What Is Data Analysis and Where Is It Used?

Data analysis is an up-and-coming field within high tech that provides recent bootcamp grads with outstanding jobs and excellent pay. You’re sure to hear talk of data analysis when you work with computer and server environments, and companies that employ it effectively have a leg up on the competition. But what is data analysis, and what sorts of jobs can you perform when you have training in the subject? Understanding how data analysis impacts business and the training you need to qualify for the field allows you to plan out your education and future job searches.

This guide examines data analysis and gives you an idea of the work available for you when you have the skillset. We look at the types of people who enjoy working with data analysis and introduce you to a few of the common careers that use data analysis regularly, as well as the salaries people in those jobs make. Data analysis isn’t the right path for every tech-minded person out there, but you might find it to be a perfect fit for your interests.

Data Analysis Skills

As soon as you hear that data analysts make good money, you might want to skip straight to training. Money’s a big motivator, after all, and in today’s climate, any job is better than no job at all. But before you start signing up for bootcamps and developing your data analysis toolkit, take a few minutes to determine whether you’re right for the role. Having a nice salary is weak compensation if you’re a poor fit for the job.

Data analysts work with math all the time, so this field is ideal for someone who has a lofty amount of mathematics know-how and an affinity for learning more about the subject. Analysis requires logic and the ability to approach problems logically, and folks who tend toward that sort of approach can do well on the job. On top of that, communication and other soft skills are essential as you provide feedback to peers in non-technical roles all the time.

Digital Marketing 

Digital marketing is everywhere. Don’t believe me? Check out the ads on this web page and on the countless others you encounter during your jaunts on the internet—even in your email inbox. We have digital marketing coming at us from all sides. Very little of the marketing tailors itself toward our personal preferences, though, and the advertisements we see often lack a punch and appeal as a result.

Data analysis plays a large part in digital marketing and guides companies in their campaigns and promotional material. Analytic tools from Google and other major industry players are invaluable if you know how to use them, and a seasoned data analyst can improve a business’ marketing approach to no end. Digital marketing specialists earn about $63K a year on average. If you have an affinity for analytical tools and like to work with ads, give this field a proper consideration.

Operations Analyst

Businesses that keep an eye on their practices and continue to actively improve them at all times are the ones that stick around and become industry leaders. Few businesses get it right as soon as they open their doors and begin serving customers. The ones that recognize that fact and attempt to mitigate it promptly thrive where others wither. Operations analysts are the key to continued internal improvement within companies.

An operations analyst examines how businesses operate and identify potential sticking points that might impact sales, customer service, and more. Operations analysis involves reviewing internal processes and creating reports to guide the gradual development of approaches for distribution, manufacturing, and more. This field is especially vital for governments, militaries, and other critical industries. Operations analysts make about $83K a year on average.

Systems Analyst

Perhaps you’re interested in finding work as a more general sort of analyst. You’re in luck because there are tons of data analyst jobs out there for folks who like to work with IT systems. Just like businesses, IT systems are everywhere and they don’t generally work at peak efficiency right out of the gate. It takes data collection and analysis to fine-tune systems and make them the best they can be.

Systems analysts make good money—the average national rate is about $89K a year. In your work as a systems analyst, you typically utilize a battery of tools to acquire the data you need and analyze it to produce recommendations to make the process more efficient. You might also find yourself creating your own proprietary collection and analysis tools to more precisely target the systems you wish to examine.

And there you go, my friends. Data analysis is a vital part of the business landscape and ensures that most companies and systems continue to evolve and improve as time goes by. Our guide tells you all about data analysis and shows you the types of jobs available when you have the right skills. If you want to know more about the field, check out the best data analysis bootcamps, which include well-regarded schools like devCodeCamp and CareerFoundry.