Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a data analyst
Unlock the power of data to help businesses and organisations make important decisions.
What is a data analyst?
Data analysts work with complex sets of data to understand what the numbers reveal and provide the analysis and insight that businesses rely on to progress.
How do I become a data analyst?
To become a data analyst, you'll need a first degree along with strong numerical and organisational skills.
An undergraduate degree is the usual requirement for a career as a data analyst. You can become a data analyst with any degree subject if you can demonstrate the relevant skills. But a degree in a relevant discipline may help:
- Business information systems
- Computer science
- Economics
- Information management
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Although it's not always required, you might consider a postgraduate degree in data science especially if you're changing careers and you want to develop your skills in data analysis.
What would I do as a data analyst?
As a data analyst you'll play a key role in informing the decision-making processes that drive organisations forward.
Data analysts work across a range of sectors including finance, consulting, manufacturing, government, healthcare and education. You'll be working not only to understand data, but also to interpret what it means.
Your work will typically involve:
- Mining and analysing large datasets
- Reporting your findings and presenting them visually and verbally
- Looking for areas to improve efficiency and automate processes
- Monitoring and auditing data quality
- Developing and supporting reporting processes
Becoming a data analyst could be for you if...
-
You have a mathematical mind
Maths will be your strong suit and you'll have highly developed numerical and analytical skills.
-
You're a curious creature
You're naturally inquisitive and you enjoy digging below the surface.
-
You're super-organised
Naturally, working with large datasets, you'll need a well-ordered mind.
-
The details matter
You'll need great focus and attention to detail in order to spot the key insights in the data.
-
You can talk numbers
You'll need to be a good communicator, able to make complex subjects accessible to different audiences.
What are the typical working hours for a data analyst?
Working hours are usually regular 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Most likely you'll be on a salary so overtime won't be paid. But that may be offered if you're working extra hours on a big project.
Starting salaries range between £23,000 and £25,000.
Graduate schemes in data analysis and business intelligence at larger companies may offer a higher starting salary, between £25,000 and £30,000.
With a few years' experience, salaries can rise to between £30,000 and £35,000.
Experienced, high-level consultants can earn £60,000 or more.
