How do I become a Data Analyst? Get a job for €38,000

What does the job of Data Analyst consist of?

Imagine an alchemist: the more raw material he has, the more he enjoys extracting pure gold from it. The Data Analyst plays this role in the company: it turns mountains of numbers into valuable recommendations. Thanks to his sense of observation and his mastery of tools, he reveals hidden trends, sheds light on strategies and makes each decision shine in a new light.

The main missions of the data analyst

Do you like numbers, black screens where data is displayed like the Matrix? You will be able to live your dream by becoming a data analyst. To dive into your daily life as a data magician, here are the projects that punctuate your days:

• ETL extraction : you steal your data at the source (CRM, ERP, flat files) and use your superpowers to prepare the right data for storage, analysis and machine learning.
  
  
• Data cleansing : like a chef who sorts his ingredients, you track down anomalies and purify datasets to ensure reliable analyses.
  
  
• Exploratory analysis : you search the numbers like a detective, use the descriptive statistics And the clustering to bring out your initial truths.
  
  
• Predictive modeling : you build models of regression And of classifying, like an architect who makes plans to anticipate the future.
  
  
• Visualization & reporting : you are weaving interactive dashboards And KPI powerful with Power BI or Tableau, to tell your discoveries at a glance.
  
  
• Governance & RGPD : you play the guardian of the data temple, protect their access and ensure compliance with standards.
  
  
• Data storytelling : you compose a captivating story, your insights become the scenario that guides decision-makers to action.

Essential skills (essential hard skills)

Obviously, you are not going to magically become a data analyst... Technical skills, a mathematical and logical brain and of course the knowledge of numerous software and AI tools will be your best allies on a daily basis:

• SQL : you sculpt the databases and extract the essence of the information.
  
  
• Python or R : you automate analyses and create your own statistical spells.
  
  
• Environments Big Data (Hadoop, Spark) and Data warehouse : you manage XXL volumes with address and method.
  
  
• Tools of IB (Power BI, Tableau, QlikView): you give your reports an aesthetic that is as functional as it is convincing.
  
  
• Fundamentals of stats And of Machine learning : you set the stage for solid and fair models.
  
  
• Agile project management: you coordinate your analytical potion from A to Z, as a team and on time.

Expected personal qualities (soft skills)

Beyond the tools, your personality makes all the difference. That's why BSB supports you through its program Pathfinder™ and, as of September, via the Leader Skills Institute, to develop your soft skills and core skills:

• Curiosity : nourished by Pathfinder™ workshops, you will explore every corner of your bases like an intrepid explorer.
  
  
• Pedagogy : thanks to the Leader Skills Institute modules, you will learn to make complex concepts simple, like a guide that illuminates an obscure path.
  
  
• Creativity : our team challenges stimulate your imagination to invent surprising visualizations that leave an impression and hit the mark.
  
  
• Rigor : through personalized coaching, you structure your pipelines with surgical precision.
  
  
• Team spirit : by collaborating on concrete projects, you build a strong internal network, combining marketing, finance and IT, to build the “data-driven” future together.

📌 These exclusive BSB programs help you become a well-rounded Data Analyst who is as comfortable with numbers as with leadership.

In short, the Data Analyst is not only a technician: he is a storyteller, a strategist and a figure designer, capable of transforming data into growth drivers.

What studies do you need to become a Data Analyst?

Becoming a Data Analyst means first of all mastering the ins and outs of Business before getting to the heart of the matter technique. Think of your journey as a two-story house: the ground floor, it is the understanding of business management; theupper floor, it is the expertise in Data management And in analytics.

Possible courses after the bac

As soon as you leave high school, opt for a solid foundation in business, finance, marketing, HR...

It is through the business approach that you will be in a position to give the best decision-making insights from your data management.

And for that nothing better than the Bachelor in Management with a Data Pre-Specialization.you explore all the fundamentals of business strategy, while discovering the first tools of Data Cleansing, descriptive statistics and visualizing.

📌 Because the Bachelor is a professional career path, you will do an internship in the 1st and 2nd years and will be able to do a 3rd year alternately. You get your hands dirty in a company, build your resume and develop your professional network.

Other courses such as bachelor's degrees (MIASHS, digital) offer an overview of math and computer science, but often do not integrate the strategy dimension or the challenges of Data storytelling.

Long studies

If you have chosen BSB for your Bachelor, pursuing a Master Grande École is the natural next step. Our triple AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA accreditation guarantees academic excellence and openness to an international network.

To work in a field as specialized as data, it is better to have a program that takes you from statistical analysis to strategic decision-making.

The Master Data Management & Business Analytics is the best way to become an outstanding Data Analyst. It's up to you to choose your Master course:

• 100% initial or
• 100% work-study (12 or 24 months) or
• Mix M1 initial/M2 alternation.

📌 You will discuss the data governance, the Data warehousing, the predictive modeling And the BI visualization, while consolidating your management and strategy skills through practical and professional pedagogy.

Occupation: salary and career development

As with any adventure, it's best to know your starting point and the peaks to be reached. The job of Data Analyst offers an excellent balance between responsibilities and remuneration, while opening up numerous career paths.

