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Data Analyst (IT Focus)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Data Analyst with an IT focus is responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing data to help organisations make informed decisions. The role involves using IT tools and software such as SQL, Python, and data visualisation platforms to interpret complex data sets. Data analysts present their findings through reports, charts, and presentations, making technical information accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Typical tasks include cleaning and validating data, identifying trends, and supporting business strategy with evidence-based insights. Data analysts often work in teams with IT professionals, project managers, and business leaders. The career requires strong analytical, mathematical, and communication skills, as well as attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.

Data Analyst (IT Focus)

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Entry-level data analysts in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year.

Experienced Salary Range

With several years of experience, data analysts can earn between £40,000 and £60,000 per year, with some senior roles exceeding £70,000.

Job Opportunities

There are over 30,000 data analyst positions advertised annually in the UK, with increasing demand in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Focuses on analysing business data using IT tools to help organisations make strategic decisions, often through dashboards and reports.

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Data Visualisation Specialist

Creates clear and engaging visual representations of complex IT data to help teams understand trends and patterns.

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Database Analyst

Works specifically on organising and interpreting data stored in databases, ensuring information is accurate and accessible for IT projects.

Gain Relevant Education

Study Mathematics and Computing at GCSE or A Level

Build a strong foundation in maths and IT subjects during your secondary education.

Mathematics and computing provide essential analytical and problem-solving skills needed for data analysis. Consider choosing subjects like Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics at GCSE or A Level. These subjects will introduce you to logical thinking, data handling, and basic programming concepts.

Pursue a Degree or Equivalent Qualification

Obtain a degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or Information Technology.

Many employers look for candidates with a degree, although higher apprenticeships or relevant diplomas may also be accepted. University courses often include modules on databases, statistics, and programming languages such as Python or R. Some universities offer specific courses in Data Science or Analytics, which are highly relevant.

Develop Technical Skills

Learn Key Programming Languages

Practise programming in languages commonly used in data analysis, such as Python, R, or SQL.

Python and R are widely used for data analysis tasks, while SQL is essential for querying databases. There are many free online resources, such as Codecademy or Coursera, where you can practise these languages. Building small projects or contributing to open-source data projects can help consolidate your skills.

Understand Data Visualisation Tools

Familiarise yourself with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Excel for presenting data.

Data visualisation is a key part of a data analyst's role, helping make insights clear and actionable. Many companies use software like Tableau or Power BI, so learning how to use these tools can make you more competitive. Try creating your own dashboards or visual reports using sample datasets.

Gain Practical Experience

Seek Internships or Work Placements

Apply for internships or work experience opportunities in IT or data-focused roles.

Work placements give you hands-on experience and help you understand how data is used in real business settings. Many large companies offer summer internships for students and graduates. Smaller firms may have short-term placements or part-time roles that can also be valuable.

Build a Portfolio of Projects

Create and showcase projects using real or simulated datasets.

Employers often look for evidence of your analytical skills and technical ability. Consider building a portfolio website or sharing your work on platforms like GitHub. Projects could include analysing open government data, conducting business intelligence reports, or developing dashboards.

Apply for Data Analyst Roles

Prepare Your CV and Applications

Tailor your CV to highlight relevant skills, education, and experience in data analysis.

Make sure to include examples of your technical skills, programming knowledge, and any practical experience. Use action words and focus on results achieved in projects or placements. Research companies and customise your applications to match their requirements.

Attend Interviews and Assessments

Practise interview techniques and be prepared for technical assessments.

Interviews for data analyst roles often include technical questions or practical tasks, such as interpreting datasets or writing code. Practise answering questions about your previous projects and be ready to demonstrate your analytical process.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Data Analyst (IT Focus). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Data Analyst (IT Focus) typically involves analysing data to inform business decisions, a key responsibility of a Business analyst. Both roles require strong analytical skills, familiarity with IT systems, and the ability to interpret data to support strategic initiatives.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

University

Any degree that teaches analytical skills can be useful for this role.

Some employers might prefer you to have a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject such as:

  • business information systems
  • business management
  • computing and systems development
  • computer science

Experience during your degree

You may have an advantage if your degree course lets you get some business experience.

This could be through:

  • internships
  • work placements
  • a year in industry

It may also be useful to get experience of managing projects and analysing data.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could gain some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role through an apprenticeship.

For example, you could do the Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or the Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got several years' experience in project management, consulting or IT.

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Career tips

To become a business analyst, it might be useful to know about agile project management or other similar methods.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a business analyst from:

You can also find out about government business analysts in the Civil Service on GOV.UK.

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