What is a Data Analyst?
Data Analysts turn information into evidence that helps organisations make decisions. You investigate questions, check data quality, identify patterns and explain what the findings mean. You could work with sales, finance, workforce or operational data in sectors such as retail, healthcare and manufacturing. The role combines analytical thinking with communication, helping colleagues understand the evidence and its limitations.
Your responsibilities
- Agree the business question and reporting needs with colleagues or clients
- Select suitable data sources and check whether they are reliable
- Clean, combine and organise data ready for analysis
- Use analytical and statistical methods to investigate patterns, test ideas and forecast trends where appropriate
- Create reports, charts and dashboards that make findings understandable
- Explain conclusions, limitations and recommendations to different audiences
- Store and handle information securely and ethically, following relevant legislation and organisational policies
What You'll need
Core skills
- Logical thinking and confidence in working with numbers
- Attention to detail when checking data and calculations
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical colleagues
- Curiosity about how evidence can answer business questions
What You'll Gain
Transferable skills
- Evaluating evidence before making a recommendation
- Planning work and managing reporting deadlines
- Explaining complex information in a clear way
- Working independently and contributing to team decisions
What You'll Use
Key skills
English
- Ask focused questions to clarify what a stakeholder needs
- Write reports and explain charts without overstating the evidence
Maths
- Interpret percentages, averages, variation and changes over time
- Use statistics to test ideas and explain uncertainty in results
IT
- Use spreadsheets, databases and visualisation tools to explore data
- Use tools such as Structured Query Language (SQL), dashboard software or analytical programming where appropriate to the role
Role opportunities
These are some possible roles you may consider in your career journey. Discuss with your Inspiro Coach for further guidance.Â
Other related routes
National Careers Website
The National Careers website is a government database that provides information for a job you are looking to explore.
Digital and IT Sector Roles
Use our Sector Roles map to see if there is a role within your chosen sector that you are interested in.
Resources
Career Development Handbook
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