Before deciding on UNF’s Master of Data Analytics (MDA) program, you might want more information about what kinds of data analytics jobs there are in Canada. Rest assured that there are many paths you can take to attain a secure, successful future.
What is data analytics?
To start off, what exactly is data analytics? Put simply, it’s the evaluation of data to help businesses make important decisions. This is done using a variety of tools and processes.
Types of data analytics
Businesses have different needs that require various types of data analytics. The four main ones include:
Descriptive analytics
Descriptive analytics is the examination of historical data to see what worked, what didn’t, and uncover market trends and patterns. For example, a sales and revenue analysis can use descriptive analytics to determine which products sold the most during a promotional event. From there, company executives can align their marketing strategy to meet consumer needs and decide if any products should be discontinued.
Diagnostic analytics
Diagnostic analytics uncovers why patterns and trends occur. This helps businesses determine the root cause of their problems and develop effective solutions. In the case of something like supply chain issues, they can find out if the cause is a lack of raw materials, labour shortages, transportation delays, or another complication that needs to be addressed.
Predictive analytics
Predictive analytics builds on the patterns established by descriptive and diagnostic analytics to see how they will influence future events. In industries like healthcare, it’s often used to provide personalized treatment. By analyzing past mishaps such as equipment failures, energy and utilities companies can use predictive analytics to develop enhanced safety measures.
Prescriptive analytics
Prescriptive analytics combines past and present insights to determine the best way forward. In email marketing, they can show when a subscriber is likely to make a purchase or unsubscribe, leading to content that better meets the subscriber’s needs and improves customer retention.
Top 10 data analytics jobs
Here’s an overview of the top 10 jobs you can pursue with a data analytics degree:
1. Diagnostic analytics
Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze historical data sets using surveys and other kinds of software. They also communicate their findings in reports and visualisations and work with team members on data-driven solutions.
2. Data scientist
Data scientists convert data insights into actionable next steps. They also conduct experiments and create and apply algorithms used in automation tools.
3. Data engineer
Data engineers design, build, and maintain the infrastructure and pipelines needed to collect and process data, including data lakes, data warehouses, and other systems.
4. Big data engineer
Big data engineers transform bigger volumes of data to match their intended system. They also scale and test large data systems.
5. Business intelligence (BI) analyst
BI analysts sift through an organization’s data and develop recommendations for how it can be used efficiently. To do this properly, they regularly maintain and update BI systems.
6. Data management specialist
Data management specialists design and implement processes and systems that store and organize data. In doing so, they make sure to correct errors or inconsistencies and enable data backup protection protocols.
7. Data visualization specialist
Data visualization specialists make data easy to understand through compelling charts, graphs, and maps. To ensure their work is accurate, they thoroughly clean and preprocess the data they plan to visualize.
8. Machine learning engineer
From smartphone facial recognition to the fraud detection systems used by banks, we encounter machine learning daily. Machine learning engineers build and design software for these systems through data analysis and testing.
9. Data governance specialist
In consultation with company stakeholders, data governance specialists develop and enforce policies and procedures related to data security, standards, and quality guidelines, all while staying updated on data governance laws and regulations.
10. Data mining engineer
Data mining engineers store, transform, and manage an organization’s data. They do this by developing systems that transform and move data from different sources to storage or process environments.
Conclusion
With an MDA in your arsenal, you can make a tangible impact across many different industries. UNF’s digital-first focus means that you’ll receive core training in the data science lifecycle and be able to customize your learning experience through our three program streams: Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics, and General Analytics. If you’re excited by what you’ve read so far, feel free to chat with a UNF student advisor or apply today. We look forward to joining you on your career journey!
