Data Analyst; IT Focus

Data Analyst (IT Focus)

A Data Analyst (IT Focus) works with digital information and technology systems to gather, process, and interpret data. Their main goal is to help organisations make informed decisions by identifying trends, patterns, and insights from large sets of data. This involves using specialised software, writing code to clean and analyse data, and creating reports or visualisations to communicate findings. Data analysts often work alongside IT teams, business managers, and other stakeholders, playing a key role in business intelligence and strategy.

Strong skills in mathematics, logical thinking, and computer programming are important for this role, as is attention to detail.

• Collect, organise, and clean large volumes of data from various sources.
• Analyse data using statistical, programming, and BI tools to uncover insights.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and visualisations that communicate findings to business stakeholders.
• Collaborate with IT teams, business managers, and other stakeholders to identify data needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security throughout the analysis life‑cycle.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (maths, statistics).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data cleaning and analysis.
• Experience with SQL and relational database concepts.
• Familiarity with data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex data in clear, engaging formats.
• Attention to detail and a thorough approach to data handling.
• Academic background in maths, statistics, computer science, data science, or a related field is preferred.

You can prepare for this role through a combination of formal education and practical experience:

• Complete a university degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, or related subjects.
• Gain practical experience via internships, apprenticeships, or work placements with IT or business intelligence teams.
• Develop proficiency in SQL, Python, and data visualisation tools through courses, certifications, or personal projects.
• Build a portfolio of data analysis projects that demonstrate problem‑solving and storytelling with data.
• Apply for entry‑level data analyst positions in IT, finance, or technology sectors.

A Data Analyst (IT Focus) primarily processes and interprets data to support organisational decision‑making, which aligns closely with the responsibilities of a Business Analyst. Both roles focus on analysing data to improve business processes and outcomes, although a Business Analyst often takes a broader perspective on business needs and solutions.

The average salary for a Data Analyst in the UK is between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.