Data Analyst In the UK: Everything You Need To Know

You probably have many questions about the job market and future prospects for data analysts in the UK if you’re considering pursuing this career path. This blog post will examine the UK’s data analyst requirements, career prospects, and essentials for anyone looking to enter this highly sought-after industry.

The United Kingdom has a lot to offer this path. With its rich history, world-renowned institutions, and strong economy, the UK is an excellent place to start or further your career as a data analyst. The demand for data analysts is growing rapidly. More than 8,000 data analyst jobs are available in the UK alone. So, if you’re interested in a career in data analysis, now is the time to get started.

Are Data Analyst Jobs in demand in the UK?

While considering career paths as a new settler in the UK, it’s essential to consider whether the desired path is in great demand. Data analysis careers are in high demand in the UK. With the rise of big data and the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, businesses across industries are seeking skilled data analysts to help them make sense of their data.

According to a report, Quantifying the UK Data Skills Gap, there are potentially 178,000 to 234,000 data roles to be filled. This is driven by the growing need for businesses to use their data better to remain competitive.

Additionally, a report by LinkedIn found that data-related skills, including data analysis, are among the fastest-growing skills in demand in the UK job market. This indicates that numerous job opportunities are available for those interested in pursuing a career in data analysis in the UK.

Data analysis is a rapidly growing field, and there is a significant demand for skilled data analysts in the UK. This trend is expected to continue as businesses increasingly rely on data to inform their decision-making processes.

Before pursuing a career as a data analyst, what should you do?

You can do a few things to set yourself up for success if you want to pursue a career as a data analyst. Here are some pointers to think about:

Understand the basics: Understand what the role entails; numerous online resources, tutorials, and courses can help you understand better.
Develop your skills: Data analysts need certain skills, which will be mentioned in this post. You can work on developing these skills through online courses or by taking relevant classes.
Gain practical experience: Enrol for bootcamps, internships, volunteer work, or entry-level jobs in data analytics to gain practical experience. This will help you get hands-on experience working with data and analytics tools.
Build your network: Attend industry events and meetups, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and seek mentors who can offer advice and guidance as you navigate your career path.
Obtain relevant certifications: Some employers may require certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate or other relevant certifications. Obtaining these certifications can help you stand out from other candidates.

Are you considering a career as a data analyst or looking to advance your skills in the field? If so, you may be wondering where to obtain a data analyst certification, RKY careers is a CPD-accredited UK service that provides certification as well as hands-on practical experience in this field Click here for more

What Do Data Analyst Jobs Entail?

The ability to unlock valuable insights from data is a highly sought-after and rewarding skill set in today’s world. Data analytics is extracting and communicating insights from data using both practice and theory to enable organizational stakeholders to make informed decisions. To give recommendations and updates to their internal customers, experienced analysts analyze various elements, including the competitive climate and other organizational aspects.

Data analysts are skilled in various areas, such as probability theory, statistical modelling, data visualization, risk management, and predictive analytics. Additionally, they are skilled in a number of databases, programming, and software languages. Data analysts employ descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to provide more value to the organisation.

The specific tasks and responsibilities of a Data Analyst may vary depending on the industry, company, or job title but generally include the following:

Collecting and cleaning data: This involves gathering data from various sources, such as databases, surveys, and social media platforms, and ensuring that it’s accurate and consistent.
Analyzing data: You’ll use statistical methods and software tools to analyze the data and identify patterns and trends that can inform business decisions.
Visualizing data: You’ll create visual representations of the data, such as charts and graphs, to help stakeholders understand and interpret the insights.
Reporting and presenting findings: You’ll present your findings to stakeholders, such as managers, executives, and clients, and provide recommendations based on the insights you’ve uncovered.
Collaborating with others: You’ll work closely with colleagues from various departments, such as marketing, finance, and operations, to understand their data needs and provide relevant insights.
Continuous learning: To stay competitive in the job market, you must keep up-to-date with the latest data analysis techniques, tools, and industry trends.

In a typical week, a data analyst may design and manage a data system and multiple databases, ensuring they are error-free. They also extract data from multiple sources, organise it in an easily understandable format, and analyse it using statistical tools to identify patterns and trends crucial for diagnostic and predictive analytics. The analyst then explains how the data fits within the broader environmental context, prepares reports with visualisations of data, patterns, and predictions, and collaborates with internal and external partners to improve processes and develop systems and data policies for governance.

They’ll also need to be able to work collaboratively with others; this cannot be overemphasized because they need to identify and understand business needs, translate technical information into understandable terms, and present their findings clearly and compellingly. If this interests you, read on for more on this career path.

Top 5 Career Paths for Data Analysts in the United Kingdom

There are numerous career paths for a Data Analyst in the United Kingdom, each with its unique set of job responsibilities, requirements, and opportunities for growth. There are several possible job titles that you may hold, depending on the industry and the specific role you are in. Here are ten popular career paths in data analysis in the UK:

Data Analyst: A data analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform business decisions. They create data visualizations and reports to communicate their findings to stakeholders. The Average Data Analyst salary in the UK is £44,102
Business Intelligence Analyst: A business intelligence analyst works with data to identify trends and insights that can help organizations make informed business decisions. They develop dashboards and reports to present data clearly and concisely. £56,484 is the Average salary in the UK
Data Scientist: A data scientist uses advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze data and develop predictive models. They work with large, complex datasets to identify patterns and insights. In the UK, a data scientist makes an average pay of £50,044
Data Engineer: A data engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure to support data analysis. They design and implement data pipelines and warehouses and ensure data is clean, organized, and accessible. A data engineer can expect to make an average salary of £49,523
Financial Analyst: A financial analyst uses data to inform financial decisions and strategies. They analyze financial data, market trends, and industry data to identify risks and opportunities for growth. The Average Financial Analyst salary in the UK is £42,200

Other career paths that can be explored include Marketing Analyst, Quantitative Analyst, Healthcare Data Analyst, Social Media Data Analyst and much more depending on your level of experience or interest. Check this success story of a data analyst.

