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A data analyst doesn't just see data everywhere.
They enjoy taking raw data and turning it into useful knowledge based on the needs of their organization.
For example:
Where you might see a boring excel spreadsheet with numbers on how many burgers were sold by a fast food joint in a year...
A data analyst might see trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among people throughout the year and use that to inform seasonal menu items!
But What Does A Data Analyst Really Do Though?
If you want to get technical, the daily activities of a data analyst include:
Compiling Excel spreadsheets to organize data before analysis
Interpreting raw data and identify patterns
Using statistical tools and other software to combine and create specific solutions
Creating flowcharts, graphs, and dashboards to visualize data
Quiz
If they only deal with data, are communication skills necessary?
An integral part of a data analyst's job is to turn a mess of numbers into an important conversation. That's communication 101!
Ok, But What Kind Of Jobs Can A Data Analyst Apply For?
Plenty! In fact, there's a growing need for data analysts as the world creates ridiculous amounts of data every second!
Roles that a data analyst can apply for include:
Data journalist
Risk assessor
Operations analyst
Research assistant
Business intelligence analyst
Marketing analyst
Did you know?
So Is It For Me?
Data analysis is not everyone's cup of tea.
Reconsider a career in data analysis if:
You can't fathom working at a computer all day
Numbers give you a headache
You're not detail-oriented
But, a career in data analysis might just be what you are looking for if you enjoy:
Solving problems
Shaping the future
Critical thinking
Working with raw data
Quiz
I like people watching at the mall and taking note of what people are doing. Is this a sign?
You are technically viewing visitor data! Who visits the mall, at what time, where do they go, what they buy: all such data would be useful to a data analyst studying mall visitor habits.
Take Action
If you think there's a number cruncher hidden in you, take the opportunity to bring them out and show off a world of data to process!
Try out a little data analysis on yourself:
This Byte has been authored by
George Kuruvilla
Communications Coordinator