What is a graduate job in analytics?
A graduate job in analytics is your first step into a field that uses data to solve problems, improve efficiency, and guide decisions. There are different types of analytics jobs at a graduate level, including:
Data Analyst: Clean and interpret datasets to find trends.
Business Analyst: Use data insights to inform business strategies.
Data Scientist: Build predictive models using programming and statistical techniques.
What industries hire for analytics roles?
From tech and healthcare to sports and fashion, analytics is transforming every industry. Graduates with the right skills can find opportunities in areas like finance, retail, gaming, and even government.
Why analytics roles are perfect for graduates
Analytics roles offer more than just great salaries - they provide career stability, growth, and a chance to make a tangible impact.
Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist: What’s the difference?
• Data Analyst: Focuses on interpreting existing data to find actionable insights.
• Data Scientist: Develops algorithms and models to predict future trends.
What are the essential skills for excelling in analytics roles?
Excel & SQL: Core tools for managing and querying data
Excel offers advanced functionalities like pivot tables, data cleaning, and basic visualisations. Proficiency in SQL enables you to retrieve and manipulate data efficiently, a crucial task in almost every analytics role.
Python & R: Programming languages for data analysis
Python and R are the gold standards in data analysis. Python is highly versatile, and widely used for tasks ranging from data cleaning to building machine learning models and knowing one or both languages boosts your employability.
Tableau & Power BI: Platforms to create stunning visualisations
Data visualisation tools like Tableau and Power BI help transform raw numbers into compelling stories. Mastery of these tools allows you to communicate insights effectively.
Soft skills to highlight:
Problem-solving: Turning data into solutions
Analytics is all about problem-solving. The ability to sift through data, identify patterns, and uncover actionable insights is critical.
Communication: Explaining findings to non-technical audiences
Strong communication skills are essential for translating complex data insights into clear, actionable strategies for non-technical colleagues or clients.
Teamwork: Collaborating with diverse groups to achieve goals
Analytics roles rarely operate in isolation, so you’ll often work in cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales and IT departments. Being a team player means listening to others, understanding their needs, and contributing your expertise to collective goals!
Where can I find graduate jobs in analytics?
GRB - platform specialising in graduate jobs tailored for students.
LinkedIn - Perfect for networking and job hunting, so make sure to update your profile with your latest accomplishments!
University Career Fairs - A great way to meet employers directly and ask any questions about their graduate schemes or roles.
3 Top tips for writing an analytics CV
- Start with a personal statement that highlights your passion for analytics.
- Include technical projects or coursework with measurable results.
- Use numbers to showcase achievements (e.g., "Improved efficiency by 15% using data insights").
Preparing for analytics job interviews
Interviews for analytics roles often include behavioural and technical components. Make sure you do a bit of preparation, for example, brushing up on Excel tasks like pivot tables and data clearing, practising SQL queries and Python scripts, and make sure you demonstrate your analytical thinking!
The future of analytics careers
Analytics is constantly evolving, with artificial intelligence and machine learning shaping the future. As a graduate, your fresh knowledge and skills can play a key role in driving innovation.
Check out our live Analytics Roles HERE
FAQs About Graduate Jobs in Analytics
1. What salary can I expect in analytics roles?
Starting salaries range from £25,000 to £35,000, depending on the industry and location.
2. What industries hire analysts?
Analytics is in demand across finance, healthcare, marketing, gaming, and more.
3. How can I prepare for a graduate job in analytics?
Build technical skills, gain experience, and network with professionals.
4. Are internships necessary for analytics roles?
Internships aren’t mandatory but give you an edge in the competitive job market.
5. What’s the difference between a data analyst and a data scientist?
Data analysts focus on interpreting data, while data scientists develop models to predict future outcomes.
6. How do I know if analytics is right for me?
If you love numbers, problem-solving, and uncovering trends, analytics might be your calling.
