Why data analytics is a great career for problem solvers

These days, it’s a great time to be a problem-solver. More specifically, one who enjoys looking through data and using creativity and logic to come to the table with creative solutions to ongoing challenges. As various industries base more of their decision-making on data, data analytics career opportunities are sprouting everywhere.

Today's data-driven world calls for more Data Analysts to help connect the dots. Businesses need professionals with the skills to look at data and identify interesting patterns, potential risks, and innovative solutions or opportunities.

Do daily exploring and puzzle-solving sound like components of a dream job for you? Wondering how to take advantage of your natural inclination toward problem-solving and turn it into a career? Below is what you need to know to get into data analytics.

Problem solvers thrive in data analytics

Were you obsessed with puzzles, escape rooms, or sudoku growing up? Do you enjoy uncovering patterns and finding creative ways to break down complex problems into actionable solutions? Were you always signed up for your school’s science fair, eager to test your hypotheses through experiments? If working your way through data to arrive at informed decision-making is your idea of a good time, a job in data analytics is a great career path to consider.

These career opportunities are great options for individuals who are curious, attentive to detail, and resilient in working through trial and error. If critical thinking comes naturally to you, working in data analytics might be a great fit.

The best candidates are those who know how to use their problem-solving skills within the frameworks of existing workplace systems and applications. They understand how to identify creative solutions that will work within the context of their organization. They are also great at using storytelling to explain the meaning of data and the impact of their recommendations.

The problem-solving nature of data analytics

Data Analysts use their innate ability to problem solve throughout the tasks they perform in their role. Whether they work in healthcare, finance, marketing, or tech, they follow a similar recipe to shine a light on relevant information and define the best path forward.

In a typical workday, a Data Analyst will:

• Identify issues in the workplace
  
• Gather and clean data on the issue
  
• Apply analytical tools to uncover insights and answer questions
  
• Develop solutions with leadership to drive business decisions
  
• Use storytelling to present solutions to senior leadership

This workflow can be applied across different industries and workplace departments. For example, if you own a subscription-based company, you might want to look at your data to reduce customer churn. To do this, a Data Analyst will pull data regarding retention and buying habits. They'll look for patterns and common motivators throughout the customer lifecycle. With their findings, a Data Analyst can help the sales or marketing team predict future churn by better understanding recurring revenue trends and what keeps customers coming back.

Data Analysts can also use data visualization to streamline supply chain operations. They'll assess performance trends and monitor KPIs to uncover opportunities and challenges. Regardless of the industry, people who thrive in Data Analyst roles are those with an ease for scanning data, finding key patterns or issues, and identifying the best solutions.

Why problem solvers excel in data analytics

Individuals with problem-solving skills are creative, logical, and adaptable. Their attention to detail and resilience in working through trial and error allow them to approach workplace challenges with a curious mind. Where others may only see problems and get stuck, natural problem solvers see opportunity. They also have the critical thinking skills to make meaningful changes that positively impact an organization’s results.

Career benefits of data analytics for problem solvers

There are many advantages to pursuing a career in data analytics. Some of the benefits include:

1. Intellectually stimulating work

A career in data analytics will stimulate the mind of a problem solver by offering opportunities to use their creative and critical thinking skills on a daily basis. As more digital-first solutions are implemented around the world, more and more data is generated and this provides ample work opportunities for Data Analysts to put their skills to good use. Each project you take on will provide a unique challenge and push you to think outside the box.

2. High demand

The demand is high for Data Analysts, which means more job opportunities and job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, a 36% increase in the demand for Data Analysts is expected between 2023 and 2033.

3. Competitive salaries

Most Data Analytics jobs also pay relatively well, with the salary range in Canada being between $73,250 to $110,250. Even as someone new to the role and working on building their skills, experience and autonomy, starting above $70,000 per year is a good place to begin. Once candidates are more advanced, comfortable with their tasks and knowledge of the field, and able to perform their responsibilities without direct supervision, they can expect a salary bump to around $87,750. Once someone obtains more experience and has advanced qualifications, they can expect to enter the six-figure range and move into more senior roles.

4. Diverse applications

Whether you want to work in healthcare or marketing, there are many data analytics roles at all levels across different industries. This means that beyond getting to hold a position you enjoy, you can also explore other interests depending on the industry you join. For example, you could work as a Data Analyst for an airline, an athleisure brand, a pharmacy chain, a skincare company, or a tech company… the limit does not exist! Well, it probably does, but you get the point. Data analysis is useful and in demand across the board.

Steps to get started in data analytics

If you decide to pursue a career in data analytics, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure you have the skills that will make you an employable and competitive candidate. Here’s how you can prepare for a job in data analytics:

1. Develop essential skills

Most Data Analysts need to have a range of technical and soft skills to thrive on the job. To find success in the role, you’ll need to know how to properly communicate and interpret data. You’ll need to get comfortable with creatively exploring issues, finding solutions, and using storytelling to convey your findings and options.

You’ll also need to sharpen your technical skills. Data Analysts must be familiar with SQL, Python, Excel, and data visualization tools. Experience with platforms like Tableau and Power BI can also give you a competitive advantage.

2. Online courses and bootcamps

Online courses and bootcamps are great for people starting their careers in data and those wanting to upskill in data. Whether you’re trying to sharpen your skill set, learn new tactics, or modernize your approach to data analytics, online options offer flexibility and accessibility. An online bootcamp like Lighthouse Labs’ Data Analytics Bootcamp or Intro to Data Analytics Course will help you develop the data manipulation, visualization, and statistical skills needed for the data analytics field.

3. Free resources

There are also many online resources and certifications that are free of charge and can help you enhance your resume and impress your future employers. Taking the time to earn a Google Data Analytics Certificate is a great starting point. You can highlight this accomplishment on your resume and cover letter to show you understand the basic foundations of data analytics. FreeCodeCamp’s Data Analysis with Python also offers practical hands-on exercises to sharpen your technical skills. Data Camp is another great free resource that provides you with hands-on exercises based on real-world scenarios. For those who enjoy detail-oriented approaches, Codecademy’s Learn SQL focuses on precision and skill refinement. Using a similar approach, Lighthouse Labs offers a free SQL Essentials Bundle, which provides five beginner-friendly, video-led courses with practical, hands-on, real-world examples to build a solid foundation in working with data.

Real-world projects to practice problem-solving skills

Once you have the technical and soft skills for the job, you'll need to apply your skills to real-world scenarios to strengthen your understanding. Real-world projects can help you connect the dots from knowledge to practice, and they also help with gaining experience. You can also consider data-focused games and challenges to improve your agility, adaptability and creativity in problem-solving. All of this can help you learn how to evaluate data and develop solutions. The more you practice, the more you’ll learn to use your talents to the best of your ability.

Data analytics offers a world of possibilities

A career in data analytics is promising. As data exponentially multiplies in today’s digital world, job stability and high-paying opportunities abound. To top it off, when you’re a natural problem solver, it will also be a rewarding career that you’ll look forward to and enjoy (goodbye Sunday scaries!). If you’re serious about sharpening your problem-solving skills and breaking into this field, you’ll likely want to start by enrolling in a structured learning program like Lighthouse Labs’ Data Analytics Bootcamp. Aside from learning and practicing the skills you’ll need, Lighthouse Labs also offers robust Career Services that will support you every step of the way in your job hunt and help you land that dream job. Attend an Info Session to learn more.