What Does a Data Analyst Do?
- Written By: Karyn Maier
- Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
- Last Modified Date: 27 April 2013
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2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
A data analyst is a highly trained individual that specializes in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from various resources. For example, the data may be obtained from secondary source documents such as statistical studies, or from direct consumer marketing surveys. In terms of analysis, the data analyst generally uses data management and reporting systems to collect and organize specific data drawn from relational databases. While this process is largely automated, it must first be initiated by developing mathematical computations and collection protocols in order to extract and extrapolate data into meaningful statistical analysis or “what if” scenarios.
Although the primary tasks of this position are compilation and analysis of numerical information, a data analyst often takes on other roles. For one thing, he or she is expected to possess a certain degree of technical expertise with automatic data collection and reporting systems, including a capacity for program troubleshooting and system security measures. Depending on the nature of the data being collected and analyzed, the individual may also be required to be familiar with procedural standards and regulations specific to a particular area of research, industry, or market. In addition, data analysts often engage in making projections regarding future trends based on current economic and/or market conditions. In some cases, the data analyst may be involved the research phase of a project by participating in the design and implementation of relevant studies and surveys.
Most data analysts are also comfortable with the reporting aspects of data analysis in terms of preparing written summaries to accompany graphs and charts. However, this position often calls for additional writing tasks, such as drafting company memorandum, press releases, or other documentation. In addition, this position often lends itself to collaborating with database programmers and administrators in writing system modification recommendations, or in-house instruction and training materials.
Data analysts typically find employment in a business or clinical setting and can usually expect to work a 40-hour week. However, certain projects or those given high priority status may require devoting an occasional evening or weekend to the job. In addition, some data analysts find that they can work from home or other remote location a few days a week or more. In fact, as communications technology continues to advance, this trend is becoming increasingly more feasible.
In terms of qualifications, a minimum of a four-year degree from a college or university is usually required, preferably in statistics, computer science, or business administration. However, other coursework may be acceptable if the candidate can also demonstrate substantial experience working in a related field, such as statistical analysis or research. Of course, many professionals entering this field obtain a Master’s Degree in order to maximize their starting salary and advancement potential.
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Discuss this Article
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anon331995
Post 13 |
I am going for a data analyst position in a week's time for an international retail outlet. It has a three-hour assessment before the interview. What kind of assessment could I expect? |
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anon304816
Post 12 |
I am a Btech in ECE and MBA in General Management with different certifications. Can anyone guide or help for getting into Data analysis? |
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jaadams83
Post 9 |
I'm a data analyst for a major hospital system in Texas and started out as a central supply tech eight years ago. I would say that my background has helped, but it really hasn't. I would say it's more of a technical job than anything. You're really creating tools for upper management to make decisions. Most canned reports coming from major software aren't very friendly for someone to data mine so knowing how a relational database works is a must so you may create custom reports and have formatted in a way that tells a story. Especially when dealing with products I tell people I don't have to know the product but you have to know what you want. If they can't describe what goal the report is trying to accomplish, then how is an analyst any good for you. Also, I do not have a degree but it most certainly has hindered me getting hired at other companies. I move to a new position of senior applications analyst in a week. There are a few software packages you need to be proficient in to be successful Excel, Access, MS SQL, Crystal Reports. Those are the main ones you'll ever need and if you can pick up VBA coding you'll be set. |
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anon253821
Post 8 |
I've graduated as a statistics major and I work as a government employee at a bureau of statistics, and all the things that data analyst do, I do it as well, like collecting the data for the publication, etc. And you know what? My government paid me $500 per month. Such a pity for me.
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anon252714
Post 7 |
Environmental analysts get paid $10,000 a week. How can you turn down the chance too make 20,000 in two weeks? |
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anon239610
Post 6 |
I would make a distinction between using the label "data analyst" in a role and the actual data analyst role which requires extensive training. |
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anon173021
Post 5 |
I work at a business office for a hospital a lot of the people that worked here have transitioned into a data analyst without having any knowledge or schooling. One of them was here for nine months and then transitioned to a data analyst without any training. They hired them to see the quality of our work, then combine info so that they could come up with a productivity level that each position should have. So i think you don't need it depending on what you are analyzing. |
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FirstViolin
Post 4 |
@closerfan12 -- I could see that happening, but I think it is probably pretty rare, given the training data analysts have to have.
It's not really something you can do with just industry knowledge.
I would think that someone could certainly cross train themselves, or go back to school and become a data analyst after working in an industry, then maybe have a little better position starting out, but I don't think someone could just transition into it without extensive training. |
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closerfan12
Post 3 |
Does anyone know if it is common for people to transition into being a data analyst for their industry after working in it for a while?
For instance, if someone had extensive work experience in business, and wanted to branch out, would it be feasible for them to switch over into analysis, kind of how some people become consultants in their industries after working there for a while? |
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rallenwriter
Post 2 |
The requirements for data analysts vary between industries too.
Whereas a business data analyst would be expected to have background training in business so he or she could effectively analyze business data in the appropriate context.
A data analyst in another industry, say healthcare, would be expected to have training related to that industry in order to provide appropriate analysis.
It's kind of like being a doctor -- almost every data analyst has a specialty; there are very few "general" data analysts. |
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writingeagle
Post 1 |
Depending on the type of job, some companies will keep a permanent data analyst on staff and some companies will contract out an analyst to complete a specific task.
Investment firms and civil engineers will keep analysts on staff to monitor the daily/weekly/monthly economic and marketing growth or decline. Media outlets, car dealerships or sales people would be more likely to contract out for an analyst to complete a specific, one time job or acquire specific information about an area or population group. |
