Our Data Analyst Career Guide Series:
- Data Analyst Overview <– You Are Here
- Data Analyst Skills & Tools
- Data Analyst Training & Education
- Data Analyst Career Path & Salary
- Data Analyst Portfolio & Resume
- Data Analyst Interviewing
Behind every good business decision, there’s a world of data analytics.
From dialing in the perfect retail merchandising strategy to powering innovation in healthcare and beyond, the opportunities for skilled data analysts who collect, analyze, and interpret data continues to rise.
And the numbers back it up: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% hiring increase for data analysts from 2022 and 2032. At the same time, the global data analytics market is expected to balloon massively from $7.03 billion in 2023 to $303.4 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6%.
So if you’re seeking a fresh start in the tech industry — or considering a career change — it makes a lot of sense to explore the data analytics career path.
After all, who wouldn’t want to unlock the hidden potential within vast datasets?
Who wouldn’t want to transform raw data into powerful stories?
Who wouldn’t want to uncover that problem-solving “aha” moment for their company?
These are just a few of the many exciting opportunities that await the would-be data analyst.
But before we go any further, let’s cover some fundamentals:
So what is data analytics anyway?
Though data’s been around since the dawn of time (think census records and astronomical charts), the term “data analytics” started gaining traction around the early 2000s with the advent of technology that allowed for the collection, processing, and analysis of once unthinkably-huge datasets.
Tech giants like Google and Facebook sprinted ahead of competitors with their effective use of big data, but every industry — from retail and manufacturing to finance and healthcare — were soon to follow. Their ability to tap into this new superpower was facilitated by advances in cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services, which made it considerably easier and more affordable for businesses of all sizes to implement data analytics solutions.
Now fast-forward to present day. The role of data analytics continues to evolve — driven by advancements in AI and machine learning, increased adoption of big data technologies, and the proliferation of IoT devices generating vast amounts of data. Additionally, government interest in data privacy and security (particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and consumer retail) will further fuel demand for skilled data analysts who can implement robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with regulations.
And powering it all?
Professional data analysts, who work behind the scenes to:
- Interpret data to uncover insights that inform decision-making and strategy
- Clean and validate data to ensure accuracy and reliability
- Create and maintain data systems
- Automate data collection processes
- Develop algorithms to gather information from primary and secondary sources
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand the company’s data needs
- Provide actionable recommendations based on their findings
- Present charts and graphs that make complex data more understandable
- Stay current with new tools and technologies to continuously improve their skills
In a nutshell? Data analysts solve problems and drive business growth.
Is data analytics a good career?
Clearly the overall data analytics career outlook is good — but is it good for you?
Well, that depends on where you are and where you’re going. Here’s a closer look:
| Pros of a data analytics career | Cons of a data analytics career |
|---|---|
| Stability: Businesses rely on data to gain competitive advantages, driving high demand for skilled data analysts. | Complexity: Handling huge datasets and analytical tools can pose challenges, requiring technical proficiency. |
| Money: Data analysts often enjoy competitive salaries, reflecting the critical role they play in organizations. | Liability: There can be great responsibility to ensure data accuracy and reliability in order to produce meaningful insights. |
| Flexibility: Versatile data analytics skills are transferable across industries, providing diverse opportunities and career paths. | Workload: Meeting deadlines, juggling tasks, and managing multiple projects at once can be mentally demanding. |
| Learning: The field of data analytics is dynamic, fostering continuous learning and skill development that some find enjoyable. | Monotony: Routine tasks like data cleaning and basic reporting are less stimulating than advanced modeling that data scientists do. |
Why is data analytics a growing field?
Data analytics is a hot industry that’s attracting a lot of attention from jobseekers.
Key factors driving the popularity of data analytics career paths include:
- Competitive pay: Data analysts command competitive salaries due to their specialized skills and high demand.
- Job versatility: Data analytics skills are applicable across diverse industries, offering opportunities for career mobility and growth.
- Continuous innovation: Data analysts make their mark and demonstrate value by providing data-driven insights that drive innovation and strategic decision-making.
- Global opportunity: Organizations worldwide are investing in data analytics to gain actionable insights and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
As the demand for data analytics professionals grows, now is an opportune time to explore a career in this dynamic field. Whether you’re passionate about leveraging data to solve real-world problems or intrigued by your career growth prospects, the data analytics field offers the opportunity for personal growth and impact.
| “The skills that I have learned have helped me look at data in a different way and to use Excel, Tableau, and SQL effectively. I also think the course has given me an approach to data that I have applied to other tools like Power BI. While these tools are not the same, I can look at data, know what needs to be done, and understand how to display it effectively.” – Meredith, Data Analytics Bootcamp Grad |
Making a career change to data analytics
Transitioning into data analytics from another field is feasible with the right approach.
You may want to consider switching to a career in data analytics if you currently work in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or economics in particular, although many successful data analysts come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
Common career paths that align well with data analytics include business analysis, market research, and IT support roles.
Upskilling through specialized courses, certifications, or bootcamps, such as General Assembly’s Data Analytics Bootcamp, can accelerate your career transition and enhance employability.
What makes a good data analyst?
A degree is no longer required to work as a data analyst, as many employers now prioritize practical skills and experience gained through bootcamps, certifications, and hands-on projects.
To excel in data analytics, certain skills and educational qualifications are essential:
- Technical skills: Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., Python, R), database querying languages (e.g., SQL), and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau)
- Analytical skills: Ability to interpret complex data sets, identify trends, and communicate insights effectively to stakeholders
- Business acumen: Understanding of industry-specific challenges and opportunities, translating data insights into actionable strategies
- Continuous learning: The desire to keep pace with emerging technologies and industry trends through continuous education and professional development
But ultimately what you need first and foremost is hunger: can you see yourself helping to shape the future of data-driven innovation and storytelling? If so, we have good news:
General Assembly teaches these skills.
Learn everything you need to analyze and achieve.
General Assembly offers comprehensive training programs like the Data Analytics Bootcamp, designed to equip data analyst hopefuls with all hands-on skills and practical experience needed to build a portfolio and gain entry into the field.
Key benefits include:
- Flexible full-time or part-time coursework
- Live, online instruction from industry professionals
- Exclusive mentoring, career counseling, and job placement assistance
- Access to workshops, events, and a strong alumni network
Since 2011, General Assembly has been a leader in the field, continually expanding its network of global partnerships. Major companies, including Apple, Coca-Cola, and Mastercard partner with General Assembly for training and development.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or seasoned professional looking to upskill, these programs help you thrive with a solid foundation in data analytics fundamentals and the latest technologies, while also providing mentoring, resume support, and networking opportunities to get you hired.
Wondering if a career in data analysis is a good move? Sign up for our next info session to learn more.