A data analyst's duties often involve a systematic process of handling data. The core responsibilities include:
Data Collection & Management: Identifying and gathering data from various sources (databases, surveys, APIs, etc.) and designing systems to store it efficiently.
Data Cleaning & Preprocessing: Sifting through raw data to fix errors, remove duplicates, handle missing values, and prepare it for analysis to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
Data Analysis: Using statistical methods and analytical techniques to identify trends, patterns, and correlations within datasets to answer specific business questions.
Data Visualization & Reporting: Creating clear, compelling visual representations of data (dashboards, charts, graphs) using business intelligence tools and preparing reports to present findings to different teams and stakeholders.
Collaborating & Communicating: Working with different departments, such as IT, marketing, and management, to understand their data needs and effectively communicate complex findings in a simple, understandable way.
Predictive Modeling: In some roles, analysts may use statistical models to forecast future outcomes or trends.