Analyst job description covers the various aspects of the work of an analyst in detail. An Analyst is a person who conducts analysis, i.e., examining a limited or specific area in depth. Analysts are used in a wide array of fields such as business, accounting, chemical, finance, sports, handwriting study, institutional research, marketing, psychology, medical, mathematics and IT.
Analyst Responsibilities
- The primary duty of an analyst is to conduct research projects to gather information related to the field he is working in.
- Developing requirement specifications and making a detailed step by step plan of the manner in which all the aspects of the research project are to be covered.
- Communicating with internal and external agencies to understand information needs.
- Making use of interviews, workshops, surveys, document analysis and site visits to fulfill information requirements.
- He has to evaluate the information gathered from different sources to produce results in accordance with the objective or purpose for which the analysis was undertaken.
- Search for stored and compiled data from earlier programs and projects.
- Resolving whatever technical and professional issues or complications that might crop up during the course of his work.
- Liaisoning between the clients, technical groups and the support teams.
- Maintain and manage a database for storing all the information gathered by him.
- Preparing graphs and charts, using various statistical and technological tools.
- Preparing and submitting reports based on the results of his analysis.
- Give expert advice and suggestions based on the research and analysis conducted by him.
Analyst Job Skills and Qualification
Education/Training:
- An analyst in any field needs to hold a bachelor’s degree in that field. Some may ask for a Master’s degree depending on the scope of work.
- Proficiency in computer software, particularly spreadsheets and word processing is essential.
Skills:
- Excellent communication skills are essential to be an analyst.
- He should have an eye for details and be result-driven.
- He has to be very proactive and good at liaisoning.
- He should have good judgment and be methodical and accurate. He needs to have a thorough understanding of the purpose of the analysis and the needs of the client.
- An analyst has to be good at research work and analyzing the facts in the correct manner.
- He should be comfortable using various technological gadgets.
Analyst Job Prospects
- Analysts can find employment in many industrial sections including media, consumer products, business areas like production or marketing, advertising, and telecommunications.
- Government agencies, private or public business concerns, NGOs, not for profit organizations, etc. need services of an analyst.
- The field commands a decent salary. It depends upon the type of employer and the scope of analysis required.