Data analysts across the globe have become more valuable due to today’s unprecedented growth in data output. It is estimated that there are thousands of job openings for data analysts and administrators in Canada alone. Clearly, this profession is appealing and important. However, to become a data analyst in Canada, some abilities need to be developed, and several steps need to be taken. An in-depth description of what it means to be a data analyst will be provided in this article, along with a list of skills and benefits.
Data analyst – What is it?
Analyzing data is a job that requires the collection, preparation, and analysis of lots of information. Data is used and gathered by all types of businesses and industries. Customer reviews, bookkeeping, marketing research, and other types of data can be collected in a variety of formats. Hence, data analysts are responsible for managing, modeling, and reporting data.
Data analyst responsibilities
An expert known as a data analyst collects, processes, and analyzes massive datasets. Across all industries and businesses, data is collected and used. A few examples of data sources include feedback from customers, accounting, marketing research, and others. It is the responsibility of a data analyst to manage, model, and report data.
- The creation, updating, and deletion of master data are managed.
- Import data with a high level of quality assurance.
- Offer technical expertise in data storage structures, data mining, and data cleansing.
- Handle user and user role management.
- Process confidential data following guidelines.
- Provide end-user training on new reports and dashboards.
- Support data integrity and normalization initiatives.
- Assist the data warehouse in identifying and revising reporting requirements.
- Commission and decommission data sets.
- Aid in report and analysis development.
- Assess and implement new software, and contribute to strategic decisions on system upgrades.
- Troubleshoot reporting database environment and reports.
- Evaluate changes and updates to source production systems.
- Generate reports from single or multiple systems.
What are the reasons to become a data analyst in Canada?
Data analysis and collection are high priorities for most Canadian businesses today. Using this assessment, they can determine which strategies are effective and what may need to be changed in order to improve the outcome.
Furthermore, ineffective techniques are identified and either dropped or evaluated. As a result, businesses will be able to make the best decisions based on all of this knowledge. Since data is becoming increasingly important across all industries, data analysts are in high demand.
Become a data analyst in Canada – Understanding the benefits
High Demand: As the fastest-growing job on LinkedIn, becoming a data analyst in Canada offers outstanding prospects due to increasing demand and the predicted creation of 11.5 million positions by 2026. Data analysts are therefore in high demand in Canada, where they have a very high rate of employability.
Lucrative Career: Data analysts in Canada earn an average of $99,825 annually, with senior analysts making about $142,500 per year, ranking fourth among the world’s highest-paid data analysts.
Key Decision-Makers: Regarded as the driving force behind successful business decisions, data analysts’ expertise is highly valued for yielding more profitable outcomes for organizations.
Enhancing Data Quality: Companies in Canada depend on data analysts to enrich and improve the quality of collected data, enabling better insights and informed decisions.
Versatility: Data analysis finds applications in various industries like healthcare, consulting, e-commerce, and agriculture, allowing data analysts to work across diverse fields.
Impact on Healthcare: Data analysis plays a crucial role in healthcare advancements, including early-stage tumor detection through machine learning, saving lives, and improving health industry practices.
Canada’s top ten schools for data analytics
The following are the best schools in Canada for studying data analytics:
- Dalhousie University – Halifax
- University of Waterloo – Waterloo
- University of Toronto – Toronto
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver
- Simon Fraser University – Burnaby
- Western University – London
- University of Alberta – Edmonton
- University of Montreal – Montreal
- University of Ottawa – Ottawa
- University of Calgary – Calgary
Essential steps to Becoming a Data Analyst in Canada – five key points
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: To excel in the field of data analysis in Canada, start by earning a relevant bachelor’s degree. While a specific data analysis degree is ideal, consider minoring in related fields like information technology, computer science, mathematics, or statistics.
Gain Practical Experience: Prior experience is valuable in securing data analyst roles. Seek entry-level positions like analytical assistant or technician for on-the-job training. Additionally, attend training seminars, workshops, or certification courses to enhance your employability in Canada’s data analyst job market.
Master Computer Languages: Proficiency in programming languages is essential for effective data analysis. Focus on languages like Python, XML, SQL, and JavaScript to enhance your data manipulation and analysis capabilities.
Advance with a Master’s Degree: As you progress in your career, consider pursuing a master’s degree in data science or big data management. This advanced education will keep you up-to-date with the latest tools, technologies, and trends in the data analysis field.
