After reading numerous questions about how one could start being an analyst today, I have recently reflected. People might be asking me given that world of analysis offers many exciting career opportunities for individuals with a knack for problem-solving, critical thinking, and data interpretation. If you are considering embarking on a career as an analyst, there are several distinct pathways you can explore. In this article, I will discuss five options to help you kick-start your journey as an analyst: 1. Being an Analyst through Education, 2. Job Internship or Job Secondment, 3. Attending Masterclasses, 4. Using Company Learning and Development Resources, and 5. Joining Analyst Communities. By understanding these diverse routes, you can make an informed decision on the most suitable path for your aspirations.
Being an Analyst through Education
Education plays a vital role in developing the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in analysis. Pursuing a relevant degree such as statistics, mathematics, economics, or business analytics provides a strong academic foundation. These programs typically offer data analysis, statistical modelling, and data visualization coursework, equipping you with the necessary technical skills. I understood this as early as a left high school. My mother cemented the idea that all is possible through education and thus why this becomes my preferred path to anything career related.
Additionally, you can supplement your formal education by attending workshops, seminars, or online courses that focus on specific analytical tools or techniques. I often found time at work when I wasn’t too busy to just enrol in a quick LinkedIn training session to give me an overview of a concept. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a wide array of data analysis courses taught by industry professionals, allowing you to enhance your expertise and stay updated with the latest trends. It is recommended that you pursue what you love and not what everyone tells you to do. Besides, you will have to face the examination/assessments alone. If you were never admitted to study further and you don’t have a stable internet connection to complete online courses, you might be on the lookout for internships.
Job Internship or Job Secondment
There have been a lot of programmes being created here in South Africa. This was to address the high youth unemployment rate as compared to other countries. These internships are designed as an excellent way to gain practical experience in analysis through job internships or job secondments. Internships provide valuable exposure to real-world scenarios, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional setting. This “move-up” programme like “YES” could be a great way for novice analysts to get a foot in the door. We all, current analysts, recommend that you seek internships at organizations that emphasize data-driven decision-making, as this will allow you to work alongside experienced analysts and learn from their expertise.
Alternatively, if you are already employed in a different role within an organization, explore the possibility of a job secondment. A secondment offers you the chance to temporarily work within an analytical team or department, allowing you to acquire hands-on experience while still benefiting from the security of your existing job. There is a way to combine both the internship and job secondment to your advantage. You could start with the “move up” programme and then ask to shadow someone in the data team. Some tasks like copying and pasting graphs might be yours and before you know it you are a team administrator or business office manager. You might even attend some masterclasses being offered by team members during your secondment tenure.
Attending Masterclasses
Masterclasses, workshops, and industry conferences provide excellent opportunities to learn from leading analysts and industry experts. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, I found that more sessions are free of charge and held online. Zoom seems to be a platform of choice. These events often focus on specific analytical domains, such as marketing analytics, financial analysis, or data science. By attending masterclasses, you can gain insights into advanced analytical techniques, discover practical case studies, and network with professionals in the field. Besides, you will also decide if the area tackles your fancy before you commit. I would advise you to look for renowned conferences like the Analytics Summit, Strata Data Conference, or Predictive Analytics World, where you can interact with thought leaders and engage in discussions that can broaden your understanding of analysis.
Using Company Learning and Development Resources
Many organizations offer learning and development resources to help their employees build new skills and enhance their competencies. If yours does the same, you can take advantage of these resources by enrolling in internal training programs, accessing online learning platforms provided by your company, or participating in mentorship programs. Seek guidance from senior analysts within your organization who can offer valuable insights and mentorship to accelerate your growth as an analyst. My organisation had boot camps designed with analysts in mind. These boot camp communities would do more to advance analysts even tailor-making training materials.
Joining Analyst Communities
Joining analyst communities and professional networks can provide immense value in terms of knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit have numerous communities dedicated to data analysis, where professionals share their experiences, discuss emerging trends, and offer advice. Engaging in these communities can help you stay informed about the latest advancements, connect with like-minded individuals, and seek guidance from experienced analysts.
Conclusion
Being an aspiring analyst could be daunting to get started. It has been much easier today than ever before to become an analyst. Embarking on a career as an analyst offers a dynamic and rewarding path for individuals passionate about extracting insights from data. You can also choose either of the five options to test your appetite. By considering the various options available to you, such as pursuing education, seeking internships or secondments, attending masterclasses, and utilising company resources.
