Finding Your Best Role
Analytics experts play a crucial role in transforming raw data into important insights. Information compiled by analytics experts underlie the decisions that drive the business forward. Our aim is to help you find the best role for your specific skill set, goals, and personal culture. Here are six questions to consider before you take your next analytics role:
Question 1.
You already know that information needs to be standardized and structured. Data has to be easily, efficiently accessed and utilized. For this reason, ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. What will your role be in standardizing and structuring the data so that it can be accessed and used in an efficient way?
Question 2.
In order to produce meaningful information, data is also extracted from various sources and brought together in a logical way. Ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. How much of your role as an analytics professional with this organization will involve extracting, managing, and compiling this data?
Question 3.
You probably have some credentials and solid experience under your belt already. However, it’s important to think about which specific technical skills are required to be successful in the role. For this reason, ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. What technical skills will you need in order to accomplish the necessary tasks associated with the role?
Question 4.
After data is gathered and organized, someone must understand the story that’s being told by the data. This person will develop critical insights used to drive the business. Ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. What part will you have in developing the actionable insights that will be used in making decisions about the business?
Question 5.
Generally, the endgame of data analytics is to help make informed business decisions. For this reason, ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. What kind of decisions will be made as a result of the insights you provide and what level of participation will you have in making those decisions?
Question 6.
Data analysts don’t just extract and compile data. They also work with the insights gleaned from that data and communicate important information to others. In order to be successful, communicate effectively with key team members. This might involve speaking with peers about analytics and related topics. On the other hand, this might require presenting data and insights to executives in boardrooms. For these reasons, ask this question before taking your next data analytics role. Who will you be communicating with on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and what will you be communicating to each person?
Final Thoughts
As a data analyst, you’ve got a great gig. Taking new roles is part of the adventure of building your career. In asking these six questions, you can better prepare for each new role. Even further, you’ll get a sense of the organization and environment in which you will be putting your skills to use. These questions enable you to make the best decisions for you and your unique career. Check out our Thought Leadership articles to learn more, or contact us to discuss your analytics hiring and recruiting challenges.
