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Large companies of all types use data daily to decide how to market what movies or music or shopping experience consumers might like to enjoy next. And while raw data can provide a lot of information, it takes someone skilled in interpreting that datato make the information useful to a business.

Data, at its simplest, is a collection of information. That information can be used as a basis for drawing reasonable conclusions. Those conclusions can help solve business needs.

When facts are gathered and interpreted, and those interpretations are shared in an accessible way, they can tell a story about a consumer and their interests. Data analysis is the telling of that story.

If you want a meaningful career gathering data and interpreting that information to help a business or organization thrive, a career in data analytics could be a great fit for you.

Data analysts gather and interpret data to tell a story. Businesses of all types can then use that story to sell products or content, create new products or content or market goods or services to consumers.

"By collecting, cleaning and interpreting data sets, data analysts make recommendations for business decisions and help solve business problems," said Susan McKenzie, EdD, a senior associate dean of STEM programswith Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

Part of a skilled data analyst's roleis to identify errors in data. They do this by "cleaning" it. The process of cleaning data involves fixing or removing incorrect, corrupted, duplicate or incomplete data within a dataset, according to McKenzie. "Then data analysts change, update or remove incorrect data to correct any errors," she said. This process makes the new, clean data readable by software programs and more accessible to various stakeholders.

The process of cleaning and interpreting data requires a strong aptitude for math and statistics, as well as the ability to communicate findings in an accessible way. Many data analysts have a passion for statistics and visualizing data in a clear manner, McKenzie said.

A data analyst must be computer-savvy with a solid grasp of mathematics, statistics and computer science. They typically work full-time in an office or remotely, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Using computers is a key function of the job.

Other important functions of data analysts, according to BLS, include:

Data analysts can work in virtually any industry, according to BLS, but their skills are particularly in demand for businesses that require an active web presence. Any business that has new or constantly evolving business strategies needs robust data analysis as well.

Research created from data analysis can be used to support reports, academic journals, marketing efforts, sales or user engagement. Often, the data analysts will be the ones writing those reports, so sound written communication skills are vital.

Any business that uses data can benefit from a data analyst, according to McKenzie. The demand for this profession is widespread and growing.

Companies based in the computer and technology field have the greatest need for data analysts, according to BLS. Other areas in need of data analysts include:

Ask yourself if you have an aptitude for coding, engineering or computer science. Are you comfortable reviewing technical information and crafting messages or creating charts and reports to share that data? Do you enjoy math and statistics? If so, you likely already have the basis for a career in data analysis.

There are several technical skills necessary for being a successful data analyst. According to McKenzie, they are:

Technical skills are the foundation of data analysis, but certain interpersonal skills are also necessary for success in this highly technical field. According to McKenzie, these skills include:

Several levels of formal education can help you build a career in data analytics.

An associate degree in data analyticscan provide the foundational information you need to get your foot in the door. By using this degree as a starting point, you can learn the basic skills to build a career in data analytics. At the same time, youll earn valuable credits that can be transferred to a bachelors degree in a variety of STEM fieldsshould you choose.

With coursework in an associate degree, youll learn how to diagnose organizational problems and determine how to use data to solve those problems. Earning the degree could qualify you for a junior role in business analytics, business intelligence or as a data technician, said McKenzie.

While an associate degree is a great way to get started in the field of data analytics, a bachelors degree is generally required, at a minimum, according to BLS. A bachelors degree communicates to employers that you have the essential skills in computer programming, quantitative and qualitative data analytics methodsand data analytics standards and policies, among others.

Data analysts are in high demand, and employers want to know you have the skills to perform the job, McKenzie said. A bachelors degree helps show you have those skills.

A masters degree in data analyticscould also be required, depending on the role. A degree at this level shows that you have done the work to master skills in statistical modeling, data visualization and presentation and analyzing large data sets, among other skills.

A high level of mathematics and statistics is important for all degree levels in this field, as is working knowledge of some programming languages.

With advancements in technology, the size of data sets increases, and data management and database systems can require a great deal of expertise to understand and maintain. To stay competitive in the field, a data analyst must remain current in their discipline to ensure they're providing the best analysis of the data.

In addition to skills in mathematics and statistics, as well as earning a degree, certifications in data analytics are highly regarded by the industry, according to McKenzie.

The field is progressing and changing rapidly, she said. Remaining current in the discipline is highly desired. Earning professional certifications is an excellent way to continue your education even after earning a degree.

There are many available credentials to support a data analytics career, according to McKenzie. Several such credentials are:

If you're enrolled in a data analytics program, your school may offer you the chance to earn additional credentials as you move through your courses. SNHU, for instance, partnered with organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and uCertify to provide students with the ability to earn additional industry-relevant credentials. Some certifications and badges students at SNHU can earn include:

Ultimately, a professional credential provides current and future employers the opportunity to understand the skill level of the employee.

Data analysts typically spend their time collecting data, looking for patterns, creating visualizations and dashboards and writing reports, McKenzie said.

A lot of that work is done independently, but teamwork is an important part of the role as well. A data analyst typically works with many other teams in a company to ensure a proper understanding of the data, McKenzie said.

BLS notes that data analysts, often grouped with data scientists, typically work full-time. Because data analysis is so important to many businesses, its not uncommon for businesses to staff data analysts seven days a week.

A good example of a business that needs a data analyst seven days a week to support operations is the transportation industry, such as airlines. "With airlines, data is processed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make operational decisions that are immediately implemented," said McKenzie.

This allows the organization to function without interruption, she said. In addition to making operational decisions, weekend data analysts may also work on their own projects or continue working on tasks started by other data analysts earlier in the week.

The career outlook for data analysts is strong. According to BLS, growth in the data science field is expected at 36% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average.

The salary potential is strong as well. The average salary for data analysts is $83,557 per year, with a range from $74,787 and $93,484, according to Salary.com.

One benefit of the field of data analysis is the ability to apply your skills in virtually any career field due to rising demand for analytics professionals, according to McKenzie.

Analytics is a key factor in better decision-making for companies, she said. While the demand for analytics skills is steadily increasing, there's a huge deficit in skilled professionals.

This gap creates great opportunity for someone with an aptitude for mathematics, computer science or statistics.

Ever-changing advancements in technology provide countless opportunities to apply your skills for working with and interpreting data. While algorithms can provide information, the ability to interpret that information and present the story that it tells in a meaningful way is where the real value in data analytics comes in.

Regardless of advancements in technology, there remains the need for human insights to provide context and decision-making towards better business solutions, McKenzie said.

Ultimately, the intersection between scientific thinking, systems thinking and human problem-solving is where the work of a data analyst happens. Given the growth in this field and the wide array of businesses that need skilled data analysis, working as a data analyst can offer a satisfying career in virtually any industry.

You'll be able to use your strengths to help businesses move forward in achieving their mission. You'll hone expert-level communication skills. You'll be able to make a major impact on the area of business in which you choose to work. And, you'll be the hunter-gatherer of the data world, telling stories, solving problems and making businesses better one dataset at a time.

Discover more about SNHUs bachelor's in data analytics: Find out what courses you'll take, skills youll learn and how to request information about the program.

Marie Morganelli, Ph.D. is a freelance content writer and editor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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How to Become a Data Analyst | SNHU - Southern New Hampshire University