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Data Analyst

Data analysis is all about collecting, organising, and understanding statistical information to make it useful to a range of businesses and organisations.

A data analyst is someone who examines information using data analysis tools. The meaningful results they pull from the raw data helps their employers or clients make important decisions by identifying various facts and trends.

If you are interested in a career as a data analyst, visit Qualifax (www.qualifax.ie) to search for relevant courses at all levels and entry points. 

Some alternative job titles for this role

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analytics Officer
  • Digital Analytics Officer 

What the job involves

  • Use computerised models to extract the data needed
  • Remove errors or corrupted data
  • Perform initial analysis to assess the quality of the data
  • Perform further analysis to determine the meaning of the data
  • Perform final analysis to ensure data and results are reliablePrepare reports based on analysis and present to management

How your career can develop 

There is a strong demand for qualified and experienced data analysts but it can be a competitive field. You can gain a competitive edge by obtaining a master's degree in a field like finance or statistics. 

Why it matters?

Forfás and the Expert Group for Future Skills Needs have pointed to the potential that Ireland has to create 21,000 jobs by 2020 in the area of data.

Skills

  • A high level of mathematical ability
  • Excellent IT skills
  • Strong skills in code like SQL and Oracle
  • The ability to analyse, model and interpret data
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • A logical approach to work
  • The ability to plan work and meet deadlines
  • A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Good interpersonal skills to work as part of a team
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills including report writing

Typical employers 

  • Banks
  • Specialist software development houses
  • Consulting firms
  • Telecommunications firms
  • Public sector organisations
  • Social media
  • Colleges and universities
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Manufacturers

Typical salary

  • Graduate/Starting         €30,000-35,000
  • Senior/Potential            €80,000

Typical qualifications

The usual entry point is a degree in statistics, mathematics or a related subject involving maths, such as economics or data science. Other degrees are also acceptable if they include informal training in statistics as part of the course, for instance social science or computer science.

Alternative routes to a bachelor’s degree in this area may apply to students that have a PLC qualification in a related course. For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following a PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search at Careersportal.ie.

Further information