As the name suggests, a remote data analyst is a person that understands, evaluates, and creates analysis based on the data. With the emergence of remote work, more positions have transitioned from in-house to virtual.
If you’re interested in becoming a remote data analyst or transitioning from an in-person data analyst position to a remote data analyst, this article is for you.
Who is a Remote Data Analyst?
Remote data analysts may be freelancers or self-employed, and they can work on a contract basis or as full-time employees from anywhere in the world. In some cases, remote data analysts may be able to access the same kind of computer hardware and software as office workers do at home, making it easier for them to do their job without having to travel long distances every day.
The main difference between an in-person data analyst and a remote analyst is that In-office employees get paid a regular salary. They have access to benefits like health insurance and spent sick days, as well as job security because they’re working for a company at least part-time. Remote data analysts are freelancers or independent contractors who get paid based on their terms and more often than not, do not include these perks.
How To Get Started As a Remote Data Analyst
Before getting started or making your job search easier as a remote data analyst, you should first make sure that you have the necessary skills and experience. A good understanding of data analysis methods, as well as experience with programming languages, databases, and data visualization, will set you on the right path.
You will also need to get familiar with software like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft teams, and other remote work software because you are going to be making use of them now more than ever. Get yourself familiarised with the comfortable remote environment, as well as have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, you can create an up-to-date portfolio and CV that highlights your experience and skills. Alternatively, you can create a profile on Linkedin, and if you can pay for the premium, that will be an added advantage. Networking and building relationships with recruiters and employers can help you find a remote job.
Finally, you should be prepared to take online assessments and interviews to demonstrate your data analysis skills.
How to Remain Productive as A Remote Analyst
1. Set Goals
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you work from home. There can be a lot of distractions like family, Netflix, walking the dog, or taking a stroll. All this can make you unproductive and not meet deadlines or targets. This is why you need to make it clear what your schedule is and stick to it. You need to set goals and milestones for each week, month, or year so that you know exactly what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
2. Pick the Right Tools
The best way to do this is by learning how to use the tools already available at your company. If you can’t find them online (and they probably won’t), ask your manager if there are any tools she regularly uses in her job. If she doesn’t have them available to share with you, then talk with her about how she uses them and why they’re essential for her job and yours.
3. Keep up To Date With The Latest Trends
One way to stay productive in this field is to stay connected with your team, clients, and community of peers. This way, you can get enough information about your work, what you are supposed to deliver, and when. You can connect with your team to set goals, objectives, and strategies to get the work done. Insights from peers will also help you navigate and get through any barriers you might encounter in your job.
Furthermore, keep up with the latest tools, best practices, and tips that will help you kickstart your career as a remote data analyst. Tools and software can help make your job much easier. Remember, we are in the age of science and technology, and it keeps changing from time to time. Tools that are compatible with your work today might not be tomorrow, which is why you have to keep up with the latest software. Also, research tips and solutions can help you be a better remote analyst. YouTube, Coursera, and Udacity are good places to get started.
4. Schedule Breaks
Your best ideas come when you take time off from your computer. That’s why frequent breaks during the day are so essential for productivity. If possible, schedule a mini-vacation at least once per week to get away from your desk and spend time with friends or family
5. Choose an Online Platform
If you’re working with a team, there are many ways that you can share information with them and ensure that everyone is working on the same project at the same time. One option is using an online platform such as Slack or Asana, which makes it easy for everyone involved to communicate and collaborate on projects in real time. This can help prevent misunderstandings from arising due to miscommunication between team members or when one person is away from their computer for any period of time.
6. Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications
This may seem obvious, but many remote workers forget this important step when they first start working remotely because they’re used to having instant access to everything all the time.
7. Share Work Samples with Others
One of the best ways to stay productive as a remote data analyst is by sharing work samples with others who are also working on similar projects. Working collaboratively on a project means that there will always be someone available who can answer questions about what has been done so far or provide feedback on how things can be improved next time around.
Tools For Remote Data Analysts
Here are some tools that you can use as a remote data analyst;
1. Slack
The first tool that comes to mind for this job is Slack. Slack is a messaging app that allows you to communicate with your team in real time, allowing you to share information quickly, collaborate on projects, and more.
