Think of data as the new oil—valuable, but only after it's been refined. In the same way, raw data needs to be processed and interpreted to become meaningful. That’s where data analysts come in. These professionals transform messy, unstructured information into insights that help businesses make smarter, faster decisions.
In today’s digital world, every click, swipe, purchase, and post generate data. As this information grows exponentially, so too does the demand for people who can make sense of it. Once considered a niche skill, data literacy is now essential across industries. From marketing and finance to healthcare and tech, the ability to analyse and act on data is critical to success.
What is data analytics?
At its core, data analytics is the process of examining information to uncover trends, patterns, and insights. It’s a bit like detective work, only instead of solving crimes, you’re solving business problems.
For example, a retailer might use data analytics to forecast demand for a new product. A hospital might analyse patient data to spot early signs of a disease outbreak. An investment firm might look for market signals to guide trading decisions. The common thread? All of these decisions are guided by data.
What about business intelligence?
Closely related to data analytics is business intelligence (BI). While data analytics often focuses on exploring and interpreting raw data, BI zooms out to present the bigger picture. It involves building dashboards, tracking performance metrics, and communicating insights in a way that supports strategic decision-making.
UniSC’s MBIA program brings both disciplines together. We teach how to dive deep into the data using tools like SQL, Python, Excel and R, and also how to translate those findings into business strategy using BI tools like Tableau and Power BI. Just as importantly, the program helps our students develop the human judgement needed to weigh data insights against broader organisational context.
What does a Data Analyst do?
The day-to-day work of a data analyst is varied and often collaborative. Tasks may include:
- Cleaning and organising data using tools like Excel, Python, or R
- Writing SQL queries to extract relevant data from databases
- Creating statistical models to identify patterns or forecast trends
- Building dashboards and visual reports in Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools
- Working with teams across departments, from marketing to operations
- Presenting insights and recommendations to leadership or clients
Data analysts are the bridge between data and decision-making. They don’t just describe what happened, they explain why it happened and what to do next.
And they’re everywhere. You’ll find data analysts in retail, finance, government, healthcare, education, logistics, sports, and tech startups. Anywhere there’s a decision to be made, data analysts are playing a part, often behind the scenes, but increasingly at the strategy table.
How to become a Data Analyst
There’s no single path to becoming a data analyst, but most roles require a mix of formal education, technical skills, and hands-on experience. A background in business, IT, statistics, or a data-specific degree is a great starting point.
Key tools to master include:
- Excel for foundational data work
- SQL for managing and querying databases
- Python and R for more advanced analysis and modelling
- Tableau or Power BI for data visualisation
You can also gain experience by working on projects with real or open datasets, publishing your findings online, or contributing to analytics communities. The field evolves quickly, so staying up-to-date with short courses, certifications, or postgraduate study is key to staying competitive.
Career pathways and opportunities
The job titles in this space are diverse. Common roles include:
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Customer Insights Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Revenue Analyst
- Data Scientist (with additional technical expertise)
With experience, data professionals often move into leadership roles such as Analytics Manager, Head of Data, or even Chief Data Officer. As businesses become more data-driven, these roles are growing in influence and demand.
Trends shaping the future of data
The future of data analytics is being shaped by AI, machine learning, real-time analytics, and increased automation. As these tools become more accessible, the need for human insight to interpret, apply, and communicate what the data is saying becomes even more crucial.
That’s why UniSC’s MBIA program doesn’t just teach technical skills. It prepares students to become data leaders and professionals who combine analytical expertise with strategic thinking and ethical decision-making.
Ready to lead in a data-driven world?
Data analytics is more than a trend; it’s a foundational skill in the future of work. Recognising this shift, UniSC has introduced a new postgraduate program designed to meet the growing need for data expertise, the Master of Business Intelligence and Analytics (MBIA). Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to upskill, this program equips you with the technical and strategic capabilities needed to thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing job markets.
Learn how to turn numbers into knowledge. Insights into action. And data into better decisions for business and for communities.
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