In this article, we'll cover:
- What is a data analyst?
- Why become a data analyst?
- Salary expectations
- What does a data analyst do?
- What's the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
- What skills do you need?
- Routes to becoming a data analyst
- Data analyst career paths
Key facts
- Become part of a growing sector. Data analysts are in high demand across various industries
- The average starting salary for a data analyst is between £23,000 - £25,000 according to Prospects
- There are four main routes to becoming a data analyst: university degree, certifications, practical experience, and networking and professional development
What is a data analyst?
A data analyst collects, processes, and performs statistical analyses on large datasets. Their role is to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help businesses make informed decisions. Data analysts can work across industries like finance, healthcare, marketing, technology, and more.
Why become a data analyst?
Data analysts are in high demand across various industries due to the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making. The demand for data professionals is expected to continue growing as more organisations use data to gain a competitive edge. Industries seeking these skills include:
- Finance: analysing financial data to guide investment strategies and risk management.
- Healthcare: interpreting medical data to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
- Marketing: analysing consumer behaviour data to optimise marketing campaigns and customer engagement.
- Technology: working with user data to enhance product development and user experience.
Salary expectations
Entry-level salaries are between £23,000 and £25,000. After a few years' experience, salaries can rise to between £30,000 and £35,000, with experienced, high-level and consulting jobs earning £60,000 or more.
What does a data analyst do?
The role of a data analyst goes way beyond collecting and analysing data. As a data analyst, you'd be responsible for:
What's the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
A data analyst makes sense of existing data through analysis and reporting, whereas a data scientist works on new ways to capture, store, manipulate and analyse that data.
What skills do you need?
To excel as a data analyst, you need to develop both technical and analytical skills. Here are some areas to focus on:
Technical skills
- Programming languages: proficiency in languages such as Python for data manipulation and analysis
- Data visualisation tools: familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, and visualisation libraries
- Statistical knowledge: understanding of statistical methods and their application in data analysis
- SQL: strong skills in SQL for querying databases
Analytical skills
- Critical thinking: ability to critically evaluate data and identify meaningful patterns and trends
- Problem solving: solving complex data problems and providing actionable recommendations
Other skills
- Communication: effectively communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders
- Attention to detail: ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in data analysis and reporting
Data analyst career paths
Entry-level roles
Starting positions may include titles such as Junior Data Analyst, Data Technician, or Business Analyst.
Mid-level roles
With experience, professionals can move into roles such as Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, or Data Scientist.
Senior-level roles
Advanced positions include Senior Data Analyst, Analytics Manager, or Director of Data Analytics.
Data analysis is a rewarding career path. It offers competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to make impactful decisions across various industries. Plus, the skills you develop as a data analyst are in high demand, leading to numerous career opportunities and professional growth.
