Analyst

Job Description

The role of an Analyst is versatile and can vary significantly based on the industry and company they are employed in.  Broadly speaking, an Analyst is tasked with reviewing and analysing data or information pertaining to a particular area or subject. This involves conducting comprehensive market research within specific industry segments to identify trends in various aspects such as pricing, customer behavior, competitor strategies, and economic indicators. By delving deep into these datasets, Analysts provide invaluable insights that enable companies to make informed decisions and strategic adjustments to their business operations.

In addition to market research, Analysts often engage in financial analysis, examining financial statements, performance metrics, and economic forecasts to assess the financial health and viability of a company or investment opportunity. This includes evaluating factors such as revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and return on investment.  Furthermore, Analysts may specialise in different areas such as investment analysis, risk management, financial analysis or business intelligence, each requiring a unique set of skills and expertise. For instance, an Investment Analyst may focus on evaluating securities and investment opportunities, while a Business Intelligence Analyst may concentrate on leveraging data to optimise business processes and drive decision-making.  Overall, the role of an Analyst is dynamic and multifaceted, demanding strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex data to provide actionable insights that drive business success.

Qualifications

You will need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

Employers usually do not require a specific field of study for analyst roles. Depending on the type of requirement, a background in IT, finance or marketing might be required.

Depending on your chosen industry you may need to complete a degree in information technology, information systems or computer science.

Attributes

  • Analytical
  • Articulate
  • Communicator
  • Detail Oriented
  • Flexible
  • Independent
  • Innovative
  • Open-minded
  • Problem Solving
  • Reliable
  • Responsible
  • Thorough

Key Skills

  • Consulting
  • Development
  • Implementation
  • Systems Solutions
  • Business Process
  • Information Systems
  • Design
  • Finance
  • Willing to continually update personal IT skills and knowledge

Future Prospects

You may like to think about moving on from this career, some transferable skills can be utilised in roles such as;