Wanting to become a Data Analyst

workaholic999

You may think that I am going mad, but for some unknown reason to myself, for the last few weeks I have had this urge of wanting to become a data analyst!! The reason being that I like the job profile/responsibilities of a typical data analyst.

This urge persuaded me to look through the careers section of the direct.gov website the other day. A typical job description for this job requires an individual of having working knowledge of software packages such as Powerpoint, Visual Basic, and Java. There were one or two other software packages named on the job profiles- the names of which I have forgotten now!

I have got experience of software packages such as Excel & Word, and have got good information/data analysis skills (at least I like to think so!).

However, my question is - do you suggest that I spend the next few months learning these software packages and then start applying for Data Analyst roles or shall I forget the whole idea of becoming a Data Analyst and concentrate on some other job role?

Finally, I don't want to be spending time & money on learning these software packages only to find out that there is not much demand for this type of job.

Many Thanks

Zazen999

Earlier today you wanted to be a training officer.....

Oldernotwiser

I wonder if this is Geek/Nerd back again?

Zazen999

I don't come on here much any more but if you think so, then I'm inclined to believe you.

Simon11

Im a business Analyst, and looking at Data is only interesting if its on a subject that you enjoy.

What sort of excel skills do you have?

Sometimes I can deal with a million lines of data, and its very important to know how to get the information you want!

Things that are important to know in Excel are:-
-How to create a pivot table and edit it
-Normal graphs, pie charts- I don't mean just creating one but editing its to producing a good quality and easy to understand
-Know Vlookup function- Its a life saver:)
- Knowledge of using advance If statements
-Conditional format is sometimes usefull
-Goal Seeker
-Macros

I thought I knew Excel alot when i applied for the job! But there was tons I had to learn. Still got things to brush up on and learn like VBA and more Macro work:)

PasturesNew

I've done quite a bit of data analyst work, including working in Excel with up to 500,000 lines in each of two files to make them match and produce one definitive data set that was 100% perfect.

What's been listed in #5 is spot on.

In your original listing, OP, you have some items which are veering towards programming languages and it seems to me that you've been reading two types of data analyst job roles:
- actual data analysis
- programmers who write programmes to perform data analysis

If you aren't already programming and don't have any interest in it, then it might be wise, in the first instance, to stay away from the second type unless you are in a job and it starts to become a useful thing to know about.

I get totally absorbed in data analysis and you do need nerd skills to be able to lock into what you're doing and be obsessional about being perfect, being on time ... and beating the problem of building that tricky algorithm that will make it all faster/better and yield the results.

*dreams of numbers*

I do love a good number, and having to be perfect.

Kate78

workaholic999 wrote: »

Do you suggest that I spend the next few months learning these software packages and then start applying for Data Analyst roles or shall I forget the whole idea of becoming a Data Analyst and concentrate on some other job role?

Only you can decide this. My OH does this job and loves it (well it takes all sorts), he spent three years doing a computing degree, hardly seeing daylight, so bear in mind that when applying for jobs you will be competing against some well-qualified people.

Gleeful

My OH is a Data Analyst as well. He works for the NHS. He entered the organisation with a BSc in Maths and Computing and an MSc in Archaeology. I can assure you he has no knowledge of Java or the other programme you mentioned. What you need to be looking at is more than a working knowledge of Excel!

hellokitty08

Or you could be a management information officer! Same type of thing I think?

Gleeful

hellokitty08 wrote: »

Or you could be a management information officer! Same type of thing I think?

It is similar/the same thing. OH was an Information Officer then when we moved he became a Data Analyst, still the same job, same employer.