex tasks.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your industry, your colleagues are likely to include data scientists, business analysts, data engineers, data scientists and quantitative analysts. Data scientists assist with interpreting information, while data engineers and business analysts focus on optimising the tools used in analytics. You are also likely to work with project managers, operations managers, business advisors and other specialists, including IT systems analysts, data analytics consultants, logistics specialists, and other analysts.
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work schedule
As a data analyst, you work around 40 hours a week in a full-time position. However, working long hours is the norm for your role, and you may work at weekends or in the evenings. Some data analysts take short-term contracts, while others find part-time opportunities. A data analyst position doesn't involve travelling unless you are making a presentation to clients or attending conferences.
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job outlook
Technological advances have expanded the amount of data companies collect from internal and external sources. Therefore, data analysis is a priority for many industries. Becoming a data analyst is a promising career with clear career progression. For instance, when you start in a junior data analyst position, you can become a senior data analyst after gaining a few years of experience or an additional qualification. Data analysts also have various specialisations to choose from, including market research, business intelligence and logistics. Some data analysts take up a career in IT, such as database administrator, or management roles like operations manager.
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advantages of finding a data analyst job through randstad
Finding your data analyst job through Randstad provides important advantages, such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Looking for a permanent role? A temporary job as a data analyst is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad.
education and skills
The following educational qualifications are entry-level requirements for data analysts:
- degree: a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification in statistics, economics, or mathematics is a prerequisite to becoming a data analyst. Other related degree subjects include psychology and operational research or other fields with training in statistics.
- postgraduate courses: you can become a trainee data analyst if you complete your undergraduate degree and gain a diploma in digital business services.
- apprenticeship: completing an apprenticeship in data analysis makes you a junior data analyst. The programme combines on-the-job training with studies leading to a data analysis higher apprenticeship. Major tech companies, including Google, are offering this qualification.
skills and competencies
The following transferable skills will help you excel as a data analyst:
- programming languages: as a data analyst, you handle massive amounts of data and perform complex equations. Learning a statistical programming language increases your competitiveness. Python and R are popular statistical languages, but you can find others that suit your role. Database management programming skills enable you to organise and store data in databases.
- proficiency in using data visualisation tools: as a data analyst, it is vital to present your findings convincingly. Using charts and graphs helps your employers understand your interpretation. Learning to use data visualisation tools like Excel, Notebook, and Tableau enhances your presentation skills.
- maths and statistics knowledge: a data analyst uses their understanding of statistical techniques and mathematical concepts to interpret data. Having a solid grasp of maths and statistics helps you decide on the best tools to use and improves your understanding of the results.
- problem-solving skills: your ability to interpret problems helps you to understand the issue that needs resolving or the questions that your data aims to answer. Problem-solving skills assist you with finding patterns and trends in data sets or identifying gaps and mistakes in your interpretation methods.
FAQs about working as a data analyst
FAQs about working as a data analyst:
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what does a data analyst do?
A data analyst gathers and studies data sets to explain business outcomes and processes logically. You also report and present findings to executives to help guide their decisions.
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what is a data analyst's salary?
As a data analyst, your salary ranges from ₹1,90,000 to ₹11,30,000 per year. The exact pay depends on your qualifications, experience level and industry sector.
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is data analysis a good career?
Data analysis is a great career with various specialisations and opportunities for advancement. Increasing demand for data analysis in the employment market means your job prospects and salaries are also promising.
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what are the top 3 skills for data analysts?
As a data analyst, knowledge in maths and statistics enable you to compute complex equations. Programming and visualisation skills also help you organise information and highlight patterns and correlations.
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how do I apply for a data analyst vacancy?
Applying for a data analyst job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
