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Data Analyst - Tile

Data Analyst

Data Analysts explore past and current data and use modelling to help agencies understand what may happen next. Their work helps explain how audiences think and behave, identify opportunities for clients and shape advertising strategies.

They analyse and measure campaign performance, collecting, cleaning, interpreting and applying data to understand what worked and inform future campaigns. They also turn complex findings into clear stories that clients and agency teams can use.

Data Analysts work across the agency and with different clients, so being confident when explaining data and the stories behind it is an important part of the role.

Great skills to have as a Data Analyst

A real passion for data and telling the stories hidden within it.
Curiosity and an inquisitive mindset: you keep looking for answers to your ‘why’ questions.
The ability to combine data and storytelling, highlight what matters to a strategy and explore previously unanswered questions.
An interest in systems and confidence learning tools and languages such as Excel, SQL, Python, Google Analytics, business intelligence platforms and social analytics tools.
Strong organisation: you may manage several projects at once and need to treat each as a priority.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy and organisation.

See what it's like...

Jessica MacDonald

Data Analyst at FCB/SIX NZ

Dried fruit

"I help make ads better with the power of data and numbers."

Pathway to becoming a Data Analyst

Many Data Analyst roles look for tertiary study or equivalent practical experience. Useful areas of study include mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, information technology and data science. An understanding of how data is collected and stored can also be valuable.

Build your CV around examples that show you are comfortable working with data and communicating what you find. These examples could come from study, personal projects, internships or other work experience.

You can also explore the Comms Council Graduate Talent Hub, which may include related entry-level opportunities depending on agency needs.

Boardroom

Career progression

Data roles do not have fixed time periods between levels of seniority. Progress depends on your technical skills, the quality of the insights you provide, how clearly you communicate and the opportunities available within your agency. Data Analysts can progress into senior analytics, data strategy or analytics leadership roles.