Welcome to the world of data analysis—where critical thinking, statistical analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills are key to success. The main function of a data analyst is to use data visualization tools to collect, analyze, and process large datasets, identifying important patterns and trends. These trend insights are paramount for organizations to make strategic choices that propel their company forward.
Interested in pursuing this as a career path? Employment of data scientists and data analysts “is projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The same report states that there will be an average of 20,800 openings for data scientist and data analyst jobs each year until 2033.
In Arizona, the top 50 biggest employers in 2025 are primarily in the healthcare, insurance, financial services, banking, and aviation industries. Major companies headquartered in Arizona, like Mayo Clinic, Wells Fargo, American Airlines, and UnitedHealth Group, employ more than 7,000 Arizona workers each.
Whether you’re beginning your career or transitioning from another field, data analysis is an invaluable skill in today’s job market. The growing demand for certified data analysis professionals stems largely from advancements in machine learning (ML) algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI). As cybersecurity threats and data breaches continue to rise, the need for data-driven decision-making and business intelligence has become essential for our current professional landscape. Data analysts play a particularly significant role in industries such as banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI)—Arizona’s leading industry cluster.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Data Analyst
As the name suggests, the roles and responsibilities of a data analyst revolve largely around data—collecting, synthesizing, documenting, and ultimately reporting on said data. By and large, across industries, most data analyst jobs will encompass the following responsibilities:
- Data Collection and Cleaning: Data analysts are in charge of collecting and cleaning data, which may look like removing duplicate, irrelevant, corrupted, or biased data from the dataset. Data cleaning ensures that the most accurate data is being utilized to drive business solutions.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Utilizing segmentation tools like ArcGIS Business Analyst, along with data analytics platforms like Microsoft Excel and Tableau, data analysts can derive actionable insights on how to augment profitability.
- Data Visualization and Reporting: It is imperative that data analysts not only collect, clean, and interpret their datasets, but also put said data into a visual representation that is accurate and easy to understand. These visual data representations can be in the form of charts, graphs, maps, and more.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Oftentimes, data analysts will partner with data engineers, business intelligence analysts, and project managers to implement data-driven strategies and ensure successful project delivery. Facilitating cross-functional team discussions with management consultants and product managers helps data analysts ensure the best possible solutions are outlined for business needs to be met.
- Stakeholder Communication: Communicating effectively with stakeholders is a key function for data analysts—here is where some good storytelling skills come into play. Data analysts need to be able to present their data findings with clarity and ease.
Professional Development: It is important for data analysts to keep their skills up to date. They can do this by way of certifications such as Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) and becoming familiar with the BABOK® Guide.
University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education offers a 100% online Business Analytics certificate course, in collaboration with Ziplines Education, that features flexible, on-demand learning. This mentor-led course prepares you for entry-level data analyst roles with hands-on learning opportunities. In as little as 10 weeks, you’ll create a Strategic Business Analytics Playbook to present to future employers. Showcase your expertise in strategic concepts such as data modeling, accessing data with SQL (Structured Query Language), data visualization, and KPI development for a real-world company.
Daily Tasks of a Data Analyst
A typical workday for a data analyst may vary based on industry, business needs, and projects. However, the following tasks are the most universal for data analysts:
- Identifying Problems: The first thing to think about for analysts, engineers, and project managers is, “What are the current problems affecting our organization right now?” This key question will determine what problems to solve and where to direct each team’s efforts.
- Designing and Maintaining Databases: Designing a database that effectively meets your needs is essential for interpreting data. A good design not only helps you get to the right solutions faster and more efficiently, but it also provides a structure in which you can easily maintain and manipulate the data when needed.
- Collecting Data: Data analysts use the information discussed while identifying problems to collect the appropriate type and amounts of data to use for solutions.
- Finding Patterns: In order to tell a story, data analysts need to find and isolate patterns to provide context for the data. They do this by utilizing segmentation tools to display local, national, and international trends. This pertinent data provides implications on ways to improve overall performance and efficiency.
- Using Statistics to Interpret Data: Data analysts use programs like Microsoft Excel, SQL, and Python to contextualize the appropriate data.
