Data Analyst Career Guide

Sample job description

Here at [Your Company Name], we understand that in order to continue to grow at an industry-leading pace, we must adapt to all of the industry changes. As our data analyst, you will be at the forefront of making sure that progress remains our reality. In order to accomplish this, you will be responsible for gathering all types of data, such as employee data, client data, industry data, and pricing data.

You will be tasked with analyzing these data sets, looking for trends, and comparing these trends across each quarter. Whether it is necessary changes to employee processes, vendor changes, industry pricing, supply changes, or something else that may affect our growth, it will be up to you to find these inefficiencies and figure out how we can improve them. An ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in data cleaning and visualization, an expert at Python, and work well under immense pressure.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Develop data analysis systems, functions, and programs
• Implement data analysis systems, functions, and programs as seamlessly as possible
• Maintain these systems to ensure proper function and operation
• Identify, dissect, and comprehend data in order to optimize processes and inefficiencies
• Collaborate with management and other departments to assess business needs and data optimization
• Filter data 
• Data cleansing 
• Perform routine business analysis
• Evaluate changes across quarters and suggest the best plan of action

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field
• Since this is often considered an entry-level position, most places don’t require experience

Required skills and qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access and SharePoint
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines 
• Proficient mathematical skills
• Excellent IT skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Strong project management skills
• Leadership skills
• Experience problem-solving data-related tasks
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to gather and measure data
• Experience in statistical analysis and data mining

Preferred qualifications

• Data science or business analytics certifications are highly encouraged 

Available certifications

• Google Data Analytics Certification. This certification helps you process and analyze data by teaching you how to use the best tools and platforms. Put on by Google and Coursera, it’s under 10 hours a week and a great starting point for data analysts.

• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate. This certification validates that you have the skills and knowledge to increase the quality of your data. You can do the course for free by yourself, or you can get the course through an instructor and pay for it. At the end, you’ll need to take the exam, which is $165.

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). To become a CAP, you’ll need to first be eligible. You have to either have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Then, you’ll need anywhere from 3-7 years of experience depending on your education. You’ll take a test that costs between $495-$695 depending on your membership level. Once through, you’ll need to maintain your certification.