What's a Data Analyst 1

[Baggie]

Hi all,
I am working at an organization as an HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) Analyst for some time now. The company has just asked me to move to the Finance area in about a month and be a "Data Analyst". They haven't supplied any job description yet so I've been out on the net and doing some research. I've found the title used in a wide variety of descriptions. Some look like a Database Analyst and others look like a simple report writer. Pay levels vary widely as well.

Anybody have any advice/opinion on whether this sounds like a good career move or a dead-end?

Thanks!
Baggie

 

[SteveGlo]

Sometimes job titles don't mean much in themselves - it can be an organisation's desire to use generic titles to make it 'easier' to move people from pillar to post. I for example am an Applications Officer - I program, am an analyst, have been a project manager, etc. Other Applications Officers do some of that or do database admin and data admin and earn less than half what I do.

You really need to get a job description and do your own matching against 'industry' standards - after all if you want to move on you can call yourself what you deem fits best - as long as your work experience justifies it.

 

[johnherman]

You are correct that "Data Analyst" is a rather generic title. I would ask the company to describe your role and responsibilities, or more specifically, what your performance will be evaluated on (for reviews, raises, etc). Then maybe ask them if they see the position evolving into anything else or if it is a stepping stone to another position (where's the growth path?). Then decide if you want the position.

Don't be so caught up in titles you overlook the challenges and responsibilities of a job. I once worked in a bank HQ where there were more VP's than workers:
Associate VP, Asst VP, Junior VP, VP, Sr Vp, Exec VP, you get the idea. The major reason was that VP's had certain privileges (vacation days, other benefits) they wanted certain personnel to get, so they made them a VP, even if it was in title only.

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The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was - Steven Wright

 

[Dunstan]

Amen.

Banks are the worst as it pertains to title.

I am convinced that if you went into the HR office at the major lending institution I used to work and asked for a raise.....You would instead receive a title upgrade and they keep the raise

 

[Architect91320]

Generally a data analyst serves as a buffer between businesspeople who need certain data, and a technical person who understands how to get that data out of their system(s). Finance is a common place for the role. Accountants like & understand spreadsheets. If you understand how to query the ERP system & give them subsets/rollups in Excel, that's a good start.

 

[Baggie]

To all:
Thanks for your input regarding my question. Sounds like this job may just be the same Excel sheet, different data. Ha! Ok, bad pun.

I still haven't received any description on the job so I think they just think I'm going to take this on faith. Well, I'm starting to circulate my resume just in case.

Wish me luck and Thanks again everyone!
Baggie

 

[Toshilap]

I am always a Data Analyst/Report Writer type of person. And let me tell you - having Report Writing on my Resume bringing me lots of jobs. Some of my friends seeing it as beneath themselves, but they still looking and I am already working. I once was Database Administrator with Report Writing, so, you never know. Good luck

 

[mmorancbt]

I built most of my technology career - pre-consulting - as a Business Analyst.

I love the position and role because it is so ill-defined. I did analysis work, report writing, custom applications, training, project development, automation, etc.

Typically, if you can find tools to automate the key reporting you do, you can greatly expand your role within the organization.

In fact, in my book I recommend Business Analysis, Financial Analyst, and other similar positions as a great place to build an IT career.

This is opposed to the career path that many IT personnel often take - which is, help desk (1-2 years), tier 2 help desk (1-2 years), network support (1-2 years), tier 2 network support (1-2 years). Typically, most IT people burn out before they get through the 4-8 years needed to grind that out - and they are left with marginally valuable skills.

Remember, IT happens outside of IT.

Matthew Moran
Read my career blog at:

http://www.cbtoolkit.com

Career Blog:

http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/pm/career/

Todo esta bien.. Todo esta divertido (it's all good, it's all fun)

 

[LadySlinger]

Baggie -

You made a right choice. Unless HR or your would-be manager can document what exactly you would be doing in the change over, I wouldn't take the risk. Plus if they're not going to offer any compensation (either through money or benefits), then I would hold out.

Titles do not mean a whole lot, it's what your job responsibilities plus experience is what counts. The job I just left had one girl brand new to the marketing field hire in. Her job was to set up booths for shows and coordinate events to market the local office. Within a years time she gave her the self title of "Director of Marketing". I know she wasn't making the money of a director and certainly did not have the background. All I could imagine was her using the title at the next job and explain to a potential employer that although she didn't have any decision making her job as a director was setting up a booth for shows and passing out brochures of the company.

 

[SteveGlo]

Some years ago, having more or less established myself and feeling confident, I got into the habit of making up titles for myself whenever I was sent on some meaningless seminar or conference.

(Terms like Software Engineer and Software Architect were coming into vogue in an attempt to bring the same sort of 'professionalism' to the art as Engineers had (Institute of ... - in my opinion so that bureaucrats could make a living from administering these mock guilds, issuing certificates, and collecting membership fees, etc).

Being unqualified, honest and a little bored with the pretence I called myself a Software Mechanic, a Software Builder even a Software Brickie (builders and brickies are not generally highly regarded in the UK for their erudition).

I was never challenged to explain this - its just a game.

 

[Welshbird]

I'm described as a data analyst, but my role involves me designing new deliverables (products) based on the data we hold, and its really good fun.

I agree though - you should get a nailed-down job description, as it varies enormously.

Fee.

"The question should be, is it worth trying to do, not can it be done"