A good data analyst has proficient technical skills as well as effective leadership skills.
Data analysts play an essential role in data analytics. Businesses rely on them in making critical decisions for their company growth. In data analysis, organizations from all types of industries are able to determine their next move. Specifically, what new products or services to offer to people, which target customers to market, what new market industry to venture into, and so on.
Not only that, data analytics also helps businesses identify their operational inefficiencies, as well as other issues that their firm should be addressing in general. Data analytics is not just about collecting information. It is the job of a data analyst to be knowledgeable about how to properly use the collected data to help businesses make informed decisions for improvement and growth.
What are the roles of a data analyst?
A data analyst job is more than just looking over numbers and information. Part of the daily job of a data analyst is:
- Create and maintain reports to give clients insights about the new market trends, as well as the key areas a business should improve and focus on.
- Pay attention to patterns and trends. This helps data analysts to suggest good and effective recommendations to clients.
- Collaborate with other industry experts like engineers, programmers, salespeople, marketers, and industry leaders. Part of being a data analyst is being a good communicator as the success of data analytics also depends on how one works with other people.
- Data collection which also includes the use of specialized software, as well as working with web developers in optimising the process of data collection.
- Making use of statistical tools to interpret data. It is also in this stage where data analysts indicate the significance of the global, local, and national trends to both the business and the market industry as a whole.
What skills should a data analyst have?
There are two significant skills a data analyst should have. A good data analyst has proficient technical skills as well as effective leadership skills.
Technical skills include an in-depth knowledge in the use of database languages specifically SQL or Python. This also includes the use of statistical tools like google sheets or microsoft excel, as well as data visualization software.
Effective leadership skills help data analysts in decision making and problem solving. Furthermore, it also helps data analysts on how to use all gathered information strategically to guide business owners in making critical decisions for their business.
Aside from the two skills mentioned above, it is also important for data analysts to possess good critical thinking. In addition, good presentation skills and machine learning are also needed to be successful in this type of field.
