The profession of data analyst
A data analyst collects, analyzes and interprets large quantities of data to extract useful information.
These analyses help identify opportunities for improvement, facilitate strategic management of a company and anticipate needs of current or future clients. This statistics expert processes and compiles data to guide strategic decision-making at management level, but also within different branches, usually in finance, marketing or customer management.
A data analyst provides a consistent overview of the company’s overall business by managing large volumes of data. Becoming a data analyst requires completion of an advanced university training program. The Master in Quantitative Economics and the Master in MIAGE at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL prepare future graduates for careers as data analysts.
These studies help in analyzing how the organization produces, distributes and consumes goods and services. They use data such as statistics, budget studies, analyses and cost projections.
Words from our alumni
“Data are abundant and analyses are infinite.
Making them talk using statistical tools can tell us a great deal.”
What exactly does being a data analyst involve on a daily basis?
The position of data analyst in a company is a crucial one. The quantity of data recovered requires in-depth analysis on all aspects. The data analyst works with all teams, including marketing, compliance, product teams and backend. The analysis and sharing of information within the company helps to guide decision-making at every level. This can help for example in understanding a company’s market or clients, their behavior or habits, in order to better target them. With the Data team the data analyst often does not work alone, and may be in regular contact with analytics engineers, data engineers or data scientists.
What part of this profession interests you most?
The richness of data. Data are abundant and analyses are infinite. Making data talk using analysis and statistical tools can tell us a great deal. We quickly see the impact that our analyses have on the daily work of other teams.
Why did you choose Université Paris Dauphine – PSL for your training?
The Computer Methodology Applied to Business Management (MIAGE) academic path at Dauphine is rich, multidisciplinary and well-regarded. It allows students to work on statistics/mathematics in a number of programming languages and to acquire database and data visualization skills. It also provides a lot of practical work to apply the theoretical teachings.
VICTORIA BRIOT
DATA ANALYST - BANKIN' & BRIDGE
His background:
Master's degree in MIAGE
Roles and missions of a data analyst
A data analyst develops and manages database systems to extract relevant and information useful for decision-making and growth of their company. They regularly update the base and create visuals that are easy to interpret to send the analyses to the business teams. They may also help teams in the field to improve productivity by identifying sticking points and areas for improvement.
Daily
tasks
During their career, a data analyst may take on multiple assignments, including:
- Researching and extracting reliable and relevant data sources
- Translating raw data into strategic information
- Managing analysis tools to track data changes
- Administering a data warehouse or DMP (Data Management Platform) to process, handle and integrate data
- Implementing KPIs and an automated performance reporting system
- Analyzing all figures related to the company’s business
- Identifying new sources of usable data
- Communicating and advising on decision-making and strategies to be adopted
- Carrying out technological monitoring of data analysis tools
Salaries and career development
The salary of a data analyst varies according to their experience, the business sector in which they work and the geographical location. The median gross annual salary of a graduate of Université Paris Dauphine – PSL with a Master's degree in Quantitative economics is €41,000. After 5 years of experience, a data analyst can expect to earn between €50,000 and €65,000 gross per year.
The profession of data analyst offers career opportunities in a variety of fields, including consulting, financial services, healthcare, industry and new technologies. With experience, a data analyst may manage a team and take on positions with responsibility such as lead data analyst, data scientist, data manager or chief data officer.
Skills
required
- Excellent knowledge of data analysis techniques and tools
- Mastery of tools and software: Excel, Web Analytics, BI, SAS, VBA, Python
- Fluent use of programming languages
- Excellent writing skills
- Advanced knowledge of mathematics
- Skills in figures and statistics
- Appreciation for team work
- Good communication skills
- Rigor and organizational skills
- Analytical approach
- Fluent English
Which studies to become a data analyst?
Becoming a data analyst requires completion of five years post-secondary education in mathematics, statistics, economics, marketing and computer science. To work in this profession an applicant must acquire in-depth knowledge of advanced quantitative methods and know how to use Big Data processing tools.
Training to become a data analyst at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL
Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a Master in Quantitative Economics, providing top-level training in economics and mathematics. Fully taught in English, the Master in Quantitative Economics also enables students to acquire strong skills in computer programming.
The Quantitative Economic Analysis and Data-Driven and Digital Economics specializations at Dauphine-PSL, available in the second year of the Master's program, cover the full range of contemporary economic issues. They include innovative data management methods, equipping future graduates with all the knowledge needed to pursue a career as a data analyst.
Finally, the MIAGE (Computer Methods Applied to Business Management) track trains professionals specialized in information systems modeling and project management methods.