Data Analyst

Data Analysts turn raw organisational information into clear, actionable stories. They collect, clean, and explore datasets, build reports and dashboards, and present findings that underpin day-to-day decisions on marketing, operations, and product development. It is an ideal entry point for graduates wanting immediate impact while sharpening technical and business understanding.

Insight Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Junior Data Scientist

They query databases, transform messy data, perform statistical tests, visualise patterns, and deliver concise reports to stakeholders using tools such as SQL, Python, and modern dashboard platforms. Work is typically desk-based within cross-functional product, finance, or operations teams.

Large retail chains internal analytics teams | Government data insight and policy units | Digital marketing and media agencies | Healthcare providers and hospital trusts | Financial services risk analytics groups | Fast-growing technology start-ups

Start in a graduate insight or reporting role, volunteer for varied projects, and build a solid portfolio of dashboards and analyses. Within two to four years, progress to senior analyst positions overseeing small projects and mentoring new starters. Exposure to bigger datasets and strategic work prepares you for specialist or managerial analytics paths after five to eight years.

Demand for evidence-based decision-making keeps this role resilient. Automation will remove repetitive cleaning tasks, allowing analysts to focus on interpretation and storytelling. Specialist niches such as geospatial, customer, or risk analytics can further boost progression, while evolving cloud tools and self-service platforms ensure steady upskilling opportunities.

SQL querying and optimisation techniques | Statistical analysis using Python libraries | Data cleaning and wrangling best practices | Dashboard creation with Power BI or Tableau | Exploratory data visualisation principles | A/B testing and experiment design | Basic machine-learning model deployment

Clear written communication of insights | Stakeholder requirements gathering and facilitation | Critical thinking and numerical reasoning | Time management across multiple projects | Persuasive presentation to non-experts | Adaptability within changing business priorities | Continuous curiosity and self-learning