Data analyst
Companies need a Data Analyst to transform raw data into actionable information to help them make informed decisions.
Often attached to the Information Systems Department (ISD), the Data Analyst gathers, processes and analyses data from customer relationship management (CRM) systems, product performance data and information about competitors.
Using their skills in statistics and database manipulation, they transform information into actionable insights. Their detailed analyses help to improve performance and refine strategies, particularly in marketing and business development. Their cross-functional role involves working with the marketing, finance and sales departments.
Data analysts master statistical techniques and data mining tools such as SAS, SPSS and VBA. They have programming skills (Python, R and C++ languages). You will have expertise in SQL and NoSQL database management. They are able to use data visualisation tools such as Tableau, QlikView and PowerBI to present results to colleagues.
This data professional uses data analysis platforms (Dataiku) and is at ease with Unix and Windows operating systems. Their knowledge of the Hadoop environment enables them to process large datasets. Fluency in English is a plus.
Data Analysts are passionate about figures and statistics. They are comfortable presenting numerical analyses to their colleagues. Thanks to their excellent interpersonal skills and ability to listen, they understand their colleagues' needs and adapt their recommendations accordingly. Their analytical and synthesising skills, combined with their rigour and organisation, enable them to manage data with precision. They are inquisitive by nature, always on the lookout for new information and ways to improve analysis processes.
Data analysts have a 5-year higher education qualification (Bac +5) from a university or Grandes Ecoles, with a focus on mathematics, statistics, IT, econometrics or marketing. Graduates from engineering schools specialising in statistics or big data, as well as Masters degrees in statistics and business intelligence, are in demand.
Although this job can be filled by people with 3 years of higher education, the job market tends to favour people with a Master 2, MBA, or a degree from a business or engineering school. If you want to progress as a Data Scientist, it is advisable to complement these courses with training in marketing and customer relationship management.
As the amount of strategic data to be analysed increases, a Data Analyst may move into more specialised positions such as Lead Data Analyst or Data Scientist, or into more strategic and management-oriented roles such as Data Manager or Chief Data Officer.
With several years' experience, and depending on their career aspirations, they may also move into positions of responsibility such as Data Engineer or Financial Analyst. These positions enable them to move from an observer and analyst role to a more central, decision-making role, where they can influence the company's investment strategies and major orientations.