Is data analyst a good career for me? The 6 questions to ask
A job in data promises phenomenal career possibilities, so it’s no surprise that an ever-increasing number of individuals are looking to switch. However, we realise that career change isn’t just about salary and job security; you also want to make sure you’re going to adore what you do and be good at it. We know you’re looking for an answer too for this question, “Is data analyst a good career for me?”
How do you be aware if it’s the right career for you? Aside from trying a free data short course to perceive how you like it, there are some key questions you need to ask yourself.
In this post, we’ll help you figure out if you have what it takes to become a data analyst — and, perhaps more importantly, whether a career in data aligns with your own goals and aspirations.
Do you have the right skills and background to become a data analyst?
If you’re considering a career as a data analyst, you’ll most likely be wondering if you have the “right” background for the job.
Suppose you’ve studied or worked in a job that involves maths, statistics, software engineering, information management, or business information frameworks. In that case, you’ll find that you’re well-prepared for a career in data analytics.
However, it’s important to realize that there are many possible courses in the field besides the more typical areas of study and professional experience. Almost every vocation under the sun will equip you with transferable skills that are relevant to data analytics — be it teaching, marketing, customer service, IT, HR… the list goes on!
Is data analyst a good career for me? The 6 questions to ask
When considering another career path, it’s important to think about your innate qualities and intrinsic motivators.
Aside from external rewards, for example, salary, what drives you to reach your maximum capacity? Is data analytics a field that will tap into your natural talents and leave you feeling satisfied at the finish of each day?
Ask yourself the following questions:
Are you a keen problem-solver?
Problem-solving is at the actual centre of data analytics, so you must appreciate tackling complex challenges.
Are you naturally curious?
The job of a data analyst is to dig profound into data and search out patterns and patterns.
Are you interested in business strategy?
Data analysts bring immense value to organizations by showing them how data can be utilized to make smarter decisions and optimize certain cycles.
To succeed in this job, it’s essential not exclusively to get hands-on with data but also to bridge the gap between the numbers and the real-world implications for the business. If you’re interested in how businesses operate and appreciate working closely with key stakeholders, you’re well-positioned to occupy that crucial space between data and business strategy.
Related: Difference between big data and data analytics
Do you have an analytical mindset and a logical approach to your work?
All of us depend on both intuitive and analytical thinking, but some of us lean more towards the analytical side when it comes to work and problem-solving. If you’re an analytical thinker, you’re bound to draw conclusions based on facts and information (data!) instead of premonition or intuition.
Do you look carefully at the evidence before taking action? Do you generally work methodically from A to Z, questioning everything rather than making assumptions? Are you hungry for information when solving another challenge? If so, it sounds like you have an analytical mind — a superb asset for a data analyst!
Are you comfortable presenting and collaborating?
As the data master, it’s your responsibility to make sure that key findings can be translated into action — and that means making them easily comprehensible for non-data specialists.
Do you have an affinity for numbers and statistics?
It may appear evident, but it would be remiss not to mention that a passion for numbers and statistics is essential. You don’t necessarily need to be a specialist mathematician to make it as a data analyst — all the critical tools and techniques can, of course, be learned from scratch.
Is data analytics a good career move? 4 big reasons
Check out these 4 reasons that prove that data analysis is a booming career:
The opportunity to make an impact
Analytics plays a crucial job in how decisions are made. You’ll get to the heart of intricate business challenges, working closely with key stakeholders and using your expertise to advise on the best game plan. In this regard, you’ll have a direct hand to play in the company’s prosperity — a rewarding position to be in.
Variety
Data is everywhere, and there are opportunities for data analysts across a tremendous variety of industries and organizations.
To name simply a handful of real-world case studies, data analytics has been utilized in the healthcare sector to enable asthma patients to better manage their condition, by the likes of Spotify and Netflix to make personalized recommendations, and to help address social issues like homelessness and unemployment.
From hospitals and healthcare to fast food and retail, from finance and marketing to insurance and innovation — the possibilities are unending. So, if you’re looking for a career that offers variety, you’ll certainly want to consider becoming a data analyst.
You’ll find further industry insights in this gathering of inspirational, thought-provoking statements about data.
Increasing opportunities
Another reason to become a data analyst is because their field continues to develop and offer professionals more opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field for operations research analysts may develop by as much as 25% from 2020 to 2030.
This may add 25,600 positions to the field, making it easier for new professionals to enter section-level jobs.
Competitive salary
Becoming a data analyst can also help you gain access to jobs with competitive pay. The average national salary for a data analyst is $66,283 each year.
For example, the highest paying city in the United States for data analysts is Washington, DC, where they can earn an average of $76,563 each year.
Wrap-up and next steps
Is data analyst a good career for me? Yes, it is! Not only is it high-paying but also helps you master the skill of problem-solving statistically. We hope you got an answer to the question “Is data analysis a good career for me?”
Related FAQs
Is data analyst a good career for me in future as well? Check out the common FAQs:
What qualifications do I need to become a Data Analyst?
You will need a: Bachelor’s certification or master’s certificate in software engineering, statistics, or a similar field. It would help if you also had experience working with data designs and software like SQL, Python, R, and Succeed.
Do data analysts get paid well?
Data analyst salary guides demonstrate that in general they get paid well. This naturally relies on how many years of experience, and the industry and city they are working in.
Is there a high demand for data analysts?
Indeed, there is a high demand for data analysts. The data skills gap affects most industries worldwide and means that there will need to be an immense increase in individuals switching to careers in data analysis. The U.S. BLS predicts that there be a 23% development in this job until 2031, which is far above average.
Is it hard to get a job as a data analyst?
If you have a certification from a recognized provider or boot camp, a data analyst portfolio filled with real-world projects which testify to the data analytics skills and tools you’ve mastered, as well as a CV which showcases these, then it will be super easy to get a job as a data analyst.
You’ll need to have practised a ton of data analytics interview questions as well and have adapted your application materials to the industry or particular companies you are applying to.
Read Also: