what is an analyst?
As an analyst, you gather and interpret data. You identify trends to decide what steps a business needs to take to maximise profits. Analysts typically evaluate different topics to provide feedback to their clients or employer. You can work for public and private companies, investment banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.
Analysts in businesses examine and study systems, processes and operations and oversee technology integration. These professionals also look at how organisations generate revenue. They help make decisions by gathering and interpreting data, allowing companies to predict future events accurately. Therefore, your job requires you to stay on top of market or industry trends and new regulations.
As an analyst, you need to be confident using spreadsheets and working with numbers to guarantee accuracy. Communicating your ideas precisely to your peers, clients, and superiors is essential to save time and improve efficiency. Attention to detail is crucial because a minor error or miscalculation can strongly impact anything, from stock prices to corporate strategies.
view opportunitiesaverage analyst salary
The average salary of an analyst is $90,000 - $144,000 per year. The role attracts a remuneration package of $80,000 annually at entry-level positions. With experience, your earnings can rise to $144,000 per year due to the value you bring to the company. The remuneration package for analysts usually fluctuates depending on the specialisation.
how to increase your analyst salary
You can boost your salary prospects as an analyst by improving your qualifications and skills. When you have postgraduate qualifications and certifications, you are likely to earn more. The professional skills you bring also help to enhance your remunerations. Most employers are willing to pay higher salaries for hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest analytical tools.
Your area of specialisation affects your salary prospects. For instance, working in business or financial analysis guarantees higher remuneration than working as a data analyst. The location also influences the remuneration package of analysts. If you work in metro areas or large cities, the demand for analysts and the cost of living raise your salary prospects.
types of analysts
Some types of analysts include:
- business analyst: as a business analyst, your focus is on generating reports and key performance indicator metrics. You report directly to directors and managers. Business analysts also meet with clients to discover problems and develop solutions.
- research analyst: as a research analyst, you create investigative reports on assets or securities for a client or for in-house use. Research analysts have a high level of accuracy and the ability to recognise trends and patterns.
- financial analyst: as a finance analyst, you review monetary and economic analyses for internal or external clients. You offer insight and guidance to individuals or organisations making investment decisions.
- marketing analyst: marketing analysts monitor and improve marketing efforts using different tools. They often work for PR firms and communications groups.
- support analyst: as a support analyst, you work in customer service operations and often oversee the development of refund policies, support help centres and deliver product feedback.
working as an analyst
Working as an analyst involves gathering and evaluating data and interpreting the results into helpful information companies can use to make decisions. Let's explore the duties of an analyst.
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analyst job description
Some of the tasks of an analyst include:
- developing data collection instruments: as an analyst, you use data collection instruments to gather data and analyse information. Before you collect data, you must develop the instruments you will need for your job to ensure they can generate quality data.
- collecting and analysing data: your primary role as an analyst is to gather data from different sources. You summarise the information and develop a method of interpreting the results. For instance, you can get useful information from the company's records and computer systems. When you have the information, you can use statistical software to interpret the data.
- writing reports: after data analysis and interpretation, you generate statistical and analytical reports. You document the research process, from data collection methods to analysis and interpretation. Some analysts also participate in proposal writing.
- explaining statistical results: as an analyst, you present your research progress to the relevant stakeholders. When you conclude the research, you explain its significance with particular attention to patterns and trends. You make recommendations for process improvements and system modifications based on your research results.
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work environment
Analysts work in the public and private sectors, usually in indoor settings. They often work alongside other professionals in shared office spaces.
Some companies do not offer a travelling role to analysts, but others may require you to travel when working with clients at home or overseas. Travelling may be necessary to engage with clients directly, especially if you are a business analyst.
Financial analysts don't travel much because they can consult directly with the appropriate network. Travelling to and from the office during the working week is most common. Some organisations have multiple locations that the analyst may be required to visit throughout the year; this is typical of large companies.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include business analysts, accountants and information systems analysts. You might also be working in close proximity to account managers, project managers, finance managers, marketing coordinators and marketing managers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, operations managers, business analysts, data analysts and analytics specialists.
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work schedule
Analysts typically work 40 hours each week, but you will occasionally work overtime. It's not uncommon for analysts to work eight to 10 hours each day. Your current projects influence your time in the office, especially when preparing for upcoming deadlines or presentations.
On a day-to-day basis, an analyst collects, interprets and uses complex data to create a plan of action and determine what steps to take to optimise results. They may spend their time looking at trends and areas for improvement.
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job outlook
You will have a successful career if you enjoy analysing data and information. You can become a data scientist by improving your skills and experience levels. The role requires you to use advanced techniques to provide insights and build models that predict future trends. Some analysts specialise in various subject areas like medicine, business or finance.
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advantages of finding an analyst job through randstad
Finding your analyst job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an analyst is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
analyst education and skills
You need the following qualification to be an analyst:
- bachelor's degree: acquiring a bachelor's degree is the first step into the analyst role. You can pursue any bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Most employers prefer employees with a degree in business analytics, information technology or financial information systems. You can pursue business administration if you wish to specialise in a business analyst role. You should also consider completing a master's in information systems, business analytics or data analytics.
- work experience: you need extensive experience in the field to land a job as an analyst. Consider interning as you study to improve your skills and gain some work experience. If you want to be a business analyst, entry-level roles in data analysis will familiarise you with the relevant technical requirements.
analyst skills and competencies
Some qualities of an analyst include:
- creative thinking skills: as an analyst, you need to develop great ideas and strategies. Creative thinking helps you choose one approach to many problems and generate innovative ideas. It is useful when updating existing concepts since you can develop inspiring ideas.
- analytical skills and inclusive skills such as: mathematics, knowledge of Tableau, financial modelling, python programming
- knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Powerpoint & Power Business Intelligence. These are non-negotiables for most companies as a lot of them use Microsoft.
- communication skills: as an analyst, you must interact with clients when making presentations. You need communication skills to relate to your audience and ensure you communicate in terms that all stakeholders can understand. Written communications skills are useful in report writing and preparing visual presentations.
- problem-solving skills: you need exceptional problem-solving techniques to deal with complex issues. Your problem-solving skills will help you identify problems faster and determine possible solutions before they escalate or cause losses to the business.
- technical skills: you need to be comfortable using statistical methods and tools. You should be familiar with IT forecasting tools and ways to use them for data analysis.
- decision-making skills: as an analyst, you are in charge of determining the analytical tools and statistical methods to use in the analysis. Decision-making skills will help you make critical decisions fast and select effective analytical tools.
FAQs about working as an analyst
Here are the most asked questions about working as an analyst:
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how much do analysts make in New Zealand?
An analyst makes an average of $90,000 annually, but the amount can be as high as $144,000 depending on your qualifications. The remuneration package varies depending on the area of specialisation. For instance, data analysts earn an average salary of $90,000 annually, while experienced business analysts earn about $144,000 yearly.
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what does an analyst do?
As an analyst, you collect and analyse data. You use complex analytical tools to evaluate the data, interpret it, and present it as information businesses can use to optimise processes. You also study market trends and forecast them.
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how do I become an analyst in New Zealand?
Becoming an analyst in New Zealand requires a combination of work experience and educational qualifications. For instance, you must complete a bachelor's degree in business analytics or information technology. You also need certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis.
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is a business analyst a good career?
Becoming a business analyst is an exciting career with a good remuneration package and plenty of opportunities. You also assist businesses to grow and achieve various milestones, increasing your job satisfaction.
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what skills does an analyst need?
You need to combine your educational qualifications with soft skills to be a successful analyst. For instance, you should be decisive, insightful, and a good problem solver.
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how do I apply for an analyst vacancy?
Applying for an analyst job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our analyst job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.