MANISH GODHA tells SHAlINI SAKSENA that in order to make the right decision, organisations are relasing the importance of data analysts
What is the scope for data analysts in IndiaIJ
Companies are now realising the potential of leveraging data and analytics to help in business decision-making. Whether it is about identifying the information needs relevant to a business context or to fetch and organise data to address such needs, data professionals are increasingly playing a valuable role. Since India has always been seen as a technology outsourcing hub, so is true, when it comes to analysing the data using analytics and big data technologies. Companies all around the globe are looking to hire specialists who can do the task. Hence, the scope for data analysts and data scientists is huge.
Why the sudden demand in this sectorIJ
The explosion of large amount of data from various channels, variety, and velocity has given rise to immense potential of finding new and valuable insights in every field of business. However, in order to gain valuable insights, right skills are required to collect, organise, process, and analyse/interpret such voluminous and variedly structured data. The amount of data and its reliability has come to a level where newer and novel information needs can be met. Also, information led decision making is of prime importance today.
How can technology make a transformational impact on businesses, society and individualsIJ
Today’s world (nation, businesses, society, and individuals) is greatly impacted by the technology and the rapid technological changes. It is increasingly being consumed at both the business and individual levels. The same applies to the analytics and big data technologies too. Businesses now realise the endless possibilities that analytics using big data technologies can bring to them. The sophisticated analytics technologies can help businesses make their data more effective for them; enable better decision making through richer and broader data sets; help in narrower segmentation of customer for targeted marketing; and open new business opportunities by developing new and innovative products/services.
What are some of the key sectors where data analysts are neededIJ
Data analysts, with the right set of skill sets and expertise, are in demand in a wide range of industries where business are realizing the potential of enabling analytics in their organization. Some of the industries are: medical/healthcare, manufacturing, finance, retail and e-commerce, IT, etc. A key point understand is that the data analysts in different industries are expected to have the knowledge of industry specific core data in order to correlate and analyse information in meaningful ways.
Is the percentage hike in salaries a global phenomenonIJ
Analytics is one of the fastest growing practice and a great surge in demand has led to rise in rewards for professionals in this field. However, this has attracted hordes of ill-prepared professionals carrying the moniker of data analyst or data scientist which has indeed resulted in some caution by the hiring organisations. Thus the rise is more significant in case of people who have proven skills and credentials.
Do you think it is good career for women as wellIJ
Anyone with right skills can build a great career in this sector.
Any word of advice for those who want to pursue a career as a data analystIJ
A good analyst can discover hidden patterns and correlations about an organisation’s customers, processes, etc in order to gain a competitive edge. Analysts often work closely with executives, and collect information from different data sources, organise, and analyse it to enable valuable insights towards solving problems or achieving goals. Thus, anyone planning to pursue a career as a data analyst should build strong analytical and statistical capabilities, a reputation for integrity, an eye for detail, gain knowledge of the industry in which that person is going to work.