Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is a data practitioner who can perform data analysis tasks (using data analysis systems).
- AKA: Data Miner, Business Intelligence Analyst, Analytics Specialist.
- Context:
- They can (typically) have Skill in Data Analysis through database querying and statistical analysis.
- They can (typically) have Skill in Data Visualization through visualization tools and reporting dashboards.
- They can (typically) have Skill in SQL Programming through database management systems.
- They can (typically) have Skill in Spreadsheet Analysis through Excel programming and pivot tables.
- They can (typically) have Knowledge of Business Intelligence through reporting frameworks.
- They can (typically) have Knowledge of Business Metrics through KPI tracking and performance measurement.
- They can (typically) perform Data Quality Checks through validation processes.
- They can (typically) create Business Reports through reporting tools.
- ...
- They can (often) have skill in Statistical Testing through hypothesis evaluation.
- They can (often) have skill in Data Pipeline management through ETL processes.
- They can (often) have skill in Business Communication through stakeholder presentations.
- They can (often) have skill in Process Automation through script development.
- They can (often) specialize in a Business Domain.
- They can (often) develop Performance Dashboards for business monitoring.
- They can (often) conduct Ad-hoc Analysis for business questions.
- They can (often) maintain Data Dictionarys for business reporting.
- ...
- They can range from being a Junior Data Analyst to being a Senior Data Analyst, depending on their professional experience.
- They can range from being a General Data Analyst to being a Specialized Data Analyst, depending on their domain focus.
- They can range from being a Data Analyst Worker to being a Data Analyst Hobbyist, depending on their employment context.
- ...
- Examples:
- Business Domain Data Analysts, such as:
- Industry-Specific Data Analysts, such as:
- Technical Data Analysts, such as:
- Specialized Tool Data Analysts, such as:
- ...
- Counter-Examples:
- Data Scientists, who perform more advanced statistical modeling and machine learning.
- Actuarys, who focus specifically on risk assessment and probability analysis.
- Bioinformaticians, who specialize in biological data processing.
- Statistics Practitioners (Statisticians), who focus on statistical theory and methodology.
- Machine Learning Practitioners, who emphasize algorithm development.
- Data Engineers, who focus on data infrastructure and pipeline development.
- Business Intelligence Developers, who focus on BI tool development.
- Database Administrators, who manage database systems rather than analyze data.
- See: Data Curator, Data Analysis Software Application, Data Consumer, Business Intelligence Tool, Data Visualization Platform, Analytics Framework.
References
2020
- https://www.mastersindatascience.org/careers/data-analyst-vs-data-scientist/
- QUOTE: ... An analyst typically works on answering specific questions about the organization’s business. A data scientist may work at a more macro level to develop new ways of asking and answering important questions. ...
2013
- http://www.compucert.com/data-mining-career.html
- QUOTE: Every company stores vital information within their computers. However, this stored data is not always effectively utilized. Companies storing data could greatly benefit if they stored this data in a centralized database and analyzed it for trends. Recognizing trends can improve marketing and cut costs. This is why many companies are becoming interested in data mining.
What is data mining? Data mining is a process where data is collected, analyzed from different types of perspectives, and conclusions are drawn from it. The conclusions drawn from analyzed data are often used to cut expenses, increase profits, and make other important business decisions.
What do you do as a data miner? You assist other specialists determine processes for centralizing collected data from numerous databases, while ensuring these databases are linked. Additionally, you'd be responsible for helping business professionals make decisions about how the data should be analyzed. You would also be responsible for creating reports with your ideas about how the data should be reviewed.
What kind of training do you need? Data mining specialists must understand how databases are designed and administered and how businesses function.
- QUOTE: Every company stores vital information within their computers. However, this stored data is not always effectively utilized. Companies storing data could greatly benefit if they stored this data in a centralized database and analyzed it for trends. Recognizing trends can improve marketing and cut costs. This is why many companies are becoming interested in data mining.