Should you work in data analytics? Data analytics is an excellent career for anyone interested in deciphering patterns and telling stories through data.
But choosing to work in data analytics based on an interest in data alone would ignore what makes a strong career choice. You also need to consider salary, lifestyle, autonomy, and the cost and time to retrain. To help you decide, we've asked our data experts to share who makes a great data analyst and what makes it a wise career choice. Keep reading to:
Find out if you're the right type of person for a career in data analytics
Learn about the most popular reasons people become data analysts
Who makes a good data analyst?
Data analysts use tools and techniques to collect, sort, analyse and present data. You don’t need to be a natural maths whizz; you need the patience and dedication to learn the trade. Therefore, anyone can become a data analyst! Here are just a few of the profiles we find make up most of our cohort on our UK Government funded Data Analytics course.
You’re a parent returning to work
Once you have a child, your work-life priorities shift dramatically; long commutes and all-nighters become a thing of the past. Data analytics is perfect for partners returning to work as you can work remotely or in a hybrid setup and often work autonomously.
You’re looking for a career after finishing school
More and more students choose to go straight into employment rather than incur debt in higher education. Data analytics is the perfect role choice because you can train in data analytics for free. Plus, employers need data analysts across all industries. As a result, you can enter an area of interest through data analytics. Football match analysis or chocolate distribution statistics? Sign me up.
You want better career satisfaction
47% of the UK workforce are interested in a career change. Almost half! Pay and career satisfaction are among the leading reasons individuals want to change careers. Data analytics is full of problem-solving, remote working options and reasonable working hours, making it a satisfying career choice.
You want a secure or better paying career
In the modern world, we collect more data than ever before. Fortunately for you, we need more people than ever to turn that data into something useful. Data analysts are in high demand as the field grows faster than supply. Entering data analytics will help you secure a job, and a well-paying one at that.
Why work as a data analyst?
So you know you’re the right type of person to work as a data analyst, but is the role right for your lifestyle and needs? Here are our top reasons why people become data analysts:
To earn a good salary
Data analysts typically earn anywhere from £21K to £35K (Glassdoor salaries) in their first role. Earning from there can go up and up depending on your impact on the business.
2. To solve interesting problems
Data analysts use data to find patterns and trends to influence future decisions. As a data analyst, you’re pivotal to many of the critical choices your employer will make.
3. To work in an in-demand field
Data analysts are in high demand, meaning there are lots of vacancies to choose from. This gives you good career security, flexibility to negotiate hours, and a working style that works for you.
4. To work in any industry
All industries need data analysts. From concert venues to food production to eco-brands, there will be an organisation that piques your interest in need of a data analyst. Therefore, working as a data analyst is a great shortcut to work within your interest area without specialist training.
5. To find work-life balance
Data analysis is typically done online through digital collaboration tools such as shared business intelligence software or cloud-hosted excel files. Deadlines are also usually predictable and centred around recurring meetings and reports. As such, data analysts can often work online in their own time, making it an excellent option for those focused on achieving a great work-life balance.
Are you interested in becoming a data analyst? Learn more about our certified 12 week course: UK Gov Funded Data Analytics Boot Camp.