Multiple Businesses Seeking Data Specialists for Employment
Data analysts are essential assets in today's digital-driven world, with their skills highly sought after by a diverse range of companies. From fintech to media, and e-commerce to healthcare, data analysts play a crucial role in turning raw data into actionable business insights.
Essential Skills for Data Analysts
To excel as a data analyst, one must possess a combination of technical skills, analytical knowledge, and proficiency with specific tools. These skills enable data analysts to extract, manipulate, analyze, visualize, and communicate data insights effectively.
Data Manipulation and Querying
A fundamental skill for data analysts is the ability to manipulate and query data effectively. SQL (Structured Query Language) is essential across industries for querying databases and performing complex joins and transformations. Microsoft Excel remains a fundamental tool for organizing, reporting, and conducting intermediate analyses, favoured for its accessibility and features like PivotTables and VLOOKUP.
Programming Languages
Data analysts also need to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. Python is widely used for data analysis due to its versatility and extensive libraries, such as pandas, NumPy, and matplotlib, which support data cleaning, exploration, visualization, and even machine learning. R and environments like RStudio are also common, especially for statistical analysis, data visualization, and advanced analytics.
Data Visualization and Business Intelligence Tools
Tools like Tableau and Power BI are popular for creating interactive dashboards and visual reports, enabling analysts to communicate insights to business stakeholders without extensive programming. Other visualization tools like Qlik and Google Analytics may also be relevant depending on the company and sector.
Mathematics and Statistical Knowledge
A foundational understanding in statistics, probability, linear algebra, and data cleaning techniques like handling missing values, removing duplicates, and outlier detection are crucial for reliable analysis and predictive modeling.
Version Control and Collaboration
Knowledge of Git for version control supports collaborative data projects and ensures reproducibility.
Additional Tools and Concepts
Some roles may require familiarity with big data processing tools like Apache Spark or platforms like Alteryx or KNIME for advanced workflows. Experience with cloud platforms, machine learning libraries, or domain-specific software might be needed depending on the company's industry and technical stack.
Companies Hiring Data Analysts
Data analysts are in demand across numerous companies. Here are some examples:
- Kikoff, a fintech platform that helps people build or improve their credit scores, is hiring data analysts in San Francisco.
- Caterpillar, a company that builds heavy industrial components, machines, and engines, also uses IoT and machine learning in its tech arm, Cat Digital.
- Leidos is an IT, cybersecurity, and engineering company that serves various sectors, including health, civil, national security, commercial, digital modernization, and defense systems.
- Jabra Hearing produces over-the-counter medical-grade hearing enhancements and hearing aids and hires data analysts with experience in SQL queries.
- Gradient AI builds AI-powered technology for the insurance industry.
- Squarespace has a platform that helps people design and develop professional websites.
- DraftKings develops real-money games and betting experiences designed to excite sports fans in areas like daily fantasy, regulated gaming, and digital media.
- InterSystems is a data management software firm that develops SaaS products for the healthcare, financial services, and logistics industries.
- Snyk helps developers move fast and stay secure by detecting and addressing vulnerabilities in both code and cloud infrastructure.
- Navan offers a software platform that simplifies corporate travel and expense management across various industries.
- PureSpectrum is a marketing research firm that offers an insights platform and end-to-end market research, using tools that deliver data nearly in real time.
- NBCUniversal is a global media and entertainment company offering streaming platforms, news networks, movie studios, theme parks, and advanced TV advertising solutions.
- Capco is a management and tech consultancy with a focus on financial services, and is hiring for almost 100 data-related positions, many of which are data analysts.
- Tapestry is the holding company for luxury brands Kate Spade New York and Coach, and enhances its brands' e-commerce sites with digital tools and features.
- The Kraft Heinz Company uses advanced data technology and a neural network to support the manufacturing, processing, and marketing of its products.
- UL Solutions provides businesses around the world with services and software products that help them make their operations more secure and sustainable.
- SRAM, LLC makes bike components and bicycle tech, and has headquarters in downtown Chicago.
- ServiceNow makes a cloud-based solution to help enterprise clients cohere everything from tech, employees, and creators to customer interactions to eliminate redundancy, increase reliance on automation, and improve coherence across processes.
- Adyen is a fintech platform that provides end-to-end payment capabilities, data insights, and financial products to companies worldwide.
- Cloudflare offers solutions to support cybersecurity and performance for networks and applications through its cloud connectivity platform.
Other companies hiring data analysts include SeatGeek, MetLife, ReUp Education, Chime, Genius Sports, Magna International, HoneyBook, Personio, Stripe, Dropbox, Mondelez International, PatientPoint, Chewy, Maxar Technologies, Asana, Comcast Advertising, SciPlay, TurboTenant, Upstart, Spectrum, Runpod, Gusto, GHX, Fora Travel, JumpCloud, and Hi Marley.
Certifications in these tools and skills (e.g., Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate) are often valued, demonstrating validated proficiency in SQL, data visualization, R, and data cleaning practices.
Job Openings for Data Analysts
Several companies are currently hiring data analysts. For example:
- Fora Travel, a tech platform for personalized travel planning with the help of travel advisors, is hiring for a Data Analyst in New York City.
- Hi Marley offers text-based communications tools that streamline the connection between customers and insurance professionals.
- JumpCloud makes a platform equipped with identity, device, and access management solutions, and is hiring for its data analytics team.
With the increasing demand for data analysts, opportunities abound for individuals with the right skills and passion for data.
To effectively contribute to technology-driven industries like fintech, media, e-commerce, and healthcare, data analysts need to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their skillset, allowing them to automate data-driven decision making and forecasting, enhancing their overall value.
To secure positions in cybersecurity, data-and-cloud-computing, and technology companies, data analysts should consider learning essential AI technologies such as machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics techniques, which are increasingly being employed to protect networks, manage cloud infrastructure, and optimize system performance. With this expanded skillset, data analysts can bolster their resumes and increase their likelihood of employment in the fast-paced, technologically-advanced modern world.
