Data analyst-statistician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate degree in:

• statistics
• mathematics
• economics
• operational research
• psychology

You may be able to apply for jobs if you have a degree in a subject that included statistics as part of your course, for example social science or geography.

Courses that give you the chance to spend a year in industry or get work experience through placements, internships or real business projects may give you an advantage when you are looking for graduate jobs.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You may be able to start by doing a T level in Digital Business Services. This could give you some of the skills you need to apply for a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could start in a junior data analysis role through a data technician advanced apprenticeship.

You could go on to complete a data analysis higher apprenticeship or data scientist degree apprenticeship.

If you want to work in health data analysis you could do a medical statistician degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Volunteering

You can develop your professional skills and gain real work experience by helping community organisations and charities. For example, with the Royal Statistical Society .

OtherRoutes

You can apply to join the Government Statistical Service (GSS) as a trainee through the Civil Service Fast Stream programme . You'll need a good degree or postgraduate qualification.

The GSS also directly recruits graduates and people with relevant experience into positions like statistical officer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• persistence and determination
• the ability to work on your own
• concentration skills
• the ability to learn through your work
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• business management skills
• a good memory
• administration skills

What you'll do:

Data analyst-statisticians collect numbers and statistics to identify trends, create models and present results.

Depending on the industry or sector, you might:

• help to design scientific research studies
• use statistical software to analyse risk, for example in insurance
• look for trends and patterns to help organisations and government make policy decisions
• investigate market research into consumer habits and feedback
• analyse results from clinical trials
• create models to predict demand for services or goods
• check quality control standards in areas like drug and food testing

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £62,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

You can use your skills to work in a lot of different areas, for example healthcare, finance, environment, sports and e-commerce.

With experience, you could:

• become a manager
• move into teaching and academic research
• work as a freelance consultant
• become a data scientist to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve businesses