Data analysts collect, clean and analyse data to answer business questions. Work includes writing SQL queries, building dashboards in tools like Power BI or Tableau, identifying trends and anomalies, presenting findings to stakeholders and supporting decisions with evidence.

SQL is the foundational requirement, alongside Excel, a visualisation tool such as Power BI or Tableau, and increasingly Python or R for deeper analysis. Statistical literacy, business curiosity and clear communication of findings complete the core skill set.

Degrees in data science, statistics, commerce or STEM fields help, but demonstrated skills increasingly outweigh credentials. Bootcamps, online certifications and a portfolio of projects analysing real datasets provide credible alternative pathways, particularly combined with domain experience from previous roles.

Banking and financial services lead demand, followed by government, health, retail, telecommunications, insurance and technology. Every sector now generates data needing analysis, so analysts can often combine technical skills with industry knowledge from earlier careers. Regional employers increasingly hire remote analysts, widening options nationally.

Analysts progress to senior analyst and analytics lead roles, then analytics management or specialisation into data science, data engineering and business intelligence architecture. Product and strategy pathways also open up, with data skills valued across every leadership discipline.