Average earnings

In France, a junior Data Analyst generally starts at around €38,000 gross per year, an amount that can exceed €45,000 after two to three years of experience.

The most specialized profiles in predictive modeling or big data can reach €50,000—55,000 from the start of their career, especially when they have chosen work-study programs and accumulated several concrete projects.

Internationally, these figures are climbing more quickly: in London or Berlin, junior salaries range between €45,000 and €50,000 equivalent.

After a few years, your expertise is highly valued.

In the middle of their career (5—9 years), an experienced Data Analyst earns an average of €59,781 in total annual compensation*.

At the end of their career (10+ years): senior profiles can exceed €70,000, especially when they develop a specialization in Machine learning or Big Data.

Opportunities for progression

The Data Analyst does not remain static:

• Data Manager : by coaching a team, you go from operational analysis to data governance.
  
  
• BI consultant : in an agency or office, you advise several clients and refine your Data storytelling.
  
  
• Data Scientist : by developing your skills in Machine learning, you are designing more sophisticated algorithms.
  
  
• Chief Data Officer (CDO) : at the head of a company's data strategy, you manage the transformation Data-driven at the organizational level.
  
  

Each stage requires new skills: project management, leadership, strategic vision. It's up to you to strengthen them through continuing education, certifications (Certified Analytics Professional, Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate) or the BSB certification program such as the Leader Skills Institute, which is directly integrated into the Grande Ecole course, to make progress a real springboard.

5 Tips to Succeed as a Data Analyst

To shine in a world where every data counts, here are five concrete tips to transform your skills into real professional assets.

1. Build your professional network as soon as you study

Like a gardener who plants his seeds early, start building relationships during your first tutored projects and hackathons. Participate in BSB recruitment forums, datathons or Meet-ups inspiring leaders from BSB, and exchange with professionals and alumni. Your network will be your best ally in finding internships, apprenticeships and job opportunities.

2. Master digital tools and industry codes

A good Data Analyst knows their technical alphabet: get familiar with SQL, Python/R, BI platforms (Power BI, Tableau), and Big Data frameworks (Spark, Hadoop). Practice on real cases, use public datasets and develop your portfolio to show that, like a conductor, you know how to orchestrate your pipelines and dashboards.

3. Engage in concrete and work-study projects

Nothing beats practice: opt for work-study programs or internships that will confront you with real business challenges. At BSB, our students implement their analyses on real cases, under the supervision of tutors, and gain autonomy and credibility.

4. Stay up to date with data and communication trends

The world of data is constantly evolving: subscribe to specialized blogs, follow conferences (Data & AI Days), and regularly experiment with new tools for Data visualization. Become an active watchman to stay ahead of the curve and refine your Data storytelling.

5. Choose your training and support wisely

Select a program that combines theory and practice, and that offers personalized support (career coaching, Pathfinder™ workshops). A triple-accredited business school like BSB guarantees you quality education, a solid network and concrete opportunities.

By following these tips, you will turn every analytics challenge into an opportunity and strengthen your sought-after Data Analyst profile.

FAQ — Your frequently asked questions about being a Data Analyst

1. Do you need a Bac+5 to become a Data Analyst?
No, a Bac+3 may be enough to start a junior position, especially if you already master the SQL, Python and a tool for IB. On the other hand, a Master (Bac+5) remains the best lever for quickly accessing positions of responsibility, better paid and benefiting from a solid network.

2. How to build a Data Analyst portfolio?
Bring together your study projects, practical cases and alternating achievements: Python notebooks, Power BI or Tableau dashboards and presentations of Data storytelling. Host them on GitHub or a personal site and support each project with a clear context and your key results.

3. What is the difference between Data Analyst and Data Scientist?
The Data Analyst focuses on collecting, cleaning, visualizing, and interpreting data to guide decision making. The Data Scientist pushes the predictive modeling and the algorithm, with expertise in advanced mathematics and artificial intelligence.

4. How to choose between initial and work-study training?
If you want to combine theory and rapid immersion, Thealternation puts you directly in a situation; it enriches your CV and makes your profile credible to recruiters. In initial training, you have more time to experiment, without the pressure of pace in a company.

5. How do you become a Data Analyst in Dijon or Lyon?
BSB offers its programs on its campuses in Dijon and Lyon, with a Bachelor Business & Data From post-bac and a Master Grande École Data Management & Business Analytics, initially or alternately. You benefit from personalized support and a local network of partner companies.

6. What are the best tools to master first?
Start with the winning trio: SQL to query the databases, Python to automate the analysis and Power BI or Table For the Data visualization. Then add Big Data frameworks (Spark) or machine learning libraries depending on your project.

7. What are the opportunities after a Master Data Management & Business Analytics?
You access positions of Data Analyst, but also Data Manager, BI Consultant or Junior Data Scientist, with the possibility of evolving into Chief Data Officer or Data Governance Manager. Apprenticeship and real projects open even more doors for you.

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*Sources: Coursera; Jedha; Payscale;