What Does A Data Analyst Do? Everything You Need To Know

Are you curious about what a data analyst does?

Data analysts are crucial in reviewing reports to help businesses make informed decisions. They extract insights from data to understand current and future trends.

Moreover, they are highly demanded globally, and the data analytics market size is projected to reach USD 745.15 billion by 2030. So, if you want to join the bandwagon, this article is for you. Today, we will discuss what data analysts do so you'll know what to expect from the role.

Read on as we cover the following:

• What Is Data Analytics?

• What Is Data Analyst's Job Description?

• What Are the Daily Tasks of Data Analysts?

• Where Do Data Analysts Work?

• What Are the Important Technical Skills Data Analysts Should Possess?

• Final Thoughts on What a Data Analyst Do

• Frequently Asked Questions on What a Data Analyst Do

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics refers to analyzing raw data to come up with conclusions. These days, this field relies heavily on specialized software and systems. Its applications are widespread in various industries, helping organizations make informed business decisions.

Furthermore, researchers and scientists also use analytics tools to confirm or refute scientific models, theories, and hypotheses.

What Is the Data Analyst's Job Description?

Data analysts make data easier to understand. They use different tools and ways to sort information. Moreover, their work is valuable in different industries, including manufacturing, finance, marketing, and information technology.

They will create pictures and reports for leaders to learn from the data. Moreover, data analysts build special systems, watch databases, and use programming languages to perform calculations.

The data analyst's education

If you want to be an analyst, having a bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, or something similar is good.

Having college credentials makes it easier for you to land a job as an analyst. However, these days, there are online certification programs that allow you to learn the skills necessary to perform the tasks. 

If you want a higher asking rate, you can also get a Master's Degree in Data Analytics.

The data analyst's salary

Data analysts usually have above-average technical, communication, and creative skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a data scientist's salary is around $100,000 annually. 

Moreover, they make around $48 per hour. Usually, their salary goes up as they gain experience and credentials. 

What Are the Daily Tasks of Data Analysts?

The life of a data analyst involves performing various tasks according to the company's requirements. If you become a data analyst, some of your responsibilities may include:

Gathering data

When data mining or gathering, it is important to stay organized. People can collect the data themselves or work with others from their company.

Data can come from Google Analytics, surveys, or email marketing tools.

Designing and maintaining databases

Data analysts are also responsible for data accessibility, integrity, and usability. Some of their duties include creating regular backups, conducting data performance optimization, and importing data from various sources. 

Cleaning data

Cleaning data is another task that analysts do to ensure that the information they process is accurate. They can check the data manually, but software or programming can help make the process easier.

Using tools to interpret data

Data analysts use specialized computer programs to review large datasets. Examples are SAS, Excel, and Python.

Python is ideal for data analytics, allowing analysts to find the necessary information. Moreover, these programs help them learn more about the data.

Document and improve data

Data analysts work with engineers and business leaders. They make sure the data is correct.

To do this, they set rules for the data, figured out better ways to collect it, and wrote notes about it.

Present to stakeholders

Data can help businesses make informed decisions. Moreover, analysts turn data into something easier to understand. This way, stakeholders can make the best decisions for their companies. 

Where Do Data Analysts Work?

Data analysts work in various fields.

• Banks need analysts to tell them about financial trends and help them forecast and analyze risks.

• Healthcare facilities need them to improve patient care, process insurance claims quickly, and enhance daily operations.

• Governments use data and statistical analysis to help with weather forecasts and crime prevention.

• Data analysts are also essential in retail, farming, manufacturing, and energy. 

Data analysts can work alone, but they can also collaborate with people from other teams. Moreover, they can work with data architects or an entire data team.

What Are the Technical Skills Data Analysts Should Possess?

To be an advanced data analyst, you must know more than just math and computers.

After all, technology is changing quickly, and analysts must keep up with the trends. Moreover, they constantly need training to use the latest tools available for data analysis. 

Here are some of the most important technical skills that data analysts must possess:

• Statistical knowledge. Data analysts look at numbers every day. Moreover, they know essential formulas for data analysis. 

• Excel mastery. Analysts also use Excel for data visualization, organization, and analysis. They also use this program for basic statistical calculations. 

• Data visualization. Data analysts help people on your team understand trends and connections. So, they figure out which chart shows the information in an easy-to-digest manner. 

• Basic programming. Learning how to program can help you understand data better. Data analysts know some basic coding languages even if their job doesn't require programming.

• Database management. Tools like MySQL and Oracle help analysts save, manage, and extract information from large datasets. 

Final Thoughts on What a Data Analyst Do

While the job of a data analyst can be complex, it can still be financially rewarding. If you're planning to enter this field, ensure you know the latest trends in data analysis. This way, you'd always have the tools to get ahead of the competition.

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Frequently Asked Questions on What a Data Analyst Do

What are the duties of a data analyst and a data scientist?

Data Analysts help businesses as they collect and organize information and show it to the company. Data Scientists use special technologies like machine learning to work with data.

What are the must-have tools for a data analyst?

Data analysts use different kinds of software to do their job. Some examples are SQL, Microsoft Excel, SAS software, Tableau, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Google AdWords.

Are there different types of data analytics?

There are four types of data analytics, and these are the following:

• Descriptive analytics describes what scenario has happened over a given time.

• Diagnostic analytics focuses more on why something happened.

• Predictive analytics moves to what will likely happen in the near term.

• Prescriptive analytics suggests a course of action.

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