Data analyst: job description

A data analyst, also known as a data manager or data miner, is typically associated with the IT department of a company. They are responsible for collecting and analyzing data, which can be related to customers (CRM), products (prices, performance, features), financial performance, or competitors.

The role of the data analyst is to use and interpret this data to synthesize useful observations and information for marketing, sales, and finance. This professional facilitates the use of data by business teams through the use of data analysis and data visualization tools. By learning how to effectively interpret these data sets, organizations can gain critical insights.

Data analysts analyze data to provide relevant information to stakeholders, ensuring that the organization makes informed decisions in real time. They develop databases to handle complex data sets, which are typically large and complicated. Through these processes, they create opportunities for the company to grow by expanding their business knowledge. Analysts often undergo significant training to continually improve their skills.

Data analysts typically work from a specific location, such as a company's office, but there are also remote opportunities available. Effective data reporting is a key aspect of their role, and the ability to work as part of a team is essential. Many data analysts have a degree in fields such as statistics, computer science, or business administration. An organization looking to hire a data analyst seeks someone with strong technical and soft skills.

Instructors in data analytics programs often emphasize the importance of using tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, and statistical software to prepare data for analysis. Data analysts may also use programming languages like Python and R to perform complex analyses and create reports. Data analysts often use tools like SQL to extract and manipulate data from databases. They collaborate with data scientists to develop predictive models and gain deeper insights into business trends. They need to be job-ready, which means having the necessary skills to start working effectively from day one.

A data analyst's mission is to create, manage, and model a company's database and ensure its regular updates.

Here are the tasks of a data analyst:

• Transform data sources into statistical data;
• Process and integrate data into a data warehouse;
• Create dashboards for data utilization;
• Implement KPIs and reporting results to various teams;
• Develop processes/queries and automation;
• Manage data analysis tools;
• Stay updated on new tools to optimize data analysis.

Data analysts work with tools like Power BI and Tableau to create visualizations that help businesses understand complex data. They engage in exploratory data analysis to identify trends and patterns within data sets. This process involves cleaning and preparing data for analysis, ensuring data quality, and conducting quality checks.

As they gain experience, data analysts become more adept at using advanced tools and techniques to solve complex data problems. They may also be involved in designing and implementing data solutions that help businesses achieve their objectives. Data analysts play a crucial role in enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions by providing insights that inform strategy and planning.

A data analyst must master various tools and software, such as Excel, Web Analytics, BI, SAS, VBA, and Python, and have fundamental programming skills. They should also be proficient in writing reports and recommendations. This professional must have a genuine passion for numbers and statistics.

In terms of soft skills, a data analyst must:

• Have good interpersonal skills;
• Be meticulous, organized, and responsive;
• Possess analytical thinking;
• Be proficient in English.

Data analysts often work with large datasets, including both structured and unstructured data. They must be able to clean and transform raw data into a format suitable for analysis. Data collection is an essential part of their role, as they gather information from various sources to build comprehensive datasets.

Data management is another critical skill for data analysts, as they are responsible for organizing and maintaining data systems. They must also be proficient in using data transformation tools like Power Query to prepare data for analysis. Analysts use their statistical analysis skills to interpret data and provide actionable insights to decision-makers.

To become a data analyst, pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Data Science for Responsible Business (BSc) at emlyon business school is an optimal choice.

This four-year program, taught in English, offers a hybrid education combining engineering sciences and management. This BSc program relies on the expertise of two prestigious schools: emlyon business school and École Centrale de Lyon.

For students with a bachelor's degree, enrolling in a Master or Master of Science (MSc) program can open the door to careers as a data analyst.

• The Master of Science in Digital Marketing & Data Science offered by emlyon business school will allow you to build four key skill areas over the course of the year: you will learn to manage a digital strategy and its performance indicators, produce and analyze data, develop programmatic skills to meet a company's marketing challenges, and identify new opportunities and development potentials with ethical and environmental considerations.
• The MSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy aims to teach advanced methods and techniques to master essential concepts and skills for designing AI strategies. Understanding artificial intelligence and data science responsibly is achievable through learning methods that combine technical, strategic, and ethical approaches. You will develop a global vision and discover the specificities of markets in two distinct countries, and benefit from a genuine international perspective.
• To specialize in healthcare, the Master of Science in Healthcare Innovation & Data Science aims to diversify your skills and acquire in-depth knowledge covering health ecosystems, big data processing, and AI integration.

These programs provide students with the essential training needed to become proficient data analysts. Students will learn to analyze complex data sets and use programming languages to perform data analysis. The curriculum includes hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in the industry, preparing students to meet the demands of the job market.

Data analysts typically earn competitive salaries, with entry-level positions starting at a decent salary range and increasing with experience. Salaries vary depending on location, industry, and level of expertise.

A data analyst's salary can vary depending on the size and activity of the company (and thus the volume of data to be processed). A junior profile can earn between €38,000 and €45,000 gross annually. After a few years of experience, they can aim for between €55,000 and €65,000 gross annually.

The career prospects for a data analyst are numerous, especially in finance, new technologies, consulting, industry, or healthcare.

Depending on their profile, after a few years of experience, a data analyst can move towards a position as a lead data analyst (managing a team of data analysts) or towards a more managerial career as a chief data officer (head of data processing).

Data analysts can also pursue careers in data science, leveraging their skills to analyze data and build predictive models. They can advance their careers by gaining professional certifications and developing expertise in specialized areas of data analysis. As data-driven decision-making becomes increasingly important, data analysts are in high demand across various industries.

Founded in 1872, emlyon business school hosts over 9,050 students from 125 nationalities. It has a global presence with four campuses around the world and 200 international partners. The action learning pedagogy of emlyon business school emphasizes the "learning experience journey," preparing students for new business challenges.

The School's programs include courses in data analytics, preparing students to excel in roles that require analytical and technical skills. Students have access to a range of resources, including online education platforms and practical exercises, to enhance their learning experience. The School's strong network of alumni and industry connections provides students with valuable opportunities to grow their careers.

Professors at emlyon business school focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the data analytics field. The curriculum is designed to be both comprehensive and practical, ensuring that graduates are ready to tackle the challenges of a data-driven world. Students are encouraged to explore different aspects of data analytics, from data collection and analysis to the implementation of data-driven solutions.

With a strong emphasis on real-world applications and experiential learning, emlyon business school prepares students for successful careers in data analytics and related fields. The School's programs equip students with the technical skills and business acumen needed to excel in today's competitive job market.