The Rising Demand for Data Analysts
Every business, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, relies on data analytics to make smarter decisions. Whether it’s predicting customer behavior, streamlining operations, or identifying market trends, organizations need skilled professionals who can transform raw data into valuable insights.
That’s where data analysts come in. They play a crucial role in uncovering patterns, analyzing trends, and helping organizations thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a data analyst do?” or “How can I become a data analyst?”, you’re in the right place. But before we dive in, let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture—what is data analytics, and why does it matter?
What is Data Analytics?
At its core, data analytics is the process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights. Businesses rely on data analytics to:
- Improve decision-making and efficiency
- Understand customer behavior and preferences
- Optimize marketing campaigns and pricing strategies
- Identify potential risks and opportunities
Types of Data Analytics
Data analytics can be broken down into different categories, each serving a unique purpose in helping businesses understand and act on their data. Some methods focus on looking at past trends, while others predict the future or suggest actions to take.
Here are the four main types:
- Descriptive Analytics – What happened? (e.g., monthly sales reports)
- Diagnostic Analytics – Why did it happen? (e.g., customer churn analysis)
- Predictive Analytics – What might happen next? (e.g., forecasting revenue trends)
- Prescriptive Analytics – What should we do about it? (e.g., AI-driven recommendations)
With companies collecting more data than ever, data analytics has become essential across all industries, from healthcare to finance to retail. It provides the foundation for understanding business trends and making informed decisions.
But while data analytics is the broader process, data analysis is where much of the hands-on work happens—taking raw data, uncovering insights, and turning them into actionable business strategies.
This is where data analysts play a crucial role.
What Does a Data Analyst Do?
A data analyst is like a detective—except instead of solving crimes, they solve business problems. They take massive amounts of data, clean it up, analyze it, and turn it into meaningful insights that companies use to make better decisions.
Imagine an online store noticing that certain products are selling faster than others. A data analyst would investigate:
- What time of year do these products sell the most?
- Are customers more likely to buy when discounts are offered?
- What kinds of customers are making these purchases?
By answering these questions with data, the company can optimize its marketing strategy, pricing, and inventory—leading to higher profits and happier customers.
Key Responsibilities of a Data Analyst:
Data analysts do more than just process numbers—they uncover patterns and insights that help businesses make informed decisions. Their role is essential in turning raw data into actionable strategies. Here are some of their core responsibilities:
- Collecting and organizing data from various sources, such as databases, surveys, and websites.
- Cleaning and preparing data to ensure accuracy and remove errors.
- Analyzing trends and patterns using statistical techniques.
- Creating visual reports and dashboards to present findings in a clear and meaningful way.
- Helping businesses make data-driven decisions by providing recommendations based on findings.
With their skills in high demand, these professionals work across nearly every industry, including healthcare, finance, retail, and technology.
How to Become a Data Analyst
If you’re wondering how to become a data analyst, the good news is that there are multiple paths to success. While some analysts come from backgrounds in math or computer science, others transition into the field from business, marketing, or even social sciences.
Regardless of where you’re starting, the journey typically involves these three steps:
1. Get the Right Education
While it’s possible to learn data analytics on your own, having a data analytics degree gives you a solid foundation and makes you more competitive in the job market.
A Bachelor’s of Science in Data Analytics will teach you:
- Statistics & Data Mining – Understanding how to interpret numbers and detect patterns.
- Big Data & Database Management – Learning how to work with large datasets.
- Programming (Python, SQL, R) – Writing code to analyze and visualize data.
- Business Intelligence & Forecasting – Predicting trends and making data-driven decisions.
Many programs, like Rowan University’s B.S. in Data Analytics, also offer hands-on experience through capstone projects where students work on real-world data challenges. If you’re transferring from a community college, programs like the 3+1 model make earning a degree even more affordable and flexible.
2. Develop Essential Data Skills
While a degree provides a strong foundation, gaining practical experience is just as important. Employers look for candidates who have mastered:
- Data Analysis Tools – Proficiency in Excel, SQL, and Python.
- Data Visualization – Creating reports using Tableau or Power BI.
- Machine Learning Basics – Using predictive models to analyze trends.
