Data analyst

As a data analyst, you will be responsible for collecting data, organising it in such a way that it can be used, and then presenting the results, in the form of useful information.

Also known as

• Analyst
• Customer insight analyst
• Information analyst
• Reporting analyst

Work activities

Data plays a crucial role in helping businesses and organisations to function effectively. As a data analyst, you will be responsible for collecting data, organising it in such a way that it can be used, and then presenting the results in the form of useful information. What form this information or data takes depends on the area you work in.

Data analysts are now being used in almost every walk of life, as organisations begin to realise the importance of the data that they gather, via IT systems and databases. You could be working in:

• Employment agencies.
• Financial systems.
• Government organisations.
• Insurance.
• Law firms.
• Marketing.
• NHS.
• Retail companies.

In order to make use of, and learn from this collected data, your duties could involve:

• Responding to requests for particular data extracts.
• Dealing with data quality issues – can it be used for the intended purpose?
• Generating reports from the database.
• Monitoring database performance.
• Producing statistical modelling (diagrams that help to explain the data results).
• Tracking and managing client activity.
• Investigating customer data, revealing customer behaviour.

Personal qualities and skills

You will need:

• Good maths skills.
• Great IT skills, including being familiar with databases and query languages.
• Good analytical skills.
• To be a good problem-solver.
• The ability to work to deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Great teamworking skills.
• To be up to date with any changes in data protection laws and the latest database technologies.
• Excellent communication skills, and to be able to explain technical information to non-technical colleagues and customers.

Pay and opportunities

Your salary will often depend on your experience and the organisation you work for. As a guide, pay rates can range from £23,000 to £62,000 with experience.

Database analysts usually work 37-39 hours from Monday to Friday, but you could work some late evenings when deadlines require.

Employers are in every sector of industry and commerce, including banks, building societies, insurance companies and others in the finance sector, and in public service (for example, local and central government departments).

Opportunities for data analysts occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on specialist IT job boards and employers’ websites, in business or computing magazines and professional journals, in local/national newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

A level 4 (higher) apprenticeship in the role of data analyst is a great way into this career path. An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training plus the chance to work towards relevant qualifications to support your work.

Alternatively, you could study a relevant university degree, such as computer science. At university you will learn some of the skills, techniques and technologies, that employers need. IT and business studies-based subjects at GCSE and A-level are often course requirements. Many employers require you to have a degree before you apply for a role as a data analyst. Degrees in relevant subjects are available at many universities.

Qualifications

To get onto a higher apprenticeship, you’ll need two A-levels in relevant subjects plus GCSEs in maths and English.

To get onto a degree, you’ll typically need:

• Two to three A-levels, potentially including maths, computing or a science subject.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in English, maths and sometimes other subjects as well.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Related careers

• Business analyst
• Data manager
• Database administrator