data analyst.

As a data analyst, you are fact-oriented and delve into the details. You use data to explain past events as well as to make forecasts and recommendations for the future.

In various industries and companies, different types of data are generated. That's why you have the opportunity to specialise in different areas of data analysis. For example, you could take on roles such as:

• Business intelligence analyst: As a business intelligence analyst, you gather all relevant business data to generate insights from it.
• Marketing analyst: As a marketing analyst, you assist the sales and marketing team in understanding the market and the customers.
• User experience analyst: As a UX analyst, you collect and analyse data on how users interact with your company's products. Based on this, you make suggestions to improve the user experience.
• Supply chain analyst: As a supply chain analyst, you gather data from the supply chains and make suggestions to optimise logistics processes.
• Risk analyst: As a risk analyst, you evaluate financial and corporate data to identify credit, liquidity, information security, and other risks.
• Clinical data analyst: As a clinical data analyst, you analyse health data with the aim of gaining insights to support the development of treatment options, medications, diagnostic systems, or prevention programmes.

how much do I earn as a data analyst in a permanent position?

As a data analyst, you have no financial worries. Even in an entry-level position as a junior data analyst, you can earn between CHF 65,600 and CHF 91,700 per year for a full-time role, depending on your experience and industry. When you are classified as a professional data analyst, your salary increases to between CHF 100,500 and CHF 123,400. At senior level, you can expect a salary of between CHF 115,000 and CHF 132,000. In addition to your salary, you often receive fringe benefits such as bonuses, contributions to the supplementary pension scheme, or extended maternity or paternity leave.

in which industry do I earn the most as a data analyst?

Your earnings are particularly strong in the finance industry, especially with banks. You also earn well in the pharmaceutical sector and in IT and telecommunications. Generally, your pay day tends to be higher at large, internationally operating companies compared to SMEs and start-ups. When it comes to additional benefits, larger companies are usually more generous as well. For a rough overview of salary levels across different sectors, you can check Salarium, the salary calculator provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.

To work as a data analyst, you need solid knowledge of statistics, computer science, and business management. Many data analysts hold university degrees in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, or economics. 

There are also specialised degree programs in data science. For example, you can earn a Bachelor's degree as a data scientist at various universities of applied sciences and at the University of Neuchâtel. Most universities of applied sciences also offer a Master's programme in Data Science. Additionally, at both ETH Zurich and ETH Lausanne, as well as the Universities of Basel and Bern, you can pursue a Master's in Data Science if you have previously completed a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Furthermore, the University of Fribourg offers a Master's programme in Data Analytics and Economics. 

You don't necessarily need a university degree to work as a data analyst. For example, if you've completed an apprenticeship in business or IT, you can also pursue one of the many further training courses in data analysis and data science. Postgraduate programmes are particularly recommended, which you can complete with a Continuing Education Master’s (MAS), Diploma (DAS), or Certificate (CAS). These courses are usually attended alongside your job and are sometimes even offered as distance learning.

Every year, humanity produces around 100 billion terabytes of data, and the amount is growing rapidly. Within this ever-expanding mountain of data lie many hidden insights. Finding these can give a company a significant competitive edge. This applies to almost all industries. That’s why, as a data analyst, you can choose where you want to work: for example, in the IT sector, finance, online retail, manufacturing, or healthcare. Currently, larger companies mainly employ data analysts. But startups that rely on data-driven business models are also desperately seeking skilled professionals. This trend is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, quite the opposite. Job opportunities for data analysts will continue to grow as data production increases.

The role of a data analyst does not require a specific formal qualification. What you need is a basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics, as well as IT skills. Therefore, there are good opportunities for career changers, especially if you have a background in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Practical experience in the industry or the particular business sector where you wish to work as a data analyst is also advantageous. However, even if your training and previous work experience have not involved data analysis, you can still establish yourself in this promising field. There are numerous courses and postgraduate programmes available that teach you how to handle the necessary tools and methods. Additionally, there is no shortage of entry-level roles suitable for aspiring data analysts.

Typically, you start out in a junior position as a data analyst. If you put in the effort and acquire the necessary expertise, you might move up to the professional level after just three years. With additional experience and deeper specialised knowledge, you can progress to become a senior data analyst. You can also choose to specialise in a particular area such as marketing, risk management, supply chain analysis, or business intelligence. Aside from that, there’s the opportunity to take on managerial responsibilities and lead a project team or department. Some data analysts, incidentally, switch to an IT career and become database administrators or software developers.

As a data analyst, you need the following skills and knowledge:

• Analytical thinking: You need to understand the question you are to answer and be able to identify patterns and trends within the data sets. Analytical thinking also helps you to spot gaps and errors in your interpretation methods.
• Mathematical and statistical skills: To be able to interpret the data, you need solid knowledge of mathematical and statistical analysis methods.
• Programming skills: Basic knowledge of programming languages such as Python and the statistical language R will enhance your competitiveness as a data analyst, as will SQL skills.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools: You should be familiar with key statistical and data analysis tools such as SAS, Matlab, Excel, Jupyter Notebook, and Tableau.
• Communication skills: In order for decision-makers to understand the results of your analyses, you need to have the ability to explain complex relationships in a simple way.

There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a data analyst:
✓ exciting jobs at well-known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one; personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well-known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.

your training budget as a data analyst at randstad.

If you work as a data analyst for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTraining programme from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. This allows you to gain additional language skills or job-specific knowledge, all during your working hours as a data analyst. The course fees will be reimbursed if you pass the course exam. Do you have any questions about the training options? Your Randstad consultant is always available to assist you.

Have you found your dream job as a data analyst? When it comes to the success of your applications, it's not just about qualifications and certificates. Carefully prepared, error-free, and personalised documents can really boost your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:

Do you have any questions about the role of a data analyst? Here you'll find the answers.