How Can I Become a Data and Reporting Analyst?
Explore the career requirements for data and reporting analysts. Get the facts about job duties, education requirements, key skills, and the job outlook to determine if this is the right field for you.
What Is a Data and Reporting Analyst?
The basic responsibility of a data and reporting analyst is the collection and reporting of data for a commercial or government organization. They are also responsible for making sure the data that goes into databases is entered correctly and calculations are correct. They may also be responsible for the maintenance and security of the database, as well as training other employees who work with it. Take a look at the following chart for an overview on how to enter this field.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's Degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Computer Science</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Business management, project management, extensive knowledge of software programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 8% (for database administrators)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $59,846**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com. </i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesADataAndReportingAnalystDo">What Does a Data and Reporting Analyst Do?</h3><p>The primary task of a data and reporting analyst is to extract information from various sources to help a business or organization make informed decisions. A data and reporting analyst typically develops and maintains computer databases, spreadsheets and tools used for data analysis. This is a job that requires accuracy. Although data and reporting analysts work in a wide variety of industries, the function of the position is essentially similar from industry to industry. Information technology (IT), finance and government are just a few of the areas in which you can work as a data and reporting analyst.
</p><h3 id="section---CompleteAnEducationProgram">Complete an Education Program</h3><p>Although no specific major applies to aspiring data and reporting analysts, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the field. A common choice is a bachelor's degree program in computer science. To enroll in this type of program, you'll need a high school diploma or a GED. Upon graduation, you also might consider going on to earn a master's degree in a computer- or business-related discipline. You may also choose to seek certification as a data and reporting analyst in various specific fields, such as finance or IT.
</p><h3 id="section---DevelopYourSkills">Develop Your Skills</h3><p>First and foremost, you'll need to be highly organized, adaptable and understanding of business and project management. The way in which data collection is done varies from company to company, and you'll often be required to master new tools. You'll need to be able to work a number of software programs including, but not limited to, SQL, WinSQL, Oracle, Microsoft Excel, Access, Project, PowerPoint and Work. For the preparation of worksheets, lists, tables, documents and briefings, you'll usually need to be familiar with Visio as well.
</p><h3 id="section---LookForAJob">Look for a Job</h3><p>A wide variety of industries require the collection and presentation of information. For this reason, you might find employment opportunities in businesses, non-profit agencies and government organizations. You'll most often seek an entry-level position at first, since senior and administrative positions typically require several years of experience.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Computer and information systems managers are in charge of setting the information technology goals of a company and implementing systems to meet those goals. They are also responsible for organizing and overseeing the computer information related activities of company. Individuals who work in this career need to have a bachelor's degree in a computer information related field. Computer network architects design the computer networks used by companies to store information and manage communications. They are skilled at creating local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), as well as manage internet connections. These professionals have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field.</p>