Data analytics has been continuously flourishing as a career option for many aspiring professionals in the tech industry. The career path for data analysts offers exciting roles in various industries, opening many opportunities, especially for students located in business hubs such as Toronto.
The key to being a successful data analyst lies in diverse skillsets, which are critical to ensuring an organization’s success. In this blog, we will discuss the different kinds of in-demand data analytics skills and their importance in helping you thrive in the continuously growing and competitive job market.
What Does a Data Analyst Do?
What is a data analyst? Data analysts collect, sort, and analyze data for several purposes, including boosting a business organization’s efficiency, improving their outputs, and enhancing their overall performance and operations.
A career as a data analyst can be very rewarding for those who enjoy computer science, computing, and problem solving. The job entails a variety of tasks, such as designing data gathering methods, utilizing computer languages to clean and analyze data, constructing reports, and sharing insights with stakeholders.
Top Skills for Data Analysts
Data analysts require a broad skill set that combines technical expertise with critical thinking and good communication skills. Here are some examples of data analyst skills that employers are on the lookout for:
Analytical skills: Acquiring analytical skills involves organizing huge and complex data sets into smaller parts that are easier to handle. It plays an important role in addressing problems in a structured and logical manner.
Technical skills: Data analysts must possess sufficient knowledge of different data analysis programs and relevant tools such as SQL, Python, Tableau, Excel, and data visualization software like Power BI in order to have a substantial impact on the company they’re working for.
Communication skills: Effective communication skills are essential to being a data analyst, especially when presenting data insights to non-technical stakeholders, such as senior management. They must possess the ability to effectively communicate their findings in a simple and understandable manner to individuals without a technical background.
Problem-solving skills: Data analysts must have excellent problem-solving skills. They must be able to determine data-related issues and offer effective business solutions, whether it be optimizing marketing campaigns, enhancing operational efficiency, or improving customer experiences.
Is a Data Analyst a Good Career?
Choosing a career in data analytics is an ideal career path as it offers lots of versatile opportunities with competitive compensation in various industries across the world. In Canada, data analysts are expected to receive an average salary of CAD 57,000 to 83,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. Indeed, however, provides an estimate of an annual compensation of CAD 67,380 for data analysts in Canada. Apart from these, choosing a career as a data analyst also offers an exciting journey of continuous learning and improvement. Acquiring new knowledge comes along with the job as the tech industry continues to evolve, which also means opening more doors of opportunity for professionals in data sciences.
The best first step you can take in pursuing a career in data analytics is getting the right education and, at the same time, gaining real-world experience with professionals to give you proper guidance and industry insights. Check out Toronto School of Management’s (TSoM) Diploma in Data Analytics Co-op program, which offers an extensive curriculum and a unique educational experience to help you achieve your career goals in big data.