6 most popular tools you need as a Data Analyst?

In the data analyst field in the UK, you will typically need a combination of technical and programming tools. Here are some of the key tools required:

SQL, or Structured Query Language: The most crucial competency for data analysts is the ability to use SQL, or Structured Query Language, the database language used by the whole industry. Almost every company requires a SQL expert, whether to handle and store data, connect several databases, or create or modify certain database structures. It’s an essential tool for working with large datasets and is widely used in data analysis.
Excel: Microsoft Excel is a widely used spreadsheet program that allows you to organize, manipulate, and analyze data. Excel is user-friendly and can be used for basic data analysis tasks. It’s also a useful tool for data visualization.
Power BI: A business analytics service that allows you to visualize and share real-time data insights. It’s a powerful tool for data analysis and can be used to create interactive dashboards and reports.
Programming languages: Python and R are two popular programming languages used for data analysis. Python is known for its ease of use and versatility, while R is preferred for its statistical computing capabilities. Both languages have extensive libraries for data manipulation, visualization, and analysis.
Tableau: Tableau is a data visualization tool that allows you to create interactive dashboards, reports, and charts. It’s user-friendly and can be used to visualize complex data in a way that’s easy to understand. Tableau is widely used in data analysis and is a popular tool in the industry.
SAS: SAS (Statistical Analysis System) is a software suite for advanced data analysis, predictive modelling, and statistical analysis. It’s widely used in finance, healthcare, and marketing industries.

Note that it is not compulsory to know all the above but as a starter Power Bi | Tableau will be of great advantage.

Top relevant and transferrable skills for a Data Analyst

Data analysts need various soft skills and technical expertise to succeed. The skills you possess as a data analyst are highly transferable and allow you to work in almost any industry; they include the following:

Communication: Data analysts need to be able to communicate complex technical information to stakeholders who may not have a technical background. This requires strong written and verbal communication skills.
Problem-solving: Data analysts need to be able to identify problems and come up with solutions. This requires critical thinking and the ability to approach problems systematically.
Attention to detail: Data analysis often involves working with large sets of complex data. To draw accurate conclusions, data analysts need to have a keen eye for detail and be able to spot inconsistencies and errors in data.
Time management: Data analysts often work on multiple projects at once and need to be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
Collaboration: Data analysis often involves working in teams with other data analysts, stakeholders, and business leaders. Being able to collaborate effectively and work towards common goals is essential.
Adaptability: The field of data analysis is constantly evolving, and data analysts need to adapt to new tools, technologies, and methods.
Creativity: Data analysis is highly technical, but there is room for creativity. Data analysts need to think creatively to identify new insights and solutions.

UK Data Analyst Qualification

In the UK, no specific qualification is required to become a data analyst. However, most employers often prioritize candidates with practical, relevant professional certifications. Some employers may also require degrees in a relevant field, such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, or data analytics. Here are some of the common qualifications and certifications that can help you advance your career in data analytics in the UK:

Bachelor’s degree: Many data analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a field such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. This provides a strong foundation in the technical skills needed for data analysis.
Master’s degree: Some data analysts pursue a master’s degree in data science or a related field. This can provide more in-depth training in advanced data analysis techniques and opportunities for practical experience through internships or research projects.
Online Courses and Professional certifications: Several professional certifications can demonstrate your expertise in data analysis and encourage career projections, such as the Data Analyst / Business Intelligence Analyst Certificate or the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification.

It’s important to note that while having a degree or certification can be helpful in landing a job as a data analyst, bootcamps, practical training and experience are often just as important and continue to be the best way to thrive on this path.

Navigating the Data analyst Industry as a new settler in the UK: Some Proven Strategies

If you’re a new settler in the UK looking to start a career in data analysis, there are several strategies you can use to help you break into the industry:

Build a strong online presence: Creating a strong online presence can help showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Consider optimizing your LinkedIn profile, building a portfolio (personal website), and sharing your work on social media platforms.
Attend webinars and conferences: Attending webinars and conferences can help you network with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and techniques in data analysis.
Optimise your brand: Your brand represents who you are, what you stand for, and how you are perceived by others. A strong brand can help you stand out and attract new opportunities. One of the most important aspects of optimizing your brand is through your CV, Cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.
Enrol in relevant boot camps: Bootcamps can help you gain practical experience working with real-world data sets, demonstrate your skills to potential employers, and get relevant referrals.
Consider working as a data analyst intern: Working as an intern can help you gain hands-on experience working with data and learning from experienced professionals in the field. Look for opportunities through job boards or LinkedIn.
Optimize your brand: Optimizing your brand is a critical aspect of building a successful career. Your brand represents who you are, what you stand for, and how you are perceived by others. One of the most important aspects of optimizing your brand is through your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. With our service, you’ll receive a tailored and professional CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile that will make you stand out from the crowd. Let us help you land your dream job.
Build a strong portfolio of work: Building a strong portfolio of work can help you demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers. Consider completing data analysis projects on your own or through online courses, and be sure to showcase your work on your personal website.

By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of breaking into the data analysis industry as a new settler in the UK. Be persistent, proactive, and committed to learning and growing in your career, and you’ll be on your way to success in no time!

If you decide that being a data analyst is your best career path, we have you covered. Learn more about our data analysis bootcamp, which covers SQL, Excel, and Power BI skills from the fundamentals to the most advanced levels, and you can continue working full-time while developing your data analysis skills.