Data Analyst Job Description
As the name suggests, data analyst job description is primarily about gathering, organizing, and interpreting raw information to offer solution to a specific problem. The sources of information may vary depending on the sector that the job analyst works for. Nonetheless, below is a list of what you can expect to do as a job analyst.
- Extensive research and performance of data-gathering techniques. You will be primarily involved in gathering results of surveys, interviews, questionnaires, among other research tools.
- Analysis of the current and previous market conditions to forecast future trends. As a business data analyst, you will have to review past and present trends in the market, and determine how certain changes can affect the companys future goals. Such as task is especially important when the company is planning to launch a new product or service.
- Prepare data presentation for clients in charts, graphs, or tables, whichever is applicable. It makes it easy for clients to get the gist of a report when data is presented in this manner.
- Detection of discrepancies in reports or data submitted. You are also responsible for pinpointing the root of the problem. It is your task to ensure that the data submitted do not conflict with one another.
- Recommend solutions or course of action for problems. Of course, the reason you have to determine the problem and gather relevant information is to formulate a solution, and recommend courses of action for each solution.
Requirements for Becoming a Data Analyst
Like with other careers, certain requirements will have to be met before a person becomes qualified to work as a data analyst. A person should have not only learned the concepts involved in data analysis, but also acquired the necessary skill and experience needed to do the job right. Below are the usual aspects that will be considered when applying as a data analyst.
- Education. A person must be a graduate of any 4-year course in mathematics, business administration, statistics, etc. He or she should have taken subjects focusing on data management, statistics, and related software applications.
- Background. It is an advantage if a person has worked previously or has some background in information management, data mining, statistics, and technology. Certifications in these fields may be acquired after college.
- Skills. Problem solving skill is crucial. The data analyst job description mostly entails offering solutions to problems presented by the client. Statistical and mathematical skills also bear the same weight.
- Applications proficiency. You should be well versed in Microsoft Excel, SAS, SPSS, and other tools used for data analysis.
Job Analyst Salary and Job Titles
A data analyst can earn anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000. Entry level positions usually do not offer much. But after years of experience, you can get considered for a higher position. A masters degree or post graduate certifications can get you a managerial rank. It should be noted that salaries offered can vary depending on certain factors. From being a junior data analyst, you can go a higher level, or become a data analyst project manager, and get better compensations.