A Career Guide — What Does a Data Analyst Do?
By Oyinkansola Badejo.
The world runs on data! Every click, purchase, and interaction generates a breadcrumb of information that holds immense value, and companies are constantly collecting information to understand their audience and make better decisions. But this data is only valuable if someone can interpret it. That’s where data analysts come in.
In this article, we offer a clear, career-focused introduction to data analytics.
Who is a Data Analyst?
A Data Analyst collects, organizes, and interprets data and information to create actionable insights for companies. To accomplish this, a Data Analyst must collect large amounts of data, sift through it, and assemble key sets of data based on the organization’s desired metrics or goals, you can call them ‘digital detectives.’
A data analyst would dig into website traffic, analyze demographics, and identify customer behavioral trends. Their findings would then be used to optimize marketing campaigns and boost sales.
Responsibilities Of a Data Analyst.
As a data analyst, your job description circles understanding the data, analyzing the data, building and managing databases, and communicating the data to others. Some of your major responsibilities would include:
- Making Research: As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for researching your company to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improved efficiency and productivity.
- Data Collection: Data Analysts must collect data and information from primary and secondary sources, either from existing sources or by developing new channels for information gathering. Data can come from various sources — surveys, social media, website traffic, and internal databases. Analysts may even conduct interviews or gather external data sets.
- Data Analysis: This is where the magic happens. Analysts use statistical tools and programming languages to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the data.
- Data Visualization: Once data analysis is complete, Data Analysts present their findings to other members of the organization, digested and packaged in a way they can easily understand. This can include using data visualization software to create visualizations or dashboards for other members of the organization to help them quickly visualize data on their own.
Why is Data Analysis Important?
Data analysis is the backbone of data-driven decision-making. In today’s world, companies that leverage data effectively outperform their competitors.
It’s a no-brainer that data helps target the right audience with the right message at the right time. It helps companies understand customer needs and personalize experiences while providing insights to optimize operations, reduce costs, and maximize profits.
Ultimately, data analysis helps businesses develop products and services that meet customer demands.
Is a Data Analyst Career Right for You?
If you enjoy puzzles, have a knack for numbers, and possess a keen eye for detail, then data analysis might just be your perfect fit.
Technical skills like SQL, Tableau, and Python are data visualization tools in high demand and you’re in luck!
At The Bulb Africa, where we believe in nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth and advancement. That’s why we’ve developed a unique Fellowship program that provides participants with adequate and right tools, resources, and support they need to take their careers to the next level.
You can learn more about the fellowship program and why it is important for you as a newbie in tech.
In Summary
Data Analytics is a field with a bright future. The demand for skilled data analysts is skyrocketing across all industries. With the right training and skills, you can be part of this exciting and impactful field.
With The Bulb Africa’s Fellowship program, you are one step ahead into building your career in tech.
You can sign up to learn Data Analytics today!