- Communication & Storytelling – Translating complex data into insights that non-technical stakeholders can understand.
If you’re just starting out, online data analytics courses can help you build these skills while working at your own pace.
3. Gain Real-World Experience
One of the best ways to stand out to employers is by building a portfolio of real-world projects. You can do this through:
- Internships – Many companies offer data analytics internships for students and career changers.
- Freelance & Personal Projects – Analyzing public datasets and sharing your findings on platforms like GitHub or Kaggle.
- Capstone Projects – Completing hands-on projects as part of your degree program.
Employers want to see how you solve problems using data, so don’t be afraid to showcase your work!
How Much Do Data Analysts Make?
If you’re considering a career in data analytics, salary is probably on your mind. The great news? Data analysts earn competitive salaries, and demand for these roles is growing.
Here’s a breakdown of typical salaries in the field:
- Entry-Level Data Analyst: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
- Mid-Level Data Analyst: $75,000 – $95,000 per year
- Senior Data Analyst: $100,000+ per year
Salaries vary based on industry and location, but as you gain experience, there are plenty of opportunities to advance into higher-paying roles like Data Scientist, Analytics Manager, or Business Intelligence Specialist.
Is a Data Analytics Degree Worth It?
With businesses relying more on data-driven strategies, a data analytics degree is one of the smartest investments you can make in your future. Here’s why:
- High Demand – The job market for data analysts is booming, with demand growing across industries.
- Job Security – Companies need data analysts in both good times and bad to make smart business decisions.
- Career Flexibility – You can work in nearly any industry, from healthcare to finance to e-commerce.
- Opportunities for Growth – With experience, you can move into senior roles or even transition into data science.
Many universities, like Rowan University, offer flexible and affordable pathways to earning your degree. If you’re transferring from a community college, programs like Rowan’s 3+1 model make it easier to complete your degree while saving money.
Why Choose Rowan University for Your Data Analytics Degree?
With so many paths to becoming a data analyst, choosing the right data analytics degree program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Rowan University sets itself apart by offering a fully online data analytics degree, providing the flexibility to study from anywhere while gaining the in-demand skills employers are looking for.
This 100% online program is designed for working professionals, career changers, and students who need a more accessible, cost-effective path to a data analytics degree. By combining rigorous coursework with real-world applications, Rowan ensures that students receive a high-quality education without the constraints of a traditional classroom setting.
What Makes Rowan’s Online B.S. in Data Analytics Unique?
- Earn Your Degree 100% Online – Study on your own schedule while receiving the same industry-relevant education as on-campus students.
- A Future-Focused Curriculum – Learn cutting-edge data analytics techniques, from statistical computing to big data tools and visualization, all designed to meet the growing demand for data analysts in today’s job market.
- Hands-On Learning with Capstone Projects – Gain real-world experience through projects that tackle real business challenges, so you graduate with a portfolio of work that employers value.
- Affordable & Flexible 3+1 Pathway – Rowan offers a cost-effective transfer-friendly program in partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) and Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), helping students earn their degree while saving on tuition.
- Strong Industry Connections – The Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University connects students with internships, networking events, and career support, helping you transition seamlessly into the workforce.
- Comprehensive Online Learning Support – Rowan provides a variety of academic resources tailored for online students, including virtual tutoring, peer-to-peer support, and on-demand professional tutoring through Brainfuse. Students also have access to virtual workshops on essential topics like time management, motivation, and study strategies, ensuring they stay on track for academic and personal success.
- A Supportive Community – At Rowan, you’re more than just a student. Even in a remote setting or fully online format, faculty and advisors work closely with you to ensure you gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in data analytics.
Is Data Analytics the Right Career for You?
If you love solving problems, working with numbers, and telling stories with data, then data analytics could be the perfect career path for you. And with the increasing demand for flexible education options, earning an online data analytics degree can help you build the skills you need—on your schedule, from anywhere.
Now that you know what a data analyst does and how to become one, the next step is to start building your skills and exploring degree programs that align with your career goals.
Ready to get started? We invite you to explore Rowan’s online Data Analytics program—learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals and turn your passion for data into a thriving career. Apply today!