A data analyst gathers a vast amount of data, cleans, and interprets the information for organisations. This helps managers to make strategic decisions, propelling their businesses forward.
Looking for a mid career switch to data analytics, or to start a career in data analytics? Here are some compelling reasons why and how you should pursue it!
Various Career Paths for You to Choose From
Most industries are constantly looking for data analysts in order to streamline their business processes. There are various roles available, and some of them include:
- Sales analyst: mainly focuses on sales data in order to support, optimise the sales process and generate revenue for the company
- Social media data analyst: analysing and monitoring data on social media, and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies
- Management reporting: gathering and reporting data business performance to management
- Corporate strategy analyst: analyses company-wide data and providing advice to management regarding the strategic direction which the company can take
These are just a few of the many roles you can consider taking up as a data analyst. Do find out more about which industry that you are passionate about, before applying for a role in that company.
Data Analysts are in High Demand
All organisations that use data would need a data analyst. As more organisations collect and use data, the demand for experts to gather and process these information would increase.
Besides tech companies, there are opportunities to apply data analytics skills across the various industries. The telecommunications, healthcare and insurance industries are some that are actively seeking for data analysts.
Hence, data analytics career growth is on the rise, as the job outlook for data analysts continues to grow
Improves Problem-solving Skills
Problem-solving is at the core of data analytics. Around 90% of data analytics focuses on critical thinking, and finding the solutions to the problems presented.
As you deal with a vast amount of data, it is essential that you filter relevant data to match each problem. After which, you can then determine the most suitable method of analysis and provide strategic insights to managers.
How to Begin Your Career in Data Analytics
Here are some important tips in beginning or switching your career to data analytics:
Learning the Fundamentals of Data Analytics
You can begin your journey of becoming a data analyst by enrolling in courses such as our Data Analytics Bootcamp. You will gain knowledge on how to gather, extract and organise data, using data analytics tools such as Excel, SQL and Tableau.
Data analytics courses allow you to learn the basics of these tools. They also provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with:
- Managing data
- Programming languages
- Cleaning data
- Data visualisation
Possessing these skills are a valuable asset to employers; this will help increase your employability as a data analyst.
Practising your Data Analysis Skills
After grasping the basics, you can start to practise and hone your skills as a data analyst!
You can make use of practice projects – collecting, gathering, cleaning, and finally, analysing the data using the different tools. Turn the insights drawn into visualisations, or organising them into a dashboard which makes it understandable and actionable.
Build a Portfolio
A portfolio allows you to stand out against other applicants and you might impress your prospective employers!
With Vertical Institute’s Data Analytics Bootcamp, you will be presented with the opportunity to take part in a capstone project. This real-world project will conclude students’ learning by allowing them to apply the knowledge they have learnt throughout the course. You can include this in your portfolio to increase your employability!
Apply for Data Analyst Roles
There are many Data Analyst jobs available as aforementioned. Here are some examples of in-demand data analytics roles across industries:
- Data Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Data Architect
- Statistician
- Systems Analyst
These jobs will continue evolving as more organisations place emphasis on data analytics. Match your relevant skill sets and interests to discover which role is the best fit for you!
About Vertical Institute
Vertical Institute prepares individuals for the jobs of tomorrow. We specialise in teaching in-demand skills, building the next generation of changemakers and inventors through our world-class tech courses and certifications.
Singaporeans and PRs can receive up to 70% IBF Funding off their course fees with Vertical Institute. The remaining fees can be claimable with SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.
