Data analyst

A data analyst is a professional who collects and analyzes data in order to turn it into meaningful information that companies can use to improve and grow. These individuals gather information from a number of sources and are skilled in researching, analyzing and reporting.After performing extensive research into a particular area, a data analyst develops a report and shares it with their organization. Their findings assist businesses in several ways, such as by establishing company needs, identifying areas that need improvement and determining when and where to implement new products or services.There are four different types of analytics that a data analyst may use to do their job, including:

• Prescriptive analytics: Data analysts use this type of analytics to determine which action a business should take in a particular situation.
• Diagnostic analytics: These professionals use diagnostic analytics to evaluate why a particular situation occurred by analyzing various data sets and identifying patterns.
• Descriptive analytics: Analysts use this type of analytics to assess trends by analyzing past data, such as sales and revenue in a given time period.
• Predictive analytics: Data analysts use predictive analytics to uncover the most likely outcomes based on patterns and tendencies and to help businesses proactively take action.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a data analyst?Regardless of their industry, data analysts are typically responsible for the following tasks:

• Collecting data from various sources
• Streamlining data collection methods to create automated and easy-to-use routines
• Designing databases and data systems
• Maintaining databases and data systems by addressing errors and monitoring performance
• Analyzing collected data and putting it into a format that others can easily interpret
• Interpreting data trends and patterns as they relate to the organization
• Preparing reports for organizational leadership to use in a business setting
• Collaborating with other employees, including engineers and programmers, to determine areas of improvement in relation to data

Read more: Learn About Being a Data AnalystRequired education for data analystsMost companies that employ data analysts require candidates to have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Math, Statistics or a related field. Some employers may prefer or require their data analysts to have a master's degree in a field such as engineering or computer science as well.Data analysts who wish to grow within their profession often choose to acquire higher education beyond a bachelor's degree, though they may prefer to pursue other forms of professional development instead, such as training courses. These professionals must also be committed to staying up to date with the latest computer systems and technology used to collect and analyze data.Required certifications for data analystsIn addition to a degree, some data analyst positions require individuals to have certain certifications specific to the job or industry. Common data analyst certifications include:

• MongoDB: This certification provides in-depth knowledge of advanced databases. MongoDB University offers certifications such as MongoDB Certified Developer and MongoDB Certified Database Administrator.
• Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst: This certification prepares professionals to process and transform data using Hadoop software. This certification is available through Cloudera.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): This certification provides data analysts with advanced knowledge of how to turn data into insights. Organizations look for candidates with this certification when they are seeking to hire the top analytics professionals.

Additional certifications that data analysts can pursue include:

• EMC Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA)
• Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Sciences
• MapR Certified Data Analyst