Pursue Professional Certifications: If a full master’s degree is not feasible, explore industry-standard certification programs. These concise courses offer comprehensive insights and skills to further solidify your position as a skilled data analyst in Canada. Some popular certifications include:
- Amazon AWS Certified Big Data
- IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics
- MapR Certified Data Analyst
- INFORMS Certified Analytics Professional
- Cloudera Certified Associate Data Analyst
Data analysts in Canada should know these tools
The following are important tools for anyone interested in working as a data analyst in Canada or anywhere else. Analysts can use these tools to assist them in their work.
- Google Analytics
- Splunk
- KNIME
- R and Python
- AWS S3
- Jupyter Notebook system
- RapidMiner
- Microsoft Excel
- Tableau
- Power BI
- Apache Spark
- Github
Essential skills for data analysts in Canada
To perform their jobs proficiently, data analysts need a well-rounded set of abilities in their toolbox. There are two categories of these skills: technical skills and soft skills.
Technical Skills:
Data visualization
Data visualization is the process of graphically representing information and data using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps. It is essential for processing enormous amounts of data and for arriving at reasoned judgments. This ability is highly valued and regarded as one of the most crucial in the toolset of beginning data analysts.
Data cleaning
Correcting or removing erroneous, damaged, duplicate, or insufficient data from a dataset is known as data cleaning. By making sure the dataset is reliable and clean, data analysts can use simple algorithms to gain insightful information and make wise choices.
R
R stands as one of the most commonly used languages in data analytics. Aspiring data analysts in Canada should prioritize learning R due to its widespread usage and significant role in supporting analytical tasks.
Python
Aspiring data analysts should put their primary attention on learning Python. Particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, Python is a flexible, high-level programming language with a wide range of specialized libraries. Python proficiency is necessary for data analysts in Canada to remain competitive in a changing business environment that places an increasing emphasis on AI technology.
SQL
The commonly used standard for requesting and modifying data in relational databases is SQL, often known as Structured Query Language. Despite its advanced age, its ongoing appeal and widespread application by businesses all over the world suggest that its significance will endure. Anyone wishing to enter the profession of data analytics must possess a solid understanding of SQL.
Linear Algebra and Calculus
Data analytics requires advanced math skills, focusing on two areas: calculus and linear algebra. For machine and deep learning applications, linear algebra is essential, and calculus is essential for creating objective/cost/loss functions, which help algorithms learn how to accomplish their objectives. The ability to handle complex analytics jobs successfully requires proficiency in several quantitative areas.
Microsoft Excel
With its automated tools and commands, Microsoft Excel accelerates data analysis. Users can construct macros and pre-recorded commands using its built-in programming language, VBA. Excel also comes with the Analysis ToolPak, a useful tool for jobs involving statistical modeling and data analysis.
Soft Skills:
Critical thinking
Your job as a data analyst involves finding and combining correlations that might not be obvious at first. The ability to analyze analytically, recognize patterns, and draw important conclusions from data is crucial. In order to become a data analyst in Canada, one must develop critical thinking, push oneself, and embrace novel approaches to problem-solving.
Communication
Ultimately, if you are unable to successfully convey your findings, your skill as a data analyst won’t fully shine. In addition to being adept at spotting patterns, a professional data analyst also excels at clearly and understandably explaining and communicating insights to company decision-makers, hence minimizing misunderstanding.
Research
Great research skills for data analysts gain importance due to the crucial role of data retrieval in data analysis. Their ability to conduct effective searches for information, discover patterns, and locate answers to varied issues is made possible by their strong research skills.
Attention to detail
According to a proverb, “the devil is in the details.” Data analysts must have a good eye for detail that allows them to spot even small problems in code that can make it useless, such as duplicate space or improper punctuation. This ability is crucial for both data cleaning and accurate and trustworthy analysis.
Conclusion
Get a relevant bachelor’s degree, accumulate real-world experience, grasp fundamental computer languages, pursue advanced education if possible, and pursue professional certifications to start your career as a data analyst in Canada. Aspiring data analysts can start a fulfilling career in Canada’s dynamic and expanding data-driven world by diligently improving their analytical abilities and embracing continuous learning. Success as a data analyst is possible with commitment and tenacity.
