money sectionmoney sectionComputers and the data they store and transmit are an important part of how most companies today do business. But the data doesn't regulate itself; that's the job of data systems and communications analysts. This discipline includes a wide variety of jobs, including webmasters, Web developers and Web administrators who help companies create, organize and transmit their data using computer systems. For techies with an interest in breaking into the field, there are several job and educational requirements necessary.
The selection of the appropriate individuals to support an information technology project can often be the key to the prevention of IT project overruns, limited return on investment, or manual workarounds that are required to supplement an IT solution in order to meet defined business objectives. Employing the correct staff members also diminishes the probability that the processes employed during an IT project will alienate the business community. The business analyst and the data analyst are two such staff members whose hands-on experience and technical expertise can greatly diminish the risk that is associated with any system development or enhancement…
A data analyst tests collected data in various ways to reach a conclusion about what the data implicates. Data analysis is performed on past data to determine the cause or effects of an observed event. Alternatively, data analysts use collected information to predict future data trends, such as in marketing strategies. There are numerous methods that data analysts utilize in different fields of work.
Benefit analysts study, analyze and develop compensation programs for an organization. Depending on the geographical spread of the organization, a benefit analyst may be involved in developing local or global employee benefit programs. Aspirants must possess excellent knowledge of domestic and international laws, as required, affecting employee salaries and benefits. They must incorporate strategies that respect organizational compensation objectives and employee expectations. Individuals must also show a strong desire to advance on the job through continuous learning and acquiring industry certification.
Working in a variety of industries, data analysts help the organizations who hire them understand the data provided by research and assessment. They may also help he organizations they serve understand the implications of the data and assist them by recommending actions based on the results of the data. In some cases, data analysts may help design tests or assessments.
Data analysts are tops in their profession at scrutinizing information, coming to conclusions from that information, and providing guidance to solve problems or improve situations. In business, data analysts comb through data to improve their company's bottom line. In medicine, data analysts review patient information over a certain time frame to determine the success/failure rate of medical treatments. In science, they work with scientists to analyze atmospheric changes to help determine future weather event probabilities. A degree from an accredited school is the starting point to becoming a data analyst.
Data collection and presentation form the primary job responsibility of data analysts. They work in different organizational settings, assisting the organization with data for internal decision-making or for client service. Research capabilities and working knowledge of data management technologies are important. Individuals who find problem-solving challenging and feel excited about constant learning may find a career as a data analyst fulfilling.
At the professional level, research by academic or private research organizations can include sprawling data sets with thousands of entries. To turn this expanse of raw data into specific conclusions, these organizations employ data analysts who are trained to use a number of techniques to analyze raw data and communicate that to employers and clients.
Whether you call them forensic computer examiners, analysts or investigators, the field of forensic computer science is expected to grow rapidly, faster than the average for the decade of 2008-2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The proliferation of crime on the Internet, increased Internet usage in general and the widespread use of computers for personal business means there will be a need for individuals to analyze data left on the hard drives of computers.
Those who are great problems solvers and enjoy monitoring computer networks may enjoy a career as a network systems and data communications analyst. Analysts evaluate and interpret network system data but are also efficient in testing hardware and software. Many companies require analysts to review training manuals ensuring computer systems meet company requirements. Analysts must meet certain job requirements that vary according to each company. Job opportunities for analysts are expected to be favorable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those in this field are expected to see a growth of 53 percent from 2010 to 2018.
Geography is the study of the earth's surface and humans' connection to it. Geography includes topography, climate and maps--any data necessary to understand the impact of the land on humans and of humans on the land. Environmental geography usually focuses on the effects of pollution on both humans and land. This can include water pollution, air pollution and wasted space. Environmental geographers can acquire jobs like environmental scientist or geographic information system (GIS) analyst with a bachelor's degree, but will need a master's degree or doctorate to work in a community college or university as a professor.
Computer forensics investigators search for evidence on computers or in digital media that can help with criminal cases in a court of law. They can be used on a business scale to find encrypted emails or accounting errors. Education in this field can lead you to working with CIA, FBI or local law enforcement. Either way, this is a rewarding and fulfilling career path that requires computer knowledge.
Data entry analysts manually enter text or numerical data into databases, spreadsheets or word processing programs. Professionals in this occupation may also use automated software programs to upload digital data files. Professionals in this occupation may work with client contact data, financial records, sales information or patient medical records.
Medical Data Analysts are also known as medical records and health information technicians by various sources; furthermore, this is an entry-level position that depends heavily on continuing education to remain in the field. To enter into this field it is highly recommended that the applicant have at least two years of college or have underwent advanced science, math and health classes at the high school level.
Crunching numbers, evaluating data and manipulating data to receive desired results are the daily tasks of data analysts. Many types of businesses and organizations use the information data analysts provide to more effectively run their operations by comparing past performance, current trends and projections. Data analysts have many job opportunities because they are employed in industries that use research.
The need for accuracy within the medical field extends beyond the walls of an institution that provides health care services. Medical data analysts provide companies with statistical data that serves as a source of information that can potentially impact health care strategies or medical research. Collected medical data may also be used to assist in diagnosing health conditions.
Medical facilities work with increasingly larger amounts of health information. This information is not always in a form that can be processed quickly by health-care workers, so it must be translated into an easily processed report. These reports are produced by health information technicians known as health data analysts, who use their knowledge of health care and information technology to create coherent health documents.
Clinical data analysts work to help a research team accurately and appropriately capture and record data for scientific study and validation, according to Biohealthmatics.com. These professionals ensure that experiments or protocols are completed consistently and that there is verifiable scientific data to back the research. Clinical data analysts must meet several skills and education requirements to do their jobs effectively.
Data quality analysts help organizations maintain high-quality data. They are responsible for defining rules to evaluate data quality and creating test plans that work. Employment of computer systems analysts such as data quality analysts was projected to increase 20 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Senior data quality analysts in 2010 earned between $48,000 and $72,000, according to PayScale.com.
Data analysts play an important role in the development and maintenance of information technology (IT). Information technology allows institutions to more effectively transfer data between each other, which can inform decision-making processes. Information technology also allows companies to communicate more effectively with their customers, which allows their customers to be better served.
A statistical data analyst is responsible for designing and implementing mathematical models for real-world applications. Their work can range from predicting and preventing fraud to designing software.
An administrative data analyst is responsible for designing, monitoring and modifying administrative databases. These types of roles are largely seen in the area of health care and educational institutions.
A data analyst uses information they collect to advise companies on decisions and improve business strategies. By using statistics and logical reasoning, a data analyst is able to quantify information gathered on a certain subject and relay that information to companies.
A data communications analyst is one of the most needed positions in the information technology field. The analyst is hired by a business to maintain and troubleshoot the data system utilized by the company. A data communication analyst has job security while also earning a nice paycheck.
