Data Analyst Career Guide

 

Potential Roles in Data Analysis

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Data analysts and statisticians must have a good head for numbers and enjoy the principles and practicalities of handling data. This work is well suited to logical thinkers who like methods and systems. There are roles at different entry points – from administrative support jobs, like data entry, to highly technical and specialised roles.

Data analysts analyse and organise data obtained through research to observe trends and identify the reasons behind these trends. They often work alongside statisticians, and together, their work can guide company decisions. Data analyst jobs exist in many different sectors, including finance, commerce, retail, marketing, business consulting and data assurance, so you can choose to specialise in an area that you find interesting.

Statisticians use the information obtained through data analysis to model outcomes, predict events (like customer behaviours and market demand) and assess risk. A statistician’s job involves identifying research needs, planning and managing research, analysing results and making recommendations to their employer. They typically work in a team alongside data analysts and other specialists. Statisticians work in various industries and sectors, including national and local government, market research, sport, finance, health and education.

 

Salary and Career Progression

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There is good scope for career progression in the data analysis field. Employees can gain experience and undertake further training to advance in their area and earn higher salaries.

Data analysts can expect to start at around £25,000 in the UK and $50,000 in the US, with salaries rising upwards of £60,000 and $110,000, respectively. Data analysts can progress in their careers by working for more prestigious companies or working on large, visible projects for governments. Self-employment is also an option, and independent consultants can typically demand higher levels of pay than their employed counterparts.

Statisticians can earn a lucrative income, but the pay can vary between sectors. You can usually make more money working in the private sector, for example, in pharmaceuticals or business consulting, than in public sector and government roles. Pay starts at around £23,000 to £26,000, rising to £60,000 and more. In the US, statisticians can expect to earn around $950,000 a year on average.

Career progression is possible by moving into more senior managerial roles, specialising in a higher-paying area, or even by training in AI and moving into data science. You can also become a Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society once you have five or more years of experience in a relevant role. With Chartered status, you can secure prestigious work projects and higher salaries.

 

Qualifications, Education and Experience

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Data analysts can benefit from a university education, although a degree is not compulsory. The following can be useful for a career in data analysis:

• 4-5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (C-A**)
• 2-3 A Levels to access university
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like economics, mathematics, IT or computer science
• Postgraduate study in a relevant subject, like business analytics or data science
• A non-related Bachelor’s degree subject may be acceptable, particularly if accompanied by a relevant postgraduate qualification
• Data analysts can apply for the Royal Statistical Society registered Data Analyst award by completing an accredited course, having at least one year of experience, and completing 30 hours of continuing professional development in the preceding 12 months

Statisticians typically have specific qualifications and training, including:

• 4-5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (C-A**)
• 2-3 A Levels to access university
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, like statistics, economics, or mathematics, particularly if accredited by the Royal Statistical Society
• A Bachelor’s degree in a subject that contains a heavy research and statistics component, like psychology or sociology, may also be acceptable
• A degree apprenticeship directly through an employer
• A master’s degree can be advantageous but is not compulsory
• Experience working with data
• Knowledge of relevant software

 

Skills

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Data analysts must have a love for numbers and statistics, as well as the following skills:

• Excellent mathematical skills
• Good knowledge of IT systems and relevant software
• Communication skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Logical and analytical thinking
• Diligence and attention to detail
• An understanding of statistical methods and research principles

Statisticians need a range of particular skills, including:

• Ability to explain complex figures and data to laypersons
• Strong IT skills and knowledge of industry software
• High-level understanding of mathematical concepts and statistics
• Analytical and logical thinking
• Ability to work in a team
• Self-motivation
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Diligence

 

Working Hours

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Data analysts and statisticians typically work standard office hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with evenings and public holidays off.

 

Notable Locations

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Data analysts and statisticians can work in any location. Working from home or hybrid work is common. Jobs are often located in cities or large towns, both in the UK and the US, and other countries worldwide. Some locations are particularly central to the technology industry and can offer exciting opportunities to work for prestigious commercial companies like Apple and TikTok.

Major cities that offer job opportunities in data analysis and statistics include:

• California
• New York
• Texas
• Chicago
• Singapore
• London
• Manchester
• Paris
• Berlin
• Bengaluru (India)

 

Notable Companies

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• IBM: Multinational technology company with an HQ in New York and offices in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia
• TikTok: Social media video-sharing platform employing data analysts at their California office to monitor user behaviour
• Apple: World’s largest technology company with an HQ in California’s ‘Apple Park’, as well as landmark offices in Singapore, London, and many other cities worldwide
• UK Government Office for National Statistics: Carries out research and analyses trends, demographics and behaviours throughout the UK to understand and support the population

 

Next Steps

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