How to Build a Career in Data Analytics

Did you know that data scientists are one of the highest demanded professionals in the world? Australia is no exception.

So, if you are looking for a career in information technology (IT), data analytics might lead you down the right path!

Check out this article and learn all about data analytics jobs!

 

What Is Data Analytics?

It is much what the name implies. A data analyst will examine findings and reports. With those examinations, they can draw conclusions that will further a company’s performance.

In fact, 60% of companies use data analytics to improve their team’s processes.

Data analytics has four different types:

• Descriptive analytics
  • Reviews what happened
• Diagnostic analytics
  • Reviews why it happened
• Predictive analytics
  • Predicts what will happen
• Prescriptive analytics
  • Suggest what to do

Each of these methods overlaps the other, but each method is necessary to receive optimal results.

 

How to Become a Data Analyst

 

 

If you are starting your bachelor’s degree, you might wonder what courses you should take.

To become a data analyst, you will need a bachelor’s degree in IT. Additionally, you can develop some other skills during your educational career.

For example, you might need to brush up on your coding as a data analyst. While your future employer might not require it, it is a very useful skill to have.

On top of that, a basic understanding of machine learning can create some great opportunities in the future.

To excel as an analyst, you should also develop:

• Creative thinking
• Effective communication
• Data mining

 

Data Analyst Jobs: A Typical Day

You might wonder what your job will look like as a data analyst. We are here to give you a glimpse into the daily tasks of an analyst!

Let us set the scene; you walk into the office with your cuppa joe. You greet your coworkers and exchange some water-cooler conversation.

You sit down at your desk, start up the computer, and start mining that all-important data.

To mine this data, you will use tools such as Excel, SQL, Google Analytics, and Tableau. Once you have the data, you will compile a report from that date, paying close attention to patterns, common issues, and growth opportunities.

You may work for a company in advertising, sales, agriculture, or energy.

Some other industries can include:

• Technology
• Finance
• Health Care
• Media

 

Key Responsibilities of a Data Analyst

We’ve discussed some of the skills you will need to become a data analyst. But let’s look at how you would put those skills to work below.

 

Produce Reports

One of the main reasons you would analyse data is to produce reports that you can bring to the team. It isn’t as simple as printing out your Excel sheet and presenting it to your superiors.

Experts agree that an in-depth report does not just include the date but also includes a written analysis explaining the numbers.

Very often, the reports you are presenting are not to analysts. Instead, they are likely executives, CEOs, or managers. Your reports will need to be understood by all those involved in the decision-making process.

 

 

Spot Patterns

Without patterns, you likely have very little to report. So the ability to look at numbers and pick out patterns is of the utmost importance.

Once you pinpoint those patterns, you can build a valuable report that you can bring to your superiors. From there, you can use problem-solving skills to address the issues, push for growth, and implement plans that will allow for top performance of the entire company.

 

Communicate With Others

A common misconception of data analysts’ is that you will sit alone in a dark room, staring at endless numbers.

This is far from the truth. You will likely spend a lot of time communicating with fellow team members and the management team.

Communicating is not the only social skill you should aim to develop. A great data analyst also knows how to work together. Sometimes a pair of fresh eyes, like another team member, can make all the difference.

Being open to working with others can become valuable as you embark on your data analyst journey.

 

Collect Data

Of course, all of the above-mentioned responsibilities don’t mean anything if you don’t have data to analyse.

It is your job as an analyst to mine the data as well. To do this, you will need to work together with developers. In addition, you will need to communicate your needs properly to streamline the data collection.

If you are proficient in coding, you can likely program your own data collection solution, depending on the tools provided by the company you work for.

 

What to Look For in Data Analytics Companies

 

 

After you finish your degree, you will need to land an entry-level job in your field. Understanding what the top of the industry offers will give you an idea of what to look for in a job.

A good company will value teamwork. As mentioned above, you will likely work with the entire team. As a result, make sure that you are a good fit for the team you are looking to join.

Additionally, each industry has different salaries. Be aware of companies taking advantage of young recruits and make sure you are properly compensated for the work you put in.

Data analysts make an average of $94,394 per year in Australia. So make sure that your salary meets the national average.

Finally, communicate your needs. If the company does not take feedback, move on.

 

Data Analytics: Start Your Career Today

As one of the highest-demanded jobs in the IT industry, there are many opportunities for data analysts.

Do you have what it takes to start a career in data analytics? If the answer is yes, apply today for our bachelor’s degree in Information Technology!