Data analysts take large amounts of information and turn it into useful insights. They help businesses understand things like customer behaviour, sales performance and future opportunities. To do this, they often use tools like Excel, SQL and Python. Once they’ve analysed the data, they present their findings using graphs, dashboards or reports that non-technical people can understand.
This kind of work is needed in many industries including banking, retail, healthcare, education and government.
Types of Data Analytics
There are different types of analytics that data professionals use depending on the situation:
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Descriptive analytics helps explain what has happened in the past
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Diagnostic analytics looks at why something happened
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Predictive analytics uses patterns to forecast what might happen next
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Prescriptive analytics offers suggestions on what action to take
Mbali’s Journey into the Data World
Mbali Dlamini, a data analyst based in Cape Town, didn’t always know this was the career for her.
“In high school I was good at Maths and Computers, but I wasn’t sure what job I could get from that. One of my teachers told me to look into IT or statistics, so I did some research,” she says.
After finishing matric with strong marks in Maths, IT and Business Studies, Mbali applied for a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems at a university in Gauteng.
“My degree took three years to complete. In second year we started working with real data and that’s when I really got interested. I also did a few online courses to build my skills,” she explains.
There isn’t one single path to becoming a data analyst. Many people come into the field with degrees in Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics or even Engineering. Some start with short courses or bootcamps.
There are also online courses and short learning programmes you can do, even if you are studying something else or working already.
What Are the Job Prospects?
Data analysts are in demand in South Africa. More companies are realising how important data is for decision-making and planning. This means there are more opportunities for people with strong data skills.
Entry-level salaries for data analysts usually range from R15,000 to R25,000 per month. The more experience and skills you have, the higher your earning potential. If you specialise in areas like data engineering or machine learning, you could earn even more.
You can work in banks, insurance companies, tech startups, retail, government departments or consulting firms.
A Typical Day in the Life of a Data Analyst
Mbali works at a fintech company in Cape Town. Her workday usually starts around 8am.
“The first thing I do is check that my dashboards and reports are working properly and that the data has updated overnight. Then I join a quick meeting with the rest of the team to plan the day,” she says.
Her day may include analysing new data, building reports, helping other teams understand their data or updating old systems.
“No two days are the same. Sometimes I spend the day cleaning data. Other times I’m creating dashboards or presenting my findings. You have to manage your time properly,” she says.
Good communication is also important. “You’re often working with people who don’t understand data, so you need to explain things clearly and in a way that makes sense,” she adds.
Challenges You Might Face
Mbali says one of the biggest challenges is making sure the data is correct. “If you work with the wrong numbers, it can affect big decisions. So you need to double-check everything.”
Working under pressure is also part of the job. “You could be working on a deadline when the system crashes or the data is missing. You have to keep calm and figure it out,” she says.
Advice for Young People Interested in Data
Mbali’s advice is simple.
Start with what you have. There are free courses online and videos on YouTube to help you understand the basics. You can even start practising with Excel if you don’t have access to fancy tools yet.
If you are curious, enjoy solving problems and like working with numbers, then data analysis could be a great fit for you.
