What are Data jobs?

The field of data encompasses Data Scientists, Data Engineers and Data Analysts. Data Engineers create the systems which the Scientists and Analysts use to examine data. Data Scientists make predictions based on data patterns. Data Analysts use data to answer questions.

Salary information and career progression

Opportunity

We partner with many ‘product first’ and ‘customer first’ organisations, where data is at the heart of app development and optimising customer engagement.

Personalisation and multi-touch customer journeys have driven the importance of the collection, measurement, and analysis of data as well as the recognition for data democratisation across every function.

Though job offers have been constantly rising, there is still a shortage of Data Talent in the global market, leaving many roles unfilled, but plenty of opportunity to forge a career in this hyper-growth space.

• Popular industries for Analytics roles

  Data roles are now part of every industry. Post pandemic, and with the emergence of machine learning and AI, the demand for analytical brain power is higher than ever before, as businesses accelerate digital transformation programmes and pivot entire business strategies to become ‘digital first’ – all underpinned by analytics and science.

  There really is no limit to the variety of sectors marketing or advertising agencies will work with, meaning a job in Analytics has the potential to cover any number of different areas.

• Recent Changes

  With the demand for Analytics ever growing it has resulted in a change in skill set, Analysts now are expected to partner with a variety of stakeholders meaning strong communication skills are necessary as well as being able to translate complex information into digestible solutions.

  Companies are also merging Analytics requirements together with Data Science skills, resulting in Analysts having and needing a diverse range of experience and technical know-how.

  Salaries have ballooned with a consistent rise of 20-30% across all levels in the last 18 months. Companies have to keep up with these.

• Future prospects

  Consumers have fallen in love with data as much as businesses — from checking your performance on fitness apps to monitoring sleeping patterns — Data experts have excellent job prospects for the future. However, they have to bear in mind that as consumers gather more and more intelligence about data usage, and become more demanding, the expectations on Data experts will only increase.

• Salt’s advice for securing a Data job

  Employers’ requirements for Data jobs

  Employers looking to fill data roles will prefer candidates who have previously worked with statistics, analytics and applied mathematics. Naturally, experience working in Data Science, Engineering or Analytics is also a big plus, as is having a good knowledge of machine learning capability and associated algorithms.

  CV requirements for Data professionals

  Your CV should include relevant work experience, along with technical skills like SQL and Python capabilities. Industry-specific experience will also help securing specific roles. For Data Scientists, details of your PhD (if you have one) are desirable.

  Interview preparation

  During your interview you should be prepared to talk about your PhD or any other relevant qualifications you have undertaken. Questions may vary by industry, but expect to discuss what you have learned from your previous jobs, and how you would bring that knowledge to the table.

  Educational requirements

  Data Scientist applicants will ideally have studied statistics or mathematics academically. Candidates with PhD qualifications are preferred for high level Data Science roles.