Data analysts often gather massive data warehouses and use the obtained information to serve businesses.
This job is quite attractive for those who love data and applying data in business issues. However, not everyone is suitable to pursue this career.
To learn about this career in detail, check out the advantages and disadvantages of being a data analyst below. I will give helpful tips to help you start this job quickly.
Let’s scroll down to see exciting revelations!
What is a Data Analyst?
Data analysts are people who examine, transform, and model data. The above processing steps provide helpful information that best serves business needs.
The best data analysts convert the correct raw data into reliable research. And they can use this information to serve higher marketing strategies.
Nowadays, most companies need data experts. And when pursuing this job, you will be satisfied with the pros below.
1. High Demand
It is no coincidence that Harvard Business Review votes data analysis as the most promising job of the 21st century. With high demand and good income, it attracts many talents to pursue.
In the future, data will undoubtedly continue to receive favor. About 70% of analyst hiring today is related to big data. And by 2030, job chances are expected to increase by 25%, opening up more options for new graduates.
2. High Pay
Along with the increasing demand, data experts’ income also outstrips many other professions. In the United States, the average income for a data analyst is $66,149/year. Meanwhile, the bonus they earn is also around $4,424/year.
In particular, experts with their talents will receive a better income, which is commensurate with their contribution to the business.
3. Variety of Work Spaces
Work flexibility is also one of the big pluses of becoming a data expert. Those pursuing this career can work in healthcare, banking, marketing, etc.
For example, in healthcare, you can use AI and machine learning techniques to detect early-stage tumors or process big data. In addition, data experts will also have the chance to work with big names like Microsoft, SAP, and IBM.
4. Easy to Start
Unlike many other careers in the data field, you can become an analyst with just a few years of hard work.
Background or experience should be fine if you want to start a career as a data expert. Yet, you better have the basic skills to begin your job easier.
5. Collaboration
Due to the job nature, data experts tackle complex tasks with many individuals from other departments and backgrounds.
Teamwork will create a dynamic and exciting working space. You can even work with clients and get a chance to learn about how the business works.
Data analytics is your job if you love a more dynamic working space with clear information sharing for a common goal.
Data analysis is an exciting career to pursue. However, before making your final choice, consider its main downsides below.
6. Fast-Changing
Data is a rapidly evolving field. Therefore you must always be up to date with the latest trends. Starting a career as a data expert is easy. Yet, to reach the expert level in this job, you must refresh your knowledge and skills over the long term.
7. Privacy Challenges
Working with data can also get you in trouble with online privacy issues. Data analysts sometimes get confused between a privacy breach and a safety flaw.
8. Indefinite Job Role
It is hard to define the exact role of the data analyst. For some companies, these people must gather and research big data. But others require data analysts to handle and extract data into more logical models.
Depending on the field, the data analyst’s expertise will vary.
9. Dull Tasks
You often have to spend much time sifting through data and dealing with tedious, repetitive tasks.
Daily data manipulation can cause you annoyance and reduce your working quality. Most people working with tedious data daily often feel stressed.
10. High Pressure
You will work in a high-pressure workspace with lots of data to handle to provide insights and decision-making. Pressure can come from many sources, such as tight deadlines and high-stakes projects.
Data analysts must work well under pressure and tasks in such spaces and make quick decisions. You may have to present your findings to management regularly.
Besides, handling stress and maintaining a clear mind are skills you must master to manage more complex projects.
11. Ethical Concerns
In some cases, data analysts may be asked to do unethical work. Theft and data exchange are just the most detailed examples of where it is easy to get lost.
For example, you may engage in unethical accounting practices in the financial sector. Or in technology and media, data experts can have severe consequences for privacy and security both online and offline.
Who Should be a Data Analyst?
You should become a data analyst if this job gives you a lot of boons in your skills and knowledge. Curious people will be well suited to explore big data for a long time without getting bored. Indeed, curiosity will drive you to learn about the secret behind the data.
In addition, thinking and logical approach are also traits suitable for the job of a data analyst. Analytical thinkers will draw conclusions based on data and facts rather than feelings and intuition.
The data experts most coveted by companies are also often heavily keen on business strategy. These people will bridge the gap between the numbers and their practical meaning for the business.
Finally, if you love research and teamwork, you already possess the skills needed as a data analyst.
Conclusion
Above are some pros and cons of being a data analyst that anyone interested in this field should consider.
Through sharing in the article, you have also learned the challenges of this job.
It will suit those with good logical thinking, hard work, and high responsibility. So, if you overcome its challenges, you can succeed as an expert in this career.
Hopefully, you will get the correct decision and have the most career experience.
Thank you for reading!