- Collaborating With Cross-Functional Teams: An organization is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Because of this, it is essential for data analysts to be strong collaborators—attending meetings, brainstorming, and working alongside marketing teams, project managers, product teams, engineers, and more. It’s imperative that data analysts work with different teams and departments, as their responsibility is to search for potential data issues within the entire organization and present solutions.
- Documenting Processes and Creating Reports: In order to provide context for cross-functional teams and stakeholders, data analysts are responsible for documenting processes and creating reports. Documenting processes helps all stakeholders understand what went right and ways to duplicate the process in the future—along with areas warranting improvement. Creating reports is also vital to a business analyst, as this provides clear insights into key trends and potential areas for improvement.
- Presenting Findings: With all that work interpreting and identifying key data trends, data analysts need to be able to visually tell the story to stakeholders—internally and externally. They do this through reports and charts, showing a visual representation of important information in an accessible way (leaving out the technical jargon).
As with any profession, there is a lot of flexibility in professional responsibilities for data analysts based on seniority, ranging from junior data analysts to senior analysts and management analysts.
Job Outlook and Career Path
Career Growth Opportunities
There are many pathways to becoming a business analyst, data analyst, or management consultant. Typically, the trajectory of a successful senior data analyst starts with a junior data analyst job. Once the junior data analyst develops hard skills and refines their soft skills, they will continue on to become a data analyst. After a few years of taking on larger projects, it’s possible to move up to a senior data analyst, data architect, or management consultant role.
Skills and Certifications
Since data analytics is a highly technical field, it’s imperative to develop analytical skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking, when first starting out. Not only that, but having a solid understanding of business administration will help you succeed in a data analyst role. The best way to make informed business decisions around data is by familiarizing yourself with the practical aspects of how businesses operate.
In addition to building skills, obtaining certifications in Tableau and CBAP will help validate expertise and credibility in the field. Not only does this leverage marketability and competitiveness in the job market, but it also supports continuous commitment to excellence and devotion to the craft.
By enrolling in the Business Analytics certificate course at Arizona, in collaboration with Ziplines Education, you’ll not only gain real-world experience in data modeling, SQL, and AI, but you’ll also earn a certificate of completion in business analytics to show off to future employers. Plus, once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be prepared to take the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification Exam.
Diverse Career Options
Obtaining a certificate in business analytics can open up many potential career paths. Here are a few roles to explore down the line:
- Data Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Marketing Analytics Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Quantitative Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Data Visualization Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data Architect
- Project Manager
Data Analyst Salary and Job Market
The data analyst job market is not only strong, but it’s also growing at a staggering rate—36%, according to BLS. Market Research Future concluded that the market size for the Business Analytics Market was valued at more than $55 billion in 2024. As more and more companies and industries invest in AI and ML, data analysts will become increasingly necessary for the successful completion of company goals. Combining expertise in data interpretation and data visualization, data analysts will be leading the way for effective and efficient growth as companies navigate the ever-changing American economy.
The average data analyst salary in Arizona hovers around $72,989 annually, according to Indeed. With Arizona’s cost of living averaging $44,875 per year, according to SoFi, you’ll have a considerable sum left over to invest, travel, or use toward other activities or passions outside of work (hello, work-life balance).
Having a clear understanding of the professional landscape in your local area can significantly influence your career trajectory. As mentioned earlier, key industries in Arizona include financial services, banking, aviation, and healthcare. Gaining familiarity with one or more of these sectors and honing your data analysis expertise can help you build specialized knowledge within a specific field. By carving out a niche, you’ll position yourself as an industry expert, which can lead to higher earning potential, more defined job responsibilities, and greater career satisfaction.
Start Your Journey
Pursuing a career in data analytics promises excitement, fulfillment, and continuous growth. By leveraging problem-solving, data cleaning, teamwork, and data visualization, you’ll have the skills and tools to drive your company’s mission effectively and strategically. Now is a pivotal moment to enter the field of data analytics. With organizations increasingly focusing on AI, ML, cybersecurity, and data protection, earning a data analytics certification provides a significant competitive advantage in today’s dynamic job market and can lead to the job security that you may be searching for.
If you’re interested in how to become a business analyst in Arizona, jumpstart your journey by enrolling in the Arizona Business Analytics certificate course, in collaboration with Ziplines Education. Starting a new career path demands research, training, courage, and a can-do attitude. Gain in-demand skills with a certificate in business analytics and build a lasting, adaptable, and exciting career today.
