What does a Data Analyst do and how to become one in 2022?

What does a Data Analyst do and how to become one in 2022?

The data analyst or Data Analyst works with large amounts of data. Her job is to ask business questions, collect data, identify useful insights from the data, and structure her findings into easy-to-read dashboards.
The Data Analyst profession is one of the most important emerging professions of the future, as well as being one of the best paid professions today due to the high demand for this type of profile by companies.

Data analysts work in numerous industries; in business, finance, science, justice or medicine.

If you want to know what a data analyst does and how to become one, there is no single path to follow, however, here are a few recommendations that will help you save time, money and effort in your quest to become a Data Analyst .

What does a data analyst do?

The data analyst or Data Analyst collects, cleans and interprets data sets , in order to translate them into useful information for the business, through reports or visualizations.

The data analyst extracts information from the data to help you make smart decisions. In that sense, he uses data from users, customers, finances, marketing, sales, products and more.

In order to process all this information, the Data Analyst uses analysis and business intelligence tools that offer practical visualizations. So to treat the different formats, the basic tools you should know are spreadsheets like Excel or Google Sheets or Business Intelligence programs like Microsoft Power BI , Qlik Sense or Tableau . They should also know database query tools such as SQL . Although it is not necessary to know how to program, some analysts work with programming languages ​​such as R or Python . Once they are experts in these languages ​​they can become data scientists .

This is a perfect job for digital nomads , as the data analyst can work with companies from everywhere, from anywhere in the world. All you need is a computer and internet access. The good news is that in the age of digitalization, most companies have vacancies for people with data analysis skills.

Tasks a data analyst does

So, in summary, these are some of the tasks that a data analyst does:

Collect data : For example from surveys or directly from interactions on the website.
Clean the data : Maintain quality in the spreadsheet by removing
duplicate data, errors, or interpreting outliers.
Model data : Design structures, categorize and relate the data.
Interpret data : Find patterns or trends in data to answer a specific problem.
Present the data : Communicate the findings through visualizations in tables or graphs.

What skills does a data analyst need?

Data analysts must be equipped with two large groups of skills, namely:

Analytical and business skills

When working with huge amounts of data, analysts must be able to use tools and strategies to obtain efficient results in optimal times. Some analytical skills include:

Projects management.

  • Advanced command of spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets).
  • Management of Business Intelligence programs such as Microsoft Power BI, QlikSense or Tableau.
  • Marketing notions.
  • Accounting or ability with numbers.
  • Ability to work with large and complex data sets.
  • Experience in data visualization.
  • Soft skills

Then there are the communication skills or soft skills that a data analyst needs. Analysts often need to present findings through a report or presentation, which means presenting the information in a clear and engaging way to interested departments. Some soft skills data analysts use include:

  • Communication, collaboration and presentation skills.
  • Conflict resolution.
  • Research.
  • Affinity for numbers.
  • Analytical mindset.
  • Methodical and logical approach.
  • Attention to details.
  • Organization and good time management to meet deadlines.
  • Business knowledge or business acumen.

How to become a data analyst in 2022?

Now that we’ve seen what a data analyst does, it’s a good time to learn how to become one. In that order, below is a roadmap that can help anyone land a first job or position as
a data analyst.

1. Have a learning plan

To land a job as a data analyst, you must first create an apprenticeship plan. This involves setting goals for yourself within a specific time frame. You will need to learn new skills and strategies that will take time and require your best effort and willingness. Therefore, in order not to get discouraged halfway, it is important to plan and set specific objectives.

2. Gain knowledge and skills

Just a few years ago, to work in the field of data analysis, a university degree was a requirement. Right now it is not exclusive, although it may be a good idea. To fulfill the objective of interpreting data, you need to be very good with numbers, as we have already seen in the skill set.

In addition to this, you have to have an inquisitive mind, good management and organization skills, as well as business acumen, which can define your success as an analyst.

3. Know how to use the tools

For someone new to data analysis, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools. If you ask yourself what should I learn? The suggestion is to start with spreadsheets, such as Excel or Google Sheets . By knowing these tools you can start doing data analysis quickly and with little work.

The next thing is to learn about databases, and in that sense, the first, and the most used, is SQL .

Also, to become a good professional you must know business intelligence tools or BI tools very well. Different companies use different tools, but Power BI, Qlik Sense, and Tableau tend to be the most common.

Finally, the best equipped data analysts know how to program. Although it is not a requirement, it is a plus to get any job or position. Python and R are the most widely used programming languages, and those who have mastered their use can enter the world of data science.

If you want to become a data scientist more than just a data analyst, knowing how to program is essential.

4. Have the best attitude

Data analysis can seem like an unknown and unfathomable universe when you are just starting out. Managing huge amounts of data and knowing everything you can do with a large number of tools can overwhelm you and make you feel overwhelmed. But if you are patient and learn one step at a time, little by little you will feel more comfortable and you will notice how everything you have learned begins to make sense.

How much does a data analyst earn?

There is no single answer for this, because as in any job, it depends on where you work. In Spain for example, in major cities like Madrid or Barcelona, ​​a data analyst in a Junior position earns €24,000. But experience can raise that figure to around €80,000, especially if you are in a managerial position.

If we go to another continent, in the United States, the average salary for a data analyst is $75,456 (Junior analyst). And for those who hold a senior analyst position, the salary reaches as high as $96,852 . However, there are recurring cases of data analysts earning $100,000 a year.

How to get the first job?

To find your first job you have to prove to employers that you have what they need. How can you do it? While a college degree or boot camp can show you’re knowledgeable, it’s not the only way to do it. In addition you can:

Take online courses: They are cheap and flexible.

Create your own portfolio: Participating in projects that support your knowledge. Do internships: Put your skills into practice and at the same time nurture your
portfolio.
Create a LinkedIn profile: The largest recruitment platform today, where you can upload your portfolio, your skills, have a record of your experience and get employers to connect with you. With this, if you create a powerful learning plan, learn the necessary tools, have the best attitude and start gaining real-world experience, you will be a data analyst through and through. The world of work will have its doors open for you.

Do you want to become a data analyst?

If you are determined to become a data analyst, you can sign up for our Data Analyst Bootcamp where we will teach you everything you need to enter this world.

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