Data Analyst careers guide

Getting into Data Analyst careers

A Data Analyst collects, organises, presents, and interprets data using a variety of techniques. Their job is to turn raw figures into understandable, actionable insights that their company can use to make smarter business decisions, monitor performance, and improve every aspect of how it operates.

Where could you work?

Data Analysts work in a huge range of industries, from colleges, universities, and the public sector through to finance, retail, and marketing.

You work with facts and figures in a digital way, turning data into stories that people can understand and use. That means you can work pretty much anywhere.

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Useful skills to put in your CV:

• Good basic mathematical skills. Specific experience or understanding of statistics will be advantageous
• Advanced computer skills. If you know one or more programming languages, this will be a huge asset
• Excellent written and spoken English. You will need to distil and explain complex concepts to people with different levels of understanding
• An understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning
• An understanding of data protection and familiarity with relevant legislation
• Problem-solving skills
• An analytical and logical mind
• Self-motivation, as you may be working alone much of the time
• Organisation skills – You need a logical approach to what you do, and your work will consist of lots of data analysis and breaking big problems down into manageable chunks. Good organisation will help with this.

Top Skills-boosting Tips

Learn everything you can about computers in your spare time. You might want to consider taking courses to learn programming languages, or just practice programming on your computer at home. Python and SQL are the most commonly used programming languages by Data Analysts.

How Do You Get These Skills?

Vocational qualifications and work experience will help you build these skills over time.

Build Your Skills With the FREE Young Professional Programme

School, college and training

You can become a Data Analyst directly from school if you have the right skills and expertise. At a minimum, a good level of secondary education (typically including GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/grade C or above) will be required. Many employers will also ask for further qualifications, such as A Levels, a diploma, or a degree.

T-Levels

T-Levels are a choice for learners after GCSEs alongside apprenticeships and A-levels.

The two-year T-Level course in Digital Business Services is an ideal choice if you are interested in becoming a Data Analyst.

BTECs

As an alternative to GCSEs and A-Levels, you can do BTECs from the age of 16.

There are several BTEC options that can help you get into Data Analyst careers. Here are a few you might want to consider:

• Level 2 Certificate in Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
• Level 3 Qualification in Information Technology
• Level 3 Certificate in Programming
• Level 3 Foundation/Extended Diploma in Computing
• Level 5 HND in Computing (Data Analytics)

You’ll normally need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D) or equivalent for a Level 2 course. If your qualifications are lower than this, you’ll most likely start on a Level 1 course. Level 4 and 5 courses typically require higher qualifications for admission, such as a BTEC at a lower level or A-Levels.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a scheme where you train while earning a starting salary.

With an apprenticeship (or advanced apprenticeship) you’ll have a paid job with an employer that includes structured training and learning. This training leads to an official qualification that’s recognised by employers as an industry standard.

You can train to become a Data Analyst via an apprenticeship. This will typically take around two years for a Level 4 apprenticeship. Upon completion, you will be in a great position to get a permanent Data Analyst job.

You can seek out data apprenticeships with organisations like Find an Apprenticeship.

University degrees and graduates

You do not necessarily need to go to university to work as a Data Analyst but, in this competitive industry, a degree can help you to get a foot in the door and learn the skills you will need to excel in your career.

You can do Bachelors (undergraduate) Degrees in subjects such as Data Analytics, Data Science & Analytics, and Digital & Technology Solutions (Data Analyst). Subjects such as Computer Science and Mathematics are also good choices.

UCAS has more information on degree courses and entry requirements.

Some courses include a year in industry – or you could organise your own work placement in a company. You might also be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme if you have a degree in a relevant subject.

Masters Degrees

If you already have a Bachelors Degree or equivalent qualification, you can get a more advanced degree called a Masters of Science (MSc) in Data Analytics. These courses take 1-3 years, depending on whether you study part-time or full time. Many can also be studied online.

As you gain experience in your Data Analytics career, you could become a Senior Analyst (which comes with more responsibility and a pay rise.) You could also take on a management role.

Skilled analysts are highly in-demand in spaces from government advisory bodies to academic research. You could also go freelance or set up your own business, which allows you to charge higher rates and be more selective about the work you take on.

Work Experience Tips

If you want to become a Data Analyst, any work experience in an IT or programming role will be extremely useful. This could be from a part-time job, freelance work, a work experience placement as part of your school, college, or university programme, or an internship.

You will need to show that you can work under your own initiative with minimal oversight and manage your own time and workload. You will also need to show that you have excellent computer skills and a great head for numbers.

Consider looking for internships and work experience placements in data-driven environments such as marketing, IT, telecommunications, insurance, consultancies, or government organisations.

Examples of relevant work experience include:

• Work shadowing (even if it’s just for a day)
• Work placements in a company
• Work experience placements on a college or university course

Work experience tips

Volunteering Tips

Voluntary work of any kind looks great on a CV. If it relates directly to your Data Analyst career goals, that’s even better. Consider taking on IT-based projects, preferably those that involve programming, on a voluntary basis. This might be for a group or club, a local organisation, or a charity. Remember to create a portfolio of your work to show to prospective employers.

You can also undertake additional learning on your own time to boost your knowledge. There are many free and affordable resources you can use to learn more about data, business analytics, computer science, and programming. Look for online or in-person courses, articles, videos, and books from people working within the industry.

If you’re still at school, one way to expand a range of digital skills is to join a school STEM club.

Volunteering tips

What do forensic computer analyst careers involve?

A Data Analyst takes raw information, or data, and turns it into insights that their company can use.

They are highly in demand across a huge number of sectors and can have a real and direct impact on their company’s success.

Being a Data Analyst is a desk-based job, but it’s far more exciting than just number-crunching all day.

Example daily job responsibilities

• Developing and implementing data management protocols
• Designing and carrying out data collection strategies (e.g. customer surveys)
• Analyse the results of collected data
• Search for patterns and anomalies within data
• Compare and contrast data sets to find trends and insights
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) against relevant data
• Validate and cleanse data
• Ensure all data is kept and used according to Data Protection legislation
• Create visualisations of data such as graphs, charts, dashboards, and presentations
• Present data findings to internal and external stakeholders
• Attend meetings to discuss the meaning and implications of data sets
• Collaborate with other analysts to collect, input, and examine data

To find jobs for young people in this role, search on jobs boards for early career roles and opportunities with these words in the title:

• Data Analyst
• Junior Data Analyst
• Junior Data Scientist

You can also apply directly to organisations for open positions. Check the Jobs or Careers page on the website of the company or companies you’d like to work for, and follow their instructions to apply.

You can also take a look at our database of local opportunities to see if there are any relevant jobs, work placements, or careers events and workshops to help you get started.

These employers all carry our Youth Friendly Employer Mark. We work with them to make sure that they are providing great support and opportunities to young people.

Click on an employer to find out more about them and the youth-friendly opportunities they offer, from work experience and apprenticeships through to graduate schemes.