This year, there were projected 2,720,000 available jobs for data professionals. In fact, demand for these employees vastly outweighs the supply.
Such demand exists for a good reason:
Data analysts are often core elements of many organizations’ long-term success.
Those filling this role must gather, parse, and analyze data to streamline operations and predict marketing trends.
It’s a versatile position in that it applies to most industries, prevalent in everything from academia to marketing. Data analysts translate their analysis through reports and presentations to stakeholders, providing solutions. Often, this involves honing and improving every facet of a business’s operational framework.
Read below as this blog discusses 6 of the more essential skills someone must have to thrive as a data analyst:
- Structure Query Language (SQL) Proficiency
SQL handles vast data sets and processing information. It combines spreadsheet and computing tool capabilities and performs its intended tasks rapidly compared to traditional software.
Since it’s proven exceptionally useful for data analysts, SQL proficiency is pivotal in this sphere.
- Data Visualization
Once an analyst has obtained their data, they’ll analyze and compile it. From there, the individual in question must present their findings to decision-makers throughout the organization.
Analysts require data storytelling skills to convey this information in an engaging, easily digestible style. Thus, it’s vital to create a straightforward analysis visualization.
Standard techniques utilized in this practice are graphs and charts. These methods clearly illustrate the numbers’ story, allowing the relevant parties to strategize accordingly.
- Fluency with Python
Python is its own programming language. It’s object-oriented in nature and is frequently leveraged to streamline broad data sets.
A primary reason that data analysts thrive with Python is its rapid speed enabled through robust support. A bevy of open-source libraries is available. They all serve their own unique purposes, such as scientific computing.
Thus, Python has grown into the industry-standard programming language throughout the data space.
- Presentation
Yes, data must be visualized when an analyst interprets it for others in the company. However, that’s not the only way the information must be presented. The auditory senses must be accounted for.
Therefore, data analysts’ skills as public speakers should be finely tuned. Otherwise, they’ll fail to engage and optimally convey the information.
Combining impressive oratory skills with graphs and charts is how to extract the most value from data analysis.
- Communication
An integral part of a data analyst’s responsibilities list is communicating with the following stakeholders:
- Other data analysts
- IT representatives
- Colleagues and decision-makers unrelated – directly – to data or technology.
Unlike presentations and visual representations, this is more ongoing and non-stop throughout the day. It includes written reports, emails, and verbal skills during less formal, yet equally crucial, conversations.
- Data Preparation
When analysts process an informational set from a larger batch and sort it into a concise, straightforward report, it’s called data prep.
This duty is performed before the visualization process. In short, it filters down the numbers and takeaways to make it easily understandable for the relevant parties.
Knowing WHAT to Look for Doesn’t Mean You Know WHERE to Look.
Realistically, this blog is only scratching the surface of the required skills for a data analyst. These individuals must possess highly adaptable traits that keep up with the pace of the IT industry’s ongoing evolution.
At Synergy Systems, we leverage our extensive experience recruiting within this space to help you identify, attract, and hire ideal data and analytics talent for your organization. Get in touch with us today to get started!
