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Is Data Analytics Hard?

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Man Researching Data Analytics

Recently, we discussed what data analytics is, why it’s important, and what data analysts actually do. Here we’ll explore whether or not data analytics is a difficult field to study and succeed in.

To be clear, data analytics may not be the easiest discipline, but that doesn’t mean it’s any more difficult than any other STEM, mathematics-oriented, or technology-based field.

And while data analytics may be complex, requiring sophisticated technical skills, a strong background in math, and the ability to conduct complicated statistical analyses, the rewards for developing your skills in this field are excellent and well worth the effort.

This post will explain why people think data analytics is difficult, what you’ll need to know to get a good job in the industry, why you should consider getting into data analytics in the first place, and why you should think about studying analytics at CSU Global.

After reviewing this information, should you choose to pursue a career in the industry, we encourage you to fill out our information request form to receive details about our 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics, or our online Master’s Degree in Business Analytics. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Why Do People Think Data Analytics is Difficult?

Many people think that data analytics is hard, and for good reason; after all, this is a complex discipline requiring sophisticated research, and advanced technical and mathematical skills.

Also, if you want to be successful as a data analyst, you’re going to have to study industry best practices, processes, and principles, because analyst work isn’t the kind of role that you can afford to be wrong about.

Considering your core responsibility as a data analyst will be reviewing key performance metrics, interpreting the data, and developing effective strategies for improving organizational performance, it’s going to be incredibly important that you execute your work carefully.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn how to be a great data analyst, it just means that you’ll have to spend some time studying industry best practices and processes.

The best way to get up to speed quickly, and ensure that you’ll be useful in a related role is to enroll in an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program that will teach you everything you need to become a successful data analytics professional.

And the good news is that finishing a respected analytics program should make you eligible for career opportunities at organizations operating in virtually any industry.

What Do You Need to Learn to Become a Professional Data Analyst?

To become a professional data analyst, you’ll need to be capable of completing some complex and critical job functions, including:

  • Using modern analytical tools like SAS, Rapidminer, SAS Enterprise Miner, Python, and SQL.
  • Presenting data-driven conclusions to inform experts on core business processes using verbal, visual, and written explanations. 
  • Designing and directing organizational initiatives based on performance data, rather than assumptions.
  • Developing business strategies, convincing organizations to adopt them, then analyzing their results.

Obviously, these aren’t easy processes, as they require a great deal of technical and mathematical expertise, but any respected analytics degree program should include training for vital data-related responsibilities including those listed above, as well as:

  • Data warehousing.
  • Data mining and visualization.
  • Business analytics.
  • Predictive analytics.
  • Enterprise performance management.

While there may be a steep learning curve for developing your capacity in these complex, technical responsibilities, once you’ve learned how to handle them, you’ll become an incredibly valuable asset to nearly any organization.

Why Should You Consider a Career in Data Analytics?

Though data analytics may be more difficult than some of the more intuitive disciplines, it’s an excellent potential career path for anyone looking to establish long-term success in a challenging, complex, but rewarding industry.

There are three main benefits to launching a career in data analytics, including:

  1. Rapid industry growth
  2. Excellent job opportunities
  3. Relatively high salaries

The Field of Data Analytics is Growing Rapidly

First, according to the BLS, demand for skilled analytics professionals is projected to grow extremely quickly between 2021 and 2031, far faster than the 4% average rate of growth for all occupations.

In fact, employment for three of the top roles for analytics experts is predicted to post double-digit growth over the next several years. 

These roles include: 

All three of these positions are perfect roles for trained analysts, and this growth prediction serves as a strong indication that there’s likely to be lots of employment opportunities for anyone who completes an accredited analytics program.

Data Analytics Jobs Are Incredibly Important

Professional data analysts tend to be well-respected employees since they’re often viewed as being critical to organizational success, especially thanks to the enormous role that data plays in the modern economy.

Successful organizations are much less likely to make decisions based on gut feelings; instead, they rely on hard data and detailed statistical analyses to guide important decisions about critical business strategies.

It’s the data analysts who store, review, interpret, then develop and present optional business strategies to key decision-makers, taking the lead on driving strategic decision-making operations for some of the most important business units, like:

  • Business development
  • Marketing
  • Information technology
  • Human resources
  • Accounting

Accordingly, if you want to play a pivotal role in steering an organization’s decisions and helping to drive their overall success, then there may be no better potential position for you than becoming a data analyst.

Data Analytics Roles Tend to Pay Well

On average, top positions in data analytics tend to be well-paid.

Some of the best roles for graduates of Bachelor’s Degrees in Analytics include:

And Analytics Master’s Degree graduates tend to gain access to even more lucrative positions, like:

If one of your core professional goals is to earn a high income, then you should consider studying the complex field of data analytics. 

While it may be difficult to learn the discipline, the financial rewards appear to be worth the extra effort.

Why Should You Consider Studying Analytics at CSU Global?

Our 100% online analytics programs are both regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and designed to provide important real-world, job-relevant skills.

Both our Bachelor’s Degree in Business Analytics and our Master’s Degree in Data Analytics are taught by educators with relevant and recent industry experience and each program ranks exceptionally well, having recently earned:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Programs from Best Colleges for our online B.S. in MIS and Business Analytics program.
  • A #3 ranking for Best Online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics by Best Masters Programs for our online M.S. in Data Analytics program.

CSU Global itself has also recently received several distinguished rankings, including:

  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.

Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates, a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled with us.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online analytics degrees, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!