Data Analyst: What They Do and How to Become One
If you’re wondering how to become a data analyst, graduate programs like MIU’s Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence and Master’s in Visual Analytics and Big Data or the Continuing Education Course in Corporate Finance can help provide you with the skills and real-world knowledge organizations value.
What is a data analyst?
A data analyst is a professional who collects, organizes, interprets, and presents information to help organizations make more informed decisions. Typically, a data analyst’s job description includes responsibilities like preparing reports, identifying trends, building dashboards, and presenting information to stakeholders.
Analysts help organizations in numerous industries, such as healthcare, finance, technology, retail, and marketing, be more efficient, cost-effective, and aware of their customers’ needs.
What is the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
These two professionals are similar in that they both involve working with information and business insights, but they’re not the same thing. The difference between a data analyst vs. data scientist is that analysts focus on interpreting and reporting on existing data, while data scientists work with predictive models, machine learning systems, automation projects, etc., that require more programming and statistical expertise.
What does a data analyst do in a company?
So, what does a data analyst do or what does a typical day in this role look like? In general, their responsibilities within a company include the following:
- Organizing raw information so it can be analyzed more efficiently
- Building reports and visual summaries
- Tracking performance metrics and operational results
- Detecting customer trends or unusual patterns in company data
- Assisting with forecasting and long-term planning
- Presenting insights during meetings or internal reviews
- Contributing to business intelligence initiatives that support strategic planning and operational decisions
What skills do you need to become a data analyst?
Strong data analyst skills include a combination of technical knowledge, communication, and problem-solving.
Technical skills
- SQL for data analysis
- Python for data analysis and workflow automation
- Using Power BI and Tableau for dashboard creation and data visualization
- Familiarity with advanced analytical tools for working with big data environments
Analytical and statistical skills
Data analysts need the ability to recognize patterns in complex information, interpret results accurately, and identify insights, which requires strong analytical thinking.
Business and communication skills
Because data analysts frequently need to explain technical information to non-technical audiences, clear communication skills are essential. Teams need to understand how to apply analytical findings in real business situations.
What tools do data analysts use in 2026?
Data analyst tools are constantly evolving and adapting to the increasing use of cloud platforms and automation technologies among businesses. Some of the most commonly used tools today are:
- Excel
- SQL databases
- Python
- Power BI
- Tableau
- Google Looker Studio
Learning these tools can help me become a more effective data analyst.
How to become a data analyst step-by-step?
The first steps in how to become a data analyst usually involve acquiring knowledge and skills regarding spreadsheets, SQL, visualization tools, and basic statistics.
If you’re aspiring to become a data analyst, you can strengthen your profile and prepare for entry-level data analyst positions with a Google Data Analytics Certificate or other industry-recognized data analyst certifications. Practical experience, a strong portfolio, and graduate studies like a master in data analytics can help to further advance your career.
What is the average salary of a data analyst in the US?
The average data analyst salary in the United States can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, industry, and location. Entry-level data analysts can start out earning between $60k and $75k per year, and experienced professionals can earn significantly more. In fact, advanced technical skills and leadership responsibilities can bring salaries above six figures in certain markets.
The overall data analyst job outlook is expected to remain strong, since companies are investing more and more in analytics, automation, and digital transformation.
What industries hire the most data analysts?
Some of the industries with the strongest demand for data analysts include the following:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Technology
- Retail
- Marketing
- Logistics
Organizations that rely heavily on reporting, forecasting, customer insights, or operational efficiency have an especially strong demand.
How to advance your data analyst career with a master’s degree
Advanced education is a great way to deepen your technical and strategic expertise and make your way further down the data analyst career path.
Graduate programs like MIU’s Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence, Master’s in Visual Analytics and Big Data, and Continuing Education Course in Corporate Finance can help equip you with critical skills and real-world experience to prepare you for advanced roles like BI analyst, reporting specialist, and business intelligence manager.
References
Google. (n.d.). Google Data Analytics Certificate. Google Career Certificates. https://grow.google/certificates/data-analytics/
Microsoft. (n.d.). Power BI overview. Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/fundamentals/power-bi-overview
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Operations research analysts. Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
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