Institut Teknologi Bandung

The development of the world of technology today also affects the overall employment landscape. The shift in trends that emphasize the importance of utilizing big data in decision-making has made jobs related to this field increasingly in demand, one of which is data analysis.

According to Arrum, a data analyst is a person who researches and analyzes data to be transformed into information with the help of data analysis tools. Various types of data analysis that must be understood by a data analyst include descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics, predictive analytics, and planning maker.

"As a data analyst, we need to make data functional for the company, provide insight as well as suggestions that must be made based on the results of the data analysis," she said.

She also explained that the job responsibilities of a data analyst are quite broad, including organizing data, processing, interpreting, and making recommendations. In addition, data analysts are also responsible for maintaining databases and making reports on the results of their work. Arrum also said that the data analyst is the most important person behind the scenes. Without a data analyst, other parts of the company cannot perform their functions optimally.

To become a data analyst, the basic skills needed include Mathematics and Statistics, mastery of data processing applications, research, analysis, and data visualization skills, as well as problem-solving and communication skills.

In addition, a data analyst is highly recommended to understand basic website scripts such as XML and Javascript, digital marketing analytics tools, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Although not mandatory, these skills will be very useful in making data analysis work easier.

"For example, with sales data, a data analyst must be able to provide the reasons behind the sales increase/decrease trend as insight for the marketing team. It's like the core of a company is the data analyst. Because without a data analyst, the company will not know what their trends are," she said.

Arrum also shared success tips for students if they are interested in a career as a data analyst. First, take an elective class that offers the knowledge and skills needed by a data analyst. Second, students and fresh graduates can join boot camps and workshops related to data processing and analysis. Internship opportunities are also open as much as possible for those who want to try out a data analyst career in the professional world. These various steps, according to Arrum, can be a very good beginning in starting a career as a data analyst.

She said, that as a fresh graduate, there is no need to be discouraged by the amount of salary received at the beginning because it is often considered inexperienced. Instead, Arrum advised to continue to hone skills and learn as much as possible from the job as a data analyst, prepare a mature career path, and use every opportunity as a stepping stone.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020