Today, data is everything – from the apps on our phones to the latest car model, data has the power to shape organisations and the way we move into the future. But with data comes analysis.
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To find trends or patterns and highlight opportunities in the industry, we look towards the people behind the data.
That's where data enthusiasts come in, from data analysts, to AI engineers there's a role for everyone.
For those searching for their next career move in data, advanced study options like UNSW’s Master of Analytics online course, offers a pathway into a range of roles within the rapidly growing industry.
Today, we’ve highlighted 8 of the most highly sought after careers for data enthusiasts to drive impact from information. If you have a passion for using raw data to harbour meaningful results, then prepare to find your dream role below.
1. Data Scientist
Data scientists work with large, complex sets of data, uncovering insights that drive strategy and innovation. Using machine learning, data visualisation and statistical analysis, these professionals can identify patterns in the data, predicting future outcomes and communicating findings to stakeholders.
The unique technical skillsets boasted by data scientists generally allows them to build predictive models and machine learning algorithms to drive impact within their field. This makes data science roles suitable for those interested in analytics, statistics and coding. A degree in computer or data science will provide great opportunities to thrive within Australia’s burgeoning data sector, with experience in real-world data projects offering you a significant advantage.
2. Data Analyst
Data analyst roles are a great first step into the world of data, and suits those who enjoy working with numbers across various scopes and contexts. These roles are often centred around collecting and interpreting data, highlighting trends and analysing performance.
Data analysts often create detailed reports with findings and recommendations, using analysis tools and databases. This helps organisations make informed decisions and allows stakeholders to see how performance compares across both short and long term goals. With data-driven decision-making becoming a foundation of business development and strategising in the digital age, the role of data analysts at all levels is becoming crucial, making this career pathway not only highly lucrative, but also arguably futureproof.
3. Analytics Consultant
Analytics consultants generally take on a more varied role, oftentimes working directly within their client’s business to establish data analytics processes.
Applying certain frameworks, consultants must analyse and provide insights into data for stakeholders. These insights can then be used to achieve business goals and objectives relating to anything from sales to compliance.
Being a third party service provider integrated into a pre-existing team, analytics consultants typically require a strong level of communication and the ability to think quickly, on top of having exceptional analysis and problem solving skills.
Data presentation skills are also ideal, and can help consultants compel stakeholders and business leaders to take action on their findings.
4. Marketing Analyst
For those with a flair for creativity as well as a good eye for puzzling and pattern recognition, a role in marketing analytics may be an ideal fit for you.
This role will see you evaluating campaign performance and market trends to enhance targeting and results. Analysing engagement and available data, analysts can help refine the organisation's marketing strategy, directly influencing growth and customer experience.
In short, this role is the perfect example of turning information into impact, analysing what a brand has done well with regards to their messaging, and what they can do to grow even further.
Again, strong data presentation skills are a must in this role, but given the creative muscles of these professionals, putting together a killer presentation or report is very often second nature.
5. AI Engineer
Over the past 5 years, AI has become a staple of virtually every global industry, taking over social media, powering websites, driving cars, and even business automation robots reducing the workload in busy corporations.
Now, we’ve reached a new milestone in AI adoption, which is an investment into proprietary AI systems (i.e. bespoke AI tools that are custom-made by an organisation to support their internal operations).
Whilst virtually anybody can build an AI system using cloud development platforms, this feat is easiest achieved by dedicated and trained AI engineers. AI engineers have the power to develop intelligent AI systems capable of harbouring information and supporting organisations in making data-driven decisions.
If you're interested in technology and admire the work of AI engineers, there are a range of courses now available across universities and online institutes to get you started.
These courses will typically allow you the opportunity to build custom AI systems of various scopes and sizes to see first-hand the sheer versatility of AI engineering as a discipline.
6. Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysis is another career for data enthusiasts and spans many different responsibilities and applications, from developing advanced mathematical models to investment strategies and risk assessments.
Quantitative analysts are big on mathematics and driving impact through development and creation.
To excel in these roles, you'll need to have a strong background in mathematics and/or finance or have studied a degree in data science.
Career progression is often directly tied to the development of your portfolio, and your capacity to demonstrate key insights and outcomes from other projects.
7. Data Engineer
Data engineers are responsible for designing and developing the infrastructure needed to collect and process datasets. They effectively prepare the data for analysis by the responsible scientists and analysts.
Much like AI engineering, this role can be demanding and requires more enhanced skills and experience within not only big data but also cloud computing.
As more organisations are keen to invest in data servers for sustainably housing historical data, data engineers can expect to work with ever-expanding databases which require consistent updates to accommodate data expansions as well as security patches.
8. Big Data Analyst
A big data analyst or specialist manages large amounts of data, allowing it to be effectively processed and analysed for review.
The role works with cloud computing technologies and it is recommended that you have experience with cloud-based data processing or have worked on large-scale data projects.
Unlike standard data analysts, analysts specialising in ‘big data’ often take on roles in larger transnational corporations or even at market research agencies, where analyses are carried out across whole systems within national or even global markets and industries.
Take Your First Steps into the World of Data with Confidence
As the world of data continues to rapidly grow, online programs and advanced qualifications can provide you with real hands-on experience, gaining knowledge in relevant methods and practices.
For data enthusiasts this can be crucial in shaping your career in data. A career in data can offer stability and opportunities to take information and drive impact.
Those with the required skills and education have the opportunity to lead the way in future breakthroughs within the data and technology industry, taking action on opportunity.