How to become an Analyst

What does an Analyst do?

Think there’s nothing a spreadsheet can’t solve? You should become an Analyst…

Analysts use their expert skills in critical thinking to study and analyse various types of information, from complex numerical data and business reports, to IT systems, marketing strategies, and surveys.

Their work helps support an organisation to fulfil their overall business goals, and the outcome of their analysis ultimately help improve the quality of the product or service.

Possible specialisms for an Analyst include market research, business analysis, data analysis, systems analysis, and investment analysis.

Tasks will vary from job to job, but typical duties for an Analyst could include:

Carrying out market research and liaising with clients to understand goals
Researching and studying information and figures
Storing and monitoring data using efficient database systems
Analysing data using statistical programmes, spreadsheets, and computer models
Using data to recognise areas for improvement and propose new processes
Studying IT systems, finding bugs, and drawing up plans for software improvements
Writing reports and presenting findings to the business

Is a career as an Analyst right for me?

Aside from an analytical mind, a good Analyst will also need to have excellent research and interpretation skills, as well as the ability to report and communicate complex information clearly.

Additionally, expert knowledge within your chosen specialism is usually required, as it will help you to come up with the best possible business solutions for the field you’re working in (e.g. finance, programming, or marketing).

A complete immunity to Excel is also similarly essential...

To become an Analyst you will need to be:

An excellent problem solver
A tactful negotiator
Able to focus on small details
Good at multitasking (and prioritising)
Deadline-focussed
Able to manage time effectively

Explore your opportunities

Analyst courses (18,140)

Analyst jobs (4,816)

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Career progression and salary expectations for an Analyst

Junior Investment Analyst

| Up to £25,000

Investment Analyst

| Up to £60,000

Senior Investment Analyst

| Up to £100,000

Get qualified as an Analyst

Entry requirements may vary depending on the type of analysis you want to work in, but employers will generally look for candidates with a degree covering maths, statistics, business studies, or economics (or computer based subjects for systems analyst roles). Depending on the role, technical skills may be required, such as proficiency in programming languages like Python or knowledge of financial modelling techniques.

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What's it like to be an Analyst?

"I’m a Systems Analyst, which means I work with lots of different organisations and use my analysis skills to help improve their computer systems. My day-to-day could involve anything from making a company’s online databases more secure, to better integrating their network system. My favourite part of the job is overseeing the testing process and spotting bugs – because once I know what the problem is, I can find out how to fix it. Obviously, meeting deadlines and solving more critical problems can be tough, and coming up with viable solutions is then an intricate task. But the key thing to remember is flexibility, with the future in mind. After all, the goal is for it to be built to last."