The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Data Analyst (L2)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Independently executing complex analyses, taking ownership of data reporting pipelines, identifying business problems, and proposing data-driven solutions. You'd be building a strong foundation in SQL, Python, and BI tools.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering accurate and insightful analyses on time.
- Proactively identifying and solving data-related issues.
- Being sought out by peers for technical advice.
- Successfully leading smaller, self-contained analytical projects.
- 2
Senior Business Analyst (from another domain)
4-6 yearsSkills to master
- Transitioning from business-focused analysis to deep technical data work. This means picking up advanced SQL, Python/R, and machine learning concepts. You'd already have strong stakeholder management skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrating a strong aptitude for quantitative analysis and data manipulation.
- Successfully completing personal projects involving data modelling or machine learning.
- Proactively learning relevant technical skills outside of core job duties.
- Strong ability to translate business needs into technical requirements.