What does a data analyst do?

What does a data analyst do? 

The collection, analysis and use of data has a huge potential for increasing productivity and optimising decision-making processes. More and more companies are recognising the opportunities this future trend could present and are calling on data analysts more and more as a result. But what is a data analyst exactly and what do they do every day? We've got the answers for you!

Data analyst – job description 

A data analyst collects and analyses large amounts of data in a company in order to present it in a processed, systematised and useful format. Data analysts lay the groundwork for data-driven decision-making at the strategic and operational level of a company. As a data specialist, data analysts use the most modern analytical methods, including AI.

Data analysts can usually work in any company where larger usable data volumes are generated. These include technology and industrial companies in particular, but also marketing or insurance companies. You can find more about the definition of a data analyst here.

Data analyst tasks at a glance 

The daily work of a data analyst varies. But all tasks have one thing in common: they revolve around data. The data analyst is involved in the entire process along the data chain – from the identification and structuring of the raw data, preparation and analysis to the presentation of the data in a way that is suitable for the executive board to understand and use.

Specific tasks in the day-to-day work of a data analyst include: 

• Developing methods for systematic data collection 
• Applying ETL (extract, transform, load) methods 
• Converting unstructured data into the desired format (data wrangling) 
• Programming queries for targeted data retrieval 
• Developing and maintaining databases 
• Applying advanced analytical methods 
• Identifying patterns and anomalies in data collections 
• Preparing and presenting analysis results for decision making

What requirements do you need to fill to become a data analyst? 

Compared to a data scientist, a data analyst works in a more application-oriented way. This means that the focus is more on the application of data analysis methods than on the programming and development of those methods. To be able to add value to a company as a data analyst, you should have the following skills: 

• University degree in IT-related studies (computer science, information systems or similar) 
• Experience in working with ETL methods 
• Knowledge of programming languages and databases (SQL, JavaScript, R, Python) 
• Experience in applying advanced data analysis methods (machine learning, advanced analytics) 
• Excellent analytical thinking skills 
• Meticulous and precise approach to work 
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Salary

The average salary for a data analyst with a few years’ experience is £30-35,000 and senior analysts can command £60,000 or more. 

Salary source: prospects.ac.uk