Who is a Data Analyst, and What does he do?

The rapid advancement of technology and the widespread use of electronic devices have led to a significant increase in data volume. The amount of data generated is increasing exponentially. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, as the future holds the implementation of the Internet of Things and the development of 5G infrastructure, which will further contribute to data generation.

Given this scenario, companies are facing a great demand for skilled professionals who can establish robust data systems and analyze vast amounts of information to aid in decision-making processes.

Out of the various data-related roles available, data analysts are particularly sought after and generously compensated. According to Forbes, the job market for data analysts is thriving, offering promising prospects for these highly sought-after experts.

So, what exactly does a data analyst do? In this context, we will explore the responsibilities associated with this role and delve into the reasons behind their increasing indispensability within every data department.

Who is a Data Analyst?

In essence, a data analyst is accountable for gathering, preparing, and examining data to extract valuable insights.

A typical day in the life of a data analyst involves a wide range of responsibilities. This includes developing systems for data collection, using programming languages to cleanse and analyze data, constructing reports, and effectively communicating findings to relevant stakeholders and decision-makers.

Many Data Analysts argue that most of their time in the workday goes into cleaning data. The amount of data is enormous and if that is something you would like to do, you should pursue this career.

The role of a data analyst is so versatile that it is often described by various job titles, such as:

• Business analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Market intelligence consultant
• Operations research analyst
• Competitive intelligence analyst
• Data strategist

The work of the Data Analyst remains the same in most of the companies but the titles are changed. You should read the job description before to understand the role better. Regardless of the specific title used, companies across nearly every industry can greatly benefit from the expertise of data analysts. This is a key factor contributing to the growing demand for professionals in this field, spanning sectors like healthcare, marketing, logistics, and biology.

What does a Data Analyst do?

When it comes to the responsibilities of a data analyst, various tasks can be grouped into different stages of a project life cycle. These stages include data extraction, data preparation, data exploration, and data visualization. Here’s a closer look at what a data analyst does in each of these stages:

Data extraction

Data analysts often play a role in collecting data. Data Analysts work with both structured and unstructured data. They have to deal with tons and tons of data. Most of their time goes into cleaning the data before they can analyze it.

Data preparation

Collected data often contains duplicates, errors, outliers, and other anomalies. To transform raw data into data that is suitable for analysis, it needs to go through a cleaning process. Data analysts invest a significant amount of time in preprocessing and summarizing the data to identify and address any errors. 

Data exploration

Once the data is clean, it’s time to explore it. During this stage, data analysts delve into the data, seeking trends and patterns that can provide answers to specific business questions. Various tools can be used for this process.

Data visualization and reporting

Effectively communicating analysis results is a crucial aspect of a data analyst’s job. This involves creating data visualizations that are compiled into dashboards and management reports, accompanied by explanatory comments shared with relevant stakeholders. Self-service business intelligence tools like Tableau and Power BI are commonly employed for this purpose.

There are some standard tools that you could use to become a data analyst.

What qualification is necessary to become a data analyst?

You can become a Data Analyst even if you are not from an IT Background. As there is no heavy coding involved, you can easily learn the skills required to become a data analyst. There is no such educational qualification too. Anyone can become a data analyst with the right skills. If you are yet to choose your degree, then I’ll suggest you go with a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science or even Data Science. Data Science is a course not available in many colleges so you can take computer science which will also help you learn different roles and technologies, so you can be sure if you want to become a data analyst. 

Do not worry if you don’t have a degree in IT, you can become a data analyst with the right skills and time. Take online courses and showcase your work, so that it becomes easier for the recruiters to hire you.

What does a data analyst make?

The role of a Data Analyst is highly coveted in the IT industry and is known for its lucrative earning potential. With the continuous generation of vast amounts of data within companies daily, there is a significant demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Therefore, the average annual salary for Data Analysts in India is 4 LPA and it can range from anywhere between 4- 16 LPA according to your skills, location, and experience. However, it’s important to note that this figure can vary based on several factors and individual circumstances.

Conclusion

A data analyst is a professional who collects, cleans, and analyzes data to find valuable insights. They help companies make informed decisions by identifying patterns and trends within structured data. If you want to become a data analyst, there is a very good chance now s the field is rapidly growing.  Data analysts are in high demand due to the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making. Their role is essential in various industries and offers promising career opportunities. By utilizing their skills in data analysis and visualization, data analysts play a vital role in extracting meaningful information from data and contributing to the success of organizations.

You might like to check the related articles:

1. Essential Tools to Become a Data Analyst in 2023!
2. How to Become a Data Analyst?
3. Soft Skills for Data Analysts