Every time you collect numbers and you need to turn them into information; you go to the data analyst. This can be the easiest explanation to what an analyst does and why any company needs one. They are the translators of numbers into facts. But what does a data analyst do specifically?
When thinking of this, make sure that you are referring to the data analyst and not the business data analyst. The data analyst may use information which helps your business from all fields. This ranges from how much you pay for your energy supply to weather forecasts which can be useful if you organize an event. Meanwhile, the business data analyst focuses on design, implementing new systems and other tasks which help your business financially and operationally. Below we will take a closer look into this field of work.
What Is and What Does a Data Analyst Do?
Below we will offer an answer to what does a data analyst do and why is there so much written about this job. First of all, we have reached a point where technology and big data are used at their fullest possible potential. Any information can be useful and if there is the possibility to extract it from somewhere, companies exploit it. To make the necessity of such an analyst clear, let’s take a look below at what Gary King said to Harvard Magazine.
There is a big data revolution… The big data revolution is that now we can do something with the data.
So what does a data analyst do? Their main job is to collect information from a certain field and look into it. Then they mix and rearrange it so that it takes a shape closer to that field’s needs. Once this is completed, they re-analyse it and turn it into statistics and percentages. The result of their work is useful for the management to take business decisions. Therefore, you may find analysts that deal with operations, financial data, marketing and other fields.
Who Uses a Data Analyst?
They are also necessary in almost every business, regardless of its area. If you have data which needs to be managed and shaped into business information, then you need a data analyst.
To see if they fit into your company, take a look at market statistics, logistics, transportation costs for your merchandise and of course sales figures. This is the answer to what does a data analyst do? The data analyst is a useful resource for both the growth of your company and the reduction of its functioning costs.
5 Tips to Benefit from the Data Analyst
1. Hire a Skilled Data Analyst
As big data turns to be more and more complex, the demand for data analysts increases. Data analysts are aware of this and the offer is also generous. But a data analyst firstly needs to have an analytical and attentive mind. They work with information so they handle either feedback regarding your business or its characteristics.
You will need an analyst which can see beyond information, can research on looking for the answer to a question and can also provide a solution even to an unknown problem. The most suitable would be a candidate with at least a Bachelor’s degree in statistics, business administration or computer science.
Moreover, they need to have a background which provides them with technical skills so they can research.
2. Think of What You Offer
As we mentioned above, the demand for skilled data analysts is high. So you will need to carefully consider the wage and benefits that you offer to a potential data analyst so that you can attract the best in the field. Take a look into the market statistics in the field and build up your offer.
Also, make sure that you adapt your need to the area that they have to cover. You might need a data analyst for your basic company needs or to help you grow your sales to marketing.
3. Build Up Bonds
You will need to make sure that you have covered every aspect of the basic question: what does a data analyst do all day? Such a staff member will need software and tools to make the work easier and faster and to have a strong communication with the departments that use the data.
4. Keep the Data Analyst Always Informed with Changes
The data analyst is constantly working with the activities of your company. So they need to be fully updated with any change that might appear, as it can have an impact on their work. You may consider a marketing change or a small operational change.
Once informed, the data analyst may adapt the information to that particular change or may even come up with solutions to optimize it.
5. Focus on Monitoring, Not on Managing
A project which you handled to the data analyst might take one hour or even one week. This depends on the complexity of the project and the amount of information which they handle. Therefore, asking for an update once in a while or monitoring the work would be useful for you.
However, if you try to set a deadline or request for urgent information, please make sure that it is a realistic request. Your data analyst works with patterns and computer software. So the time schedule you asked for might not fit with the time needed.
Wrapping the Data Up
Big data is now part of almost all fields of business. So you might need a data analyst to optimize your costs, sales or way to deliver information to your customers. Once you know what does a data analyst do, you will figure easily how can you integrate one into your company.
Have you considered hiring a data analyst? If so, how do they benefit your company? Share your thoughts and tips with other readers as well!
The images are from depositphotos.com.
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