Data analysis is a vast field that involves the collection and interpretation of various types of data for a variety of reasons. What exactly does a data analyst do? Let’s take a look.

A professional who is trained to collect, compile, analyze, and interpret data is known as a data analyst. This data may be used to further a business in terms of developing new marketing strategies, and in effect, utilized to eventually reap profits for the company. By performing appropriate data analysis and interpretation, a data analyst can evaluate the intensity and the effects of the risks associated with taking certain business decisions. Such a professional will also propose changes or moves that will benefit the organization in various ways. Every business organization requires a data analyst to evaluate previous and current statistical data and predict future benefits. As such, it is a field that has a positive outlook in the future.

Duties of a Data Analyst

The data that is analyzed by a data analyst is made available by means of research, and by compiling information from techniques of customer relations and management. Data analysts may belong to various fields such as business analysis, stock market analysis, health information management (where the research is primarily clinical to understand health risks and changes needed to improve these), the field of politics (analysis of polling data and the like), communications, and that of insurance or finance. While the duties of a data analyst may vary based on the field in which she/he specializes, the core job includes the following:

• Familiarizing oneself with the field in which one is working
• Going through large amounts of data to extract data that is useful and necessary for the purpose of analysis and interpretation
• Figuring the source of the data to verify its authenticity

• Simplifying the process of data analysis by creating effective solutions for the same
• Integrating data inherited from legacy database (older database technologies)
• Using software such as SQL (Structured Query Language) to manage large amounts of data
• Developing reports that cover all doubts, queries, and problems unforeseen by the end-user
• Presenting the final data in layman’s terms for simple understanding (may require hiring a writer for the purpose)
• Using supporting graphs and tables to simplify data presentation
• Providing solutions and intensity of risk to clients based on the data analysis

By using highly technical algorithms and mathematical calculations, a data analyst compiles relevant data and uses it to create reports that address future advancements or problems that may be encountered in the process.

In effect, data analysis and interpretation is a highly challenging field that requires high levels of concentration and commitment. Further, the ability to translate technical data into terms understandable by clients and the layman in general is highly essential. You must have the skill to identify inaccurate data and weed it out so that it does not affect your final analysis. If you think you have it in you to do what a data analyst does, here’s how you can go about the process of becoming one.

Educational Requirements to Become a Data Analyst

More often than not, data analysts are professionals who have attained a BS in Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or Mathematics with exceptional knowledge of the use of various computer software such as MS Office and C++. Some may also have attained a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems (MIS) or information science. What qualifies a data analyst for a well-paying job is several years of experience in one field. For instance, a data analyst who wishes to work with insurance will require to intern in the same field for a minimum of one to two years. It is the experience that jobs place stress on more than education. Some data analysts choose to attain an MBA to heighten their opportunities in the field. It is however, not mandatory to possess an MBA to pursue this profession.

Data analysts may be eligible for certification through different organizations in their respective fields, based on the amount of experience they have. Certification is not mandatory but is likely to increase your job and salary prospects.

The salary outlook for data analysts is based on the amount of experience they possess along with the reputation of the organizations they work for. The salary may range anywhere between US $65,000 to US $110,000 including benefits.

As mentioned earlier, data analysis is a job highly based on skill and competence. This skill and keen observation is what should be demonstrated to your prospective employer in order to attain a highly coveted job that is well-paid for if performed well. To do what a data analyst does, it is important that you work on the development of the necessary skills in the period of your education and internship, and continue developing them through your career.