Big Data Analysts specialise in the analysis and presentation of large and complex data sets. This includes the identification, collection and analysis of big data for the purpose of improving decision making and gaining a competitive advantage in the market.
Information empowers businesses. It can be used to identify the causes of problems or failures; calculate ways to make cost reductions and time savings; generate coupons for customers based on their unique buying habits; or direct new product development and smart business decision making. It can also be used to calculate risks and detect fraudulent behaviour.
If you’ve got a great head for figures and enjoy the challenge of figuring out patterns and trends, then a future in the growing field of Big Data Analytics is well worth investigating.
About you:
- Great maths and technology skills
- Logical
- Analytical and problem-solving
- Creative and innovative
- Can work independently and as part of a team
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Continuous learner – update skills and knowledge
The job:
- Find new ways to use data and to improve business
- Create collection systems, processes and reporting
- Write reports, clearly describing findings
- Translate and extrapolate relevant and useful data
- Cross-reference and make interpretations from large, multiple data sets
- Present data and findings for customers
Lifestyle Impact: Low
- Part Time opportunities: Low – only around 21% of Big Data Analysts work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Average hours for full-time workers: 42 hours a week, which is average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Big Data Analysts’ salary (median) $110,000* per year (source: ato.gov.au). *Salaries can vary depending on your skills and experience.
- Future career growth: Strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- You will be doing most of your work indoors, using computers and technology.
- More than a third of workers reported regularly working overtime or extra hours (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
Big Data Analyst are most in demand in these locations:
Big Data Analysts are overwhelmingly found in metropolitan areas and capital cities. However, opportunities to work remotely or from home are growing. Most Big Data Analysts work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, and Financial and Insurance Services industries.
How to become a Big Data Analyst in Australia
You will usually need a university-level qualification in order to work as a Big Data Analyst in Australia.
Step 1 – Complete Year 12 with a focus on English and Maths. Business subjects might also be useful.
Step 2 – Study a relevant undergraduate degree, such as mathematics, data analysis, business, computer science, or information technology.
Step 3 – Find work in a relevant field and start building on your experience.
Step 4 – Consider upskilling with a postgraduate degree, such as a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics.
Step 5 – Once you have lots of experience, consider starting your own business.
Find out more here –
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What options are there for career progression?
You might start out as a junior, working as part of a team, before becoming a team leader or manager. You might even like to start up your own business and provide advice and services to private clients.
Do I need to go to university to become a Big Data Analyst?
Yes, you will usually need a relevant university-level qualification to work as a Big Data Analyst.
Where do Big Data Analysts work?
Big Data Analysts can work in both private and government sectors, for businesses of all sizes and in all industries.
What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Big Data Analyst?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Big Data Analyst is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:
- Take short courses and workshops to build important skills like mathematics, and even learn a programming language. Become familiar with databases and relevant industry software.
- See if you can find work experience in business. This will help you see if you might enjoy the work, and can help you start building important contacts for the future.
- Talk to a Big Data Analyst to see what a day in their life is like. If you don’t know anyone, see if you can watch videos or documentaries about a career in business.
