The data analyst is responsible for providing up-to-date, accurate and relevant data analysis for the organisation he/she works for. The ideal person for this role must be able to work well under pressure and respond quickly to requests for data. Team skills and communication skills are essential and it is important to be able to cooperate with different departments
Data analysis is the ideal job for someone with analytical and technical abilities and most applicants have a good grounding in mathematics. It is important to be in tune with the latest developments in data analysis, and many data analysts attend seminars and classes to keep on top of the industry. The job requires relevant qualifications at bachelor or master’s level as well as a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
This position offers great career development prospects and the average salary for a data analyst is around £29,000. New starters or juniors often start out on around £23,000 and can work up to £37,000 with experience.

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting and analysing numerical information for further presentation using diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and reports. These professionals identify trends and create models to estimate future circumstances. They can work in market research, NHS management, education, forensics, local government, business, insurance, among other fields. Government agencies employ these analysts to collect information related to economy, transport, crime, labour market, etc.

Data Analysts usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Checking quality control standards.
• Forecasting demand for goods and services.
• Analysing market trends.
• Creating graphs for presentations.
• Collecting data from different sources.

• Having problem solving abilities.
• Being logical and methodical.
• Having IT skills.
• Being able to interpret and analyse data.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being proactive and self motivated.
• Having math skills.
• Being able to work to strict deadlines.
• Having good written and spoken communication abilities.

Data Analyst job placements require a degree in psychology, math, economics, statistics operational research, medical science, or a related subject for this area. These courses generally require two A levels and five GCSE’s (A-C) including math as a minimum. Candidates for these courses can check specific requirements and institutions at the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services website.

Other options for qualifications are the Graduate Diploma in Statistics offered by the Royal Statistical Society, and the Fast-Stream Assistant Statistician recruitment scheme for first and second class honours degree in math related subjects offered by the Government Statistical Services.