Analyst

An analyst collects and evaluates data to provide insights that drive decision-making and improve strategies.

On this profession page, you will learn:

Who is analyst

An analyst plays an important role in the world of data and information. Every day, they analyze various data, turning it into understandable information. Using numerous tools and methods, the analyst examines existing data, searching for patterns and trends that may impact decision-making.It all begins with data collection. The analyst carefully selects the necessary information from different sources, such as databases, surveys, and reports. After that, they clean the data, removing errors and unnecessary elements to obtain the most accurate information.Next, the analyst moves on to data processing. Here, they apply statistical methods and various algorithms to find important relationships. For example, an analyst may discover how changes in prices affect the demand for certain products. This allows companies to better adapt their strategies.After thorough analysis, the analyst creates reports and presentations to communicate the results of their work to colleagues and management. They use graphs, tables, and other visual elements to make the information accessible and understandable. In doing so, the analyst helps teams make informed decisions.Communication is another important component of the analyst's job. They often collaborate with other specialists to understand their needs and goals. Through this communication, the analyst better formulates the questions to be explored and focuses on the aspects that are most critical for the team.Thus, the analyst creates value for organizations every day by transforming complex data into understandable and useful conclusions. Their work requires analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate results.

AI impact on analyst

Medium risk

AI replacement risk

50%

Data cleaning, calculation and forecasting, and preparation of routine reports and KPI dashboards will shift to automated pipelines and generative analytics. Interpretation of trends, scenario design, and recommendations for process improvement will remain human-led because they require system thinking and coordination with business and IT teams. The role transitions from producing standardized analyses to validating model outputs, translating insights into cross-team actions, and owning risk management for strategic decisions.

Tasks at risk of automation

Data cleaning and calculation
Routine KPI monitoring and report generation
Basic predictive model fitting

Tasks that will remain human

Trend interpretation and scenario design
Cross-team collaboration and recommendations
Risk management and strategic validation

Key skills of analyst

analytical thinking system thinking calculation and forecasting data analysis and mathematical modeling project management risk management collaboration and productivity software data mining coordination and time management attention to detail

Work schedule and conditions

An analyst typically works 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The days off are Saturday and Sunday. The analyst's work can be either in an office or remote, depending on the nature of the job and the company's policy. Some employers offer flexible schedules, allowing analysts to work from home several days a week. This profession may require an irregular work schedule, especially when urgent projects need to be completed or unexpected issues arise. Analysts often work overtime to meet project deadlines or solve complex problems. The work can be stressful, requiring high concentration and attention to detail. An analyst must be ready for continuous learning, as technologies and analysis methods are constantly evolving.

What a analyst does

Data Analysis
Identification of Trends and Patterns
Development of Predictive Models and Scenarios
Preparation of Reports and Presentations of Analysis Results
Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Collaboration with Data, IT, and Business Teams
Recommendations for Process Improvement and Decision Making

Benefits of the analyst profession

Interesting work

Influence on decisions

Professional development

Disadvantages of the analyst profession

Routine

Work can be monotonous, with repetitive tasks.

Excessive information

The need to work with large volumes of data, which can be challenging.

Technical problems

Dependency on software and technical tools that can fail.

How to become a analyst

In the UK you usually become an analyst by mastering the tools and practising, rather than through long study. The fastest route is a data-analytics course (SQL, Excel, Power BI or Tableau, some Python) plus a portfolio of real cases and an internship. A degree in economics, statistics or computer science is an advantage but not essential, and no licence is required.

1. University degree

A degree in economics, statistics, computer science or information systems gives a solid theoretical base in maths, statistics and modelling. It's useful for complex and senior analytical roles, but it's the longest route and not required to get started.

2. Professional certificate courses

Industry-recognised credentials such as the Google Data Analytics Certificate, Microsoft PL-300 (Power BI) or the IBM Data Analyst certificate can be earned in three to six months. They teach SQL, dashboards and Python basics and are highly valued, especially for career changers.

3. Internship

Employers in finance, retail and tech actively recruit junior data and business analysts as interns; international schemes like AIESEC are another option. The work — SQL queries, dashboards and report writing — gives real experience and often leads to a full-time offer.

4. Self-study

SQL, Excel, Python (pandas) and a visualisation tool (Power BI or Tableau) can all be learned independently through free resources. Building a portfolio of personal analysis projects on real datasets is what demonstrates readiness to employers.

Start by learning Excel, SQL and a visualisation tool (Power BI or Tableau), then build a portfolio of a few analysis projects. Certificate courses and internships give a quick start, while a degree is more useful for moving into senior analyst roles. No licence is needed to work as an analyst.