Entering Engineering 2: Data Analyst 

Introduction

We usually think that a data analyst is someone who simply collects data, and organises it. But this job is a lot more than that. 

A data analyst has to review data, and then determine how to solve the problem at hand by using that very data. Data analysts are people who form critical insights about a business through its data, and enhance the business by helping it make better decisions. 

What does the work involve? 

There are 4 parts to the work of a Data Analyst. 

First, there is Data Collection. This would mean that you would collect all information about a business that is useful to you in your purpose - this could involve looking at sales, customer surveys, website traffic, and more. These all have numbers, and all numbers can become data! 

Next comes Data Cleaning. Now that all the data has been collected, it needs to be organised such that it is easy to understand. Data that is irrelevant, inaccurate or incomplete is deleted, while all the other collected data is neatly structured and organized into understandable bits. 

Thirdly, there is Data Analysis. This is where the true work begins - using tools and techniques, a data analyst looks for patterns and trends in the given data. Through charts, graphs and other forms of statistical analysis, they aim to find out what the data is telling them. 

Lastly, there is Data Visualization and Communication. Not everyone works with Data, hence, it can be difficult to understand raw data in the way an analyst would. Thus, it becomes important for the analyst to explain data in a way to others that is clear and simple to understand. This could be through reports or presentations, using visual aids like coloured charts or graphs. 

Now you must wonder - how does one become a data analyst? 

First comes high school - subjects that will help you to study and excel in if you aim to be a software engineer are Mathematics with a  focus on Algebra, Calculus and Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, English, and Sciences. All these subjects will help you build an analytical mindset, and help you in logical thinking which is required in Data Analysis. Especially to be a problem solver. 

If you are unable to get these subjects in school, you should still aim to learn statistical analysis - this can be done through channels such as youtube, coursera, EdX, and other online learning platforms. Mathematics is the most important subject to you in this area. You should also aim to learn coding such as Python, and R. Learning database management is also helpful. 

In college, then, it’s important to study either BSc in Statistics, or Mathematics, or a BTech in Computer Science. Even a BA in Economics, or a Bachelor of Computer Applications is a good choice. 

In the USA, some of the most respected institutions include 

• Johns Hopkins University, 

• University of California, 

• Berkeley (UC Berkeley), 

• Stanford University, 

• and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  

In India, these colleges include 

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 

• Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and 

• Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). 

Now that we know about academics, let's talk about work. 

Where to begin? 

There is a spectrum of work that one can do as a Data Analyst. You could be working with simply collecting, cleaning, analysing and presenting data for any firm - this could be a business, an institution, a research centre, a health centre. 

Some of the most popular careers include being a Financial Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Healthcare Data Analyst, and Data Scientist, and Data Engineer. 

One usually starts off as an intern, or a junior analyst assisting others. 

Being a data analyst equips you with the tools to be a detective and find the pattern in all data - something that is exciting, stimulating, and very useful to every organisation, research, and business. 

Sources: 

https://www.coursera.org/in/articles/what-does-a-data-analyst-do-a-career-guide

https://graduate.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/what-does-a-data-analyst-do/ 

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/data-analyst