Think a career in data could be for you, but unsure where to start? Our Data & Technology Recruitment Consultant Alice Moore shares her experience from her time working in the industry and her knowledge of the sector’s job market to help you secure the job of your dreams!
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, data has become a driving force behind almost every industry. As a result, data-related jobs have become some of the most sought-after positions in the job market. If you are interested in pursuing a career in data, here are some tips to help you get started:
Before diving into anything too complex, it is important to understand the basics of data analysis. This includes statistics, programming languages such as SQL, and data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. But remember, the foundations are key, become an expert at Excel and that will give you a solid base to work from!
Data careers can vary widely depending on the industry and type of work you want to do. Some common areas include business intelligence, data engineering, data science, and data analytics. Consider what interests you most and what kind of work you can see yourself doing long-term. The skill set between even different analytical positions can be varying, a Business Analyst role requires a very different skill set from a Data Analyst – it’s important to find your niche and build on your interests.
Beyond learning the basics, consider taking courses or earning certifications in your area of focus. There are numerous online courses, bootcamps, and college programs available that can help you gain more specialised knowledge and skills. You can find some great examples from our previous blog on how to get started in analytics.
Employers are always looking for candidates with hands-on experience. Consider volunteering for data-related projects or seek out internships or entry-level roles to gain valuable experience. Even taking on data tasks for non-data related fields can be key - running your teams KPI excel, for example, or even tracking revenue.
Building connections with other professionals in the data industry can give you access to job opportunities and valuable insights into the field. Attend conferences or meetups (such as Technically Speaking which is run by our Data & Tech Recruitment Director Leif Radford), join online communities, and connect with people on LinkedIn to expand your network. You never know who you are going to meet.
I got into data myself through Pricing. My first role in the field was as a Pricing Assistant for a logistics company, and that led me on to becoming a pricing analyst then an operations analyst for a big retail company. You never know where it is going to take you! Embrace any opportunities that come your way, and seek out chances to connect with your peers.
Overall, breaking into a data career requires hard work and dedication. However, with the right skillset and networking efforts, you can set yourself up for success in this exciting and rapidly growing field.
Thank you Alice! If you want to speak to our team about a career in data, or about growing your tech team, get in touch with us today!
Take a look at all of our opportunities in Technology and Analytics! You can also read our latest blogs on industry news and advice.
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