It’s also a great place for remote data analysts to stay connected with their team and a great way to build rapport with the people they work with. For example, if a data analyst happens to be working at home, they can use Slack as an easy way to communicate with their team members about what they’re doing and what questions they have about their work.
2. Trello
Trello is another great tool for remote data analysts because it allows them to organize all their projects and tasks in one place and keep track of everything they need to do throughout the day.
It’s also simple enough that even someone without any experience using spreadsheets or databases could quickly get up and running using it right away!
3. Google Docs
Google Docs is a collaborative editing software that allows you to create spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. It has many features for creating reports or graphs, organizing files, creating presentations, or collaborating with others on document work.
You can access Google Docs from any computer with an internet connection, so there are no limitations on where you can work or who else you can collaborate with.
4. SQL Server.
This is one of the most common tools used by remote data analysts. It allows them to store and retrieve data from various databases and other sources, as well as analyze it using multiple SQL statements.
5. Excel spreadsheet.
Excel spreadsheets are a great way for remote data analysts to visualize their data in an organized way before they start analyzing it further using other tools such as SQL Server or Access databases.
6. Tableau Desktop
This is an excellent tool for visualizing your data in a way that makes sense for your audience. It has some limitations for smaller projects, but it’s a perfect option if you have more complex data sets than most people (e.g., if you’re working with high-frequency trading data).
7. Zoom
You will likely be working with a team or reporting to someone when you are working remotely. So you will need a video conferencing app to connect with them in real-time to make your job easier.
Remote Work: Top 14 Tools To Make Your Job Easier
Some Frequently Asked Questions on Remote Data Analyst Career Path
1. What Is the Remote Job Market Like for Data Analysts?
The small job market for data analysts is a competitive one. There was a report by glassdoor which states that remote job listing increased by 61% in 2022, while flexjob recorded that data analysts are among the top professions that are showing strong remote job growth. So if you want to make the most money, you need to know what other data analysts are making and how much they are willing to pay for your services.
2. how Much Do Remote Data Analysts Earn?
To determine how much an individual will make as a remote data analyst, you need to consider factors like education levels and job titles. Then try to look at the average salaries for each area of the country to find out how much remote data analysts are earning across different regions.
The average salary for a remote data analyst is $60,417 per year. The median salary for a remote data analyst is $56 613 per year. The best-paid 10% of remote data analysts earn an average of $144,300 per year, while the worst-paid 10% earn an average of $48 050 per year.
In general, employers are willing to pay higher salaries to remote workers than local employees who live in the same area.
3. Is Working as A Remote Data Analyst Easy?
Since the demand for remote workers is increasing daily, people are gradually moving remotely to continue their job. So getting a job or transitioning to a remote worker as a data analyst shouldn’t be that bad. You just need to get familiar with some essential tools you will use to do your job. It can get weird and frustrating initially, but as you move on, you will start to get the hang of it.
4. how To Find a Remote Data Analyst Job?
The best way to get a remote job as a data analyst is by networking and connecting with other professionals in the field. The most effective way to network and connect with people in this field is through conferences, meetups, and other professional events. If you are looking for a remote job as a data analyst or statistician, consider attending meetings like the Society for Computation and Data Conference (SODA).
Another way to find jobs as a data analyst is through social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Researching your market using these platforms will help you identify which companies are hiring remote workers. You can also post about your skills on these platforms so that others can learn more about them and potentially contact you directly if they are hiring for that position.
Additionally, consider updating your portfolio to fit the specification
5. Where to search for remote data analyst jobs?
1. Glassdoor
The Glassdoor website is an excellent resource for finding remote job openings. You can search by company name and industry as well as location.
2. Upwork
Upwork is an online marketplace that connects individuals and businesses with freelancers, contractors, and consultants worldwide (and even in your own country!). You can search by skill set or keyword to find what you’re looking for.
3. Indeed
Indeed is another popular website for finding remote data analyst jobs, but it also has information on many other types of jobs, including engineering, sales and marketing, and more