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Recently we explored the question, “What is data analytics?” and here we’re going to review what data analysts do all day, explaining the common daily responsibilities and job functions of professional data analysts.
First, keep in mind that data analysts may hold a variety of different job titles. There are potentially hundreds of different roles for data analysts, but here’s a short list of the more common ones:
Again, this is an abbreviated list of the many different roles available to people with an educational background in data analytics, but it should give you an idea of the types of jobs that you’d be eligible for after completing a master’s degree in the field.
If you’re interested in exploring whether or not data analytics may be the right role for you, then this post is the perfect resource, as we’ll explain exactly what it’s like to be a data analyst.
We’ll also discuss what you need to do to prepare yourself to be successful in the field, and we’ll suggest how to pick the right school if you do choose to pursue a degree in data analytics.
When you’ve finished reading this post, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree Program in Data Analytics, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.
Data analysts are assigned different sorts of tasks and responsibilities based on their specific role and function, but while there can be a great deal of difference in what specific data analyst is asked to do, many of these positions are likely to require a relatively common set of tasks.
The most typical responsibilities for data analysts include tasks like:
Before we drill down even further into the question of what data analysts do, let’s first explain what data analytics actually is.
Data analytics is the process of reviewing key performance metrics, interpreting data, and developing strategies for improving organizational performance.
Data analysts may analyze performance against specific initiatives or campaigns, projects, programs, or they may even look at performance for individual employees, teams, departments, or an entire organization.
In short, data analytics is the process used to determine how successful something has been, and to start understanding not just how well it performed, but also why it succeeded or failed.
This process is incredibly important to modern organizations as it’s an excellent way to do several important things, including evaluating rapidly evolving consumer demands and trends, keeping ahead of competitors, and optimizing employee, team, departmental and organizational performance.
As a result, it should be obvious that data analysts are essential employees to virtually every organization since they’re the individuals responsible for measuring effectiveness and helping design operational strategies that drive organizational success.
Now that you know a little bit about what data analysts are, and why they’re so important, let’s look at what they actually do on a day-to-day basis.
Data analysts help senior leadership teams make difficult decisions, strategizing how to drive effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability across individual employees, teams, departments, initiatives, and even the entire organization itself.
To serve as an effective data analyst, you’re going to need a strong foundation of competencies in a range of complex skills, including a series of tasks related to business intelligence and data analytics.
You’ll need to be prepared for handling a variety of data-related responsibilities, including tasks like:
The reason it’s so important that you develop a detailed understanding and capacity in these areas is that you’re going to be asked to complete complex, challenging tasks on a daily basis, including performing critical job functions like:
Clearly, data analytics is not a simple task, but more like a detailed process requiring great attention to detail, an expert-level understanding of mathematics, and strong capabilities for statistics and predictive analytics.
The great thing about developing this skill set and getting into the field of data analytics is that virtually every organization needs trained data analysts.
Yes, data analytics is an excellent field for establishing a long-term career, especially since the industry continues to grow at a rapid pace.
In fact, the BLS recently estimated that employment for three of the top roles in the industry is likely to continue growing rapidly through 2029, including:
All three of these roles are projected to grow significantly faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations over the same time period, which is just 4%.
Clearly, the industry is expanding, more jobs are being created, and the increased demand for skilled data analysts makes this a career that’s worthy of your consideration.
Should you choose to pursue a job in data analytics, the best way to develop the critical job skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the field is to study the field in an academic setting.
Completing CSU Global’s Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics is one excellent way to prepare yourself for pursuing a variety of challenging, yet rewarding roles in the industry, including jobs at private or public corporations, nonprofit organizations, or state or federal government agencies.
While you don’t necessarily need a degree in data analytics to secure a job in the field, having legitimate academic credentials does tend to make it easier to land a good job, especially if you’re looking to secure employment in a senior or management-level role.
If your goal is to become a leader in data analytics, and especially if you have your eye on senior management or executive positions, then you’ll almost certainly want to consider studying data analytics best practices in a serious academic setting, like CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics.
Earning your degree in data analytics is not just one of the best ways to prepare you to find success in the field, but also a great way to prove that you are properly trained, knowledgeable of industry best practices, and capable of providing value to any organization from day one.
Completing a Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics will improve your eligibility for acquiring a leadership or management-oriented role in the industry, including positions like:
Again, this is only a short list of a few of the more common roles that graduates from master’s programs in data analytics are qualified to hold. Earning an M.S. in data analytics will allow you to pursue a much larger variety of different job titles.
CSU Global’s Master’s Degree in Data Analytics is an excellent option for anyone looking to develop the skills, abilities, and foundational knowledge needed to pursue a successful career in the field.
Our Data Analytics Master’s program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and all of our instructors have direct, recent industry experience.
Our Master’s in Data Analytics program is so well-regarded that it was recently ranked the #3 Best Online Master’s Degree in Data Analytics by Best Master’s Programs, and CSU Global itself also recently received two important rankings, including:
Should you choose to study Data Analytics with us, you’ll also have the option of earning up to four industry-leading SAS academic badges that are useful as stackable credentials which you can use to demonstrate your expertise in analytics.
Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates, a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase, and for undergraduate programs, Alternative Credit Options like Credit By Exam, Self Study Assessment (SSA), and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to help save you time and money.
To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Master’s Degree program in Data Analytics, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form. Ready to get started today? Apply now!
