What does a Data Analyst do and why is their profile so sought-after today at companies of all kinds? In this article you'll get to know in depth what it means to work in Data Analytics, the functions of this role and the skills you need to stand out in a booming market.

What is a Data Analyst?

The Data Analyst is the professional in charge of transforming data into useful information for decision-making. Their demand has been growing steadily, thanks to the fact that every online action generates a digital footprint that, well analyzed, lets companies optimize operations and improve results.

Before reviewing an analyst's specific tasks, it's worth understanding key concepts like the difference between data, information and knowledge, and also between Data Analytics and Data Science.

What is data?

A piece of data is a recorded fact or event that on its own means nothing, until it's interpreted in a context. Today, with more than 3 billion smartphone users and the rise of IoT, the amount of data generated is enormous. For 2023 it was projected to reach 2,142 zettabytes, compared to just 33 in 2018.

The Data Driven Decision Making (DDDM) approach seeks to reduce the dependence on intuition in business decisions, replacing it with objective and measurable information.

Data, information and knowledge

Data are isolated pieces. Information, on the other hand, is the set of organized data with a purpose. Knowledge arises when that information is combined with experiences and can be applied to solving problems. At the top of the pyramid is wisdom, which involves putting that knowledge into practice effectively.

If you're interested in this topic, we recommend reading: The 6 principles of implementation.

What does a Data Analyst do?

A Data Analyst is responsible for extracting, sorting and classifying information to then generate strategic reports that serve different areas of the business. Among their main functions:

• Collecting and organizing data from different sources.

• Detecting relevant patterns and trends.

• Building dashboards and clear reports for decision-making.

• Collaborating with areas like marketing, product or finance to apply the findings.

The work usually relies on tools like SQL, Python and visualization software like Power BI or Tableau.

What skills does a Data Analyst need?

• Analytical and logical ability: to make sense of large volumes of data.

• Technical knowledge: programming languages like Python and SQL.

• Clear communication: translating complex data into actionable insights.

• Teamwork: coordinating with different areas of the business.

• Curiosity: looking for patterns and solutions beyond the obvious.

Data Analytics vs Data Science

Although they're related, they're not the same. Data Analytics focuses on the present, on solving current problems. Data Science, on the other hand, applies techniques like Deep Learning or Artificial Intelligence to predict future behaviors. A Data Analyst usually starts from concrete hypotheses, while a Data Scientist generates new questions.

Key programming languages

Among the most used in data analysis are Python, R and Julia. These are complemented with SQL, ideal for working with relational databases. The combination of these tools lets you filter, structure and convert large volumes of data into strategic insights.

Conclusion

Data analysis is a fundamental discipline for companies that want to make evidence-based decisions. The role of the Data Analyst is increasingly valued, since it connects information with business strategy and brings clarity in complex environments. It's, without a doubt, one of the professions with the most future within the digital economy.

Next steps

If you want to take the next step in your career and specialize in data analysis, we recommend the Online and live Data Analytics Course from Coderhouse. You'll work with real projects, learn from experts and add tools that companies demand today. Includes 2 free trial classes.

If you'd like to keep exploring this topic, you can also read how to use Copilot in Excel to analyze data without being an analyst.

Recommended Coderhouse courses

If you want to go deeper into data analysis and applied artificial intelligence, Coderhouse has programs for all levels:

• Data Analytics Course: to learn to analyze data, build dashboards and make decisions based on real information.

• AI Engineering Course: to incorporate AI and machine learning models into your data projects.

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Course: to understand the AI ecosystem and complement your data profile with knowledge about language models.