what is a data analyst?

As a data analyst, you are responsible for organizing, collecting, and interpreting statistical information. You then make that information available for different businesses and organizations.

scrutinise information

You use data analysis tools to scrutinize large amounts of information. Your goal is to pull meaningful results from raw data. You then present that data to your employer or client in a way that allows them to make important decisions. The information you present should make facts, trends, and forecasts clear.

a meticulous task

Working as a data analyst is a meticulous task. To help you do your job well, you use advanced computerized models to extract the needed data. You are responsible for identifying and removing corrupted data. You use the quality data as the basis of your initial analysis. Once the initial analysis is complete, you perform secondary and tertiary analyses to determine the meaning of the data. During your final analysis, you do additional data screening and then prepare reports based on that analysis that can be presented to oversight.

who hires data analysts?

Data analysts work in a variety of fields and environments. Manufacturers, social media specialists, and banks rely on data analysts to help them make decisions. Public-sector organizations, the medical field, and telecommunications are other sectors that could not operate without data analysts.

data analyst jobs
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average salary of a data analyst

In New Zealand, data analysts earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually. On average, they earn $100,000. This high earning potential is because of the demand for data analyst skills in multiple job industries. Many organisations consistently evaluate their current employees to find those who have strong data analytics skills who could take on these roles.

factors that affect data analyst salaries

Your salary as a data analyst will vary based on the state where you work. When planning your future as a data analyst, you may think that location is a minor concern. However, when you look at the statistics, you see that location impacts salary and growth opportunities.

Womale watching over her desk.
Womale watching over her desk.
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types of data analysts

There are four types of data analysts that are used in a variety of industries. While data analysts can be separate in the category, they typically work together and build on each other’s work. The complexity of the data affects the degree of difficulty of the analyst’s work and the resources you will need.

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working as a data analyst

Take a look at some of the duties and responsibilities of data analysts and learn about your work environment, work schedule, and job outlook.

duties & responsibilities

Organisations rely on data analysts to make mission-critical decisions. This includes what markets to enter, what products to develop, and what investments to make. As a data analyst, the data you provide will help your employer identify inefficiencies in their business and other problems that need to be addressed.

work environment

As a data analyst, you work in a variety of environments. These include large corporate environments and small to medium-size businesses. Remote work is possible for analysts if you are disciplined and able to produce quality work in a less-structured environment.

work schedule

The work schedule of data analysts varies. Most data analysts work full-time, which is a minimum of 40 hours a week. At times, projects will require you to work over the weekend or at odd hours.

how time is spent

Most data analysts find themselves spending between 15 and 20 hours a week actually doing analysis. This includes working on modelling analysis and generating reports. The rest of your time may be spent waiting for people to communicate with you, waiting on databases to provide you with the needed information, or attending business meetings. You spend some evenings responding to inquiries, sending emails, and wrapping up projects.

job outlook

Data analyst jobs are expected to grow exponentially between now and 2025. It’s reported that jobs in this area will increase by 25%+ as the technology sector expands.

reasons for the growth

This growth is because businesses across New Zealand rely on insightful big data analysts to provide actionable insights. If you have a degree in data analytics, you are attractive to employers across different industries, ranging from finance to government to the tech industry.

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education & qualifications

If you want an entry-level data analyst job, you will need a bachelor’s degree. It is possible to develop data analyst skills and get a job without a degree. However, getting a degree puts you in a position to build the skills and network needed to grow in the field. There are more job opportunities for candidates who have a data analyst degree than those who do not.

meeting with colleagues
meeting with colleagues

skills & competencies

You need various skills to work as a data analyst. The following covers some of the competencies you must have in this profession.

men and woman walking
men and woman walking
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a data analyst.

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working with randstad as a data analyst

Data analysts are some of the highest-paid professionals. A major benefit of working as a data analyst is that there are opportunities in terms of location and industry. These opportunities will grow as your experience in the field grows. As a data analyst, there is always a way to challenge yourself and push yourself to new levels of excellence.

a competitive field

As more industries recognize the value data analysts bring to the table, the field becomes more competitive. To be successful in the field, you need to have adequate training. Get certifications to showcase that you have the skills to become successful/

As a data analyst, you are always going to be in demand. Organizations rely on skilled professionals to help them gain greater marketing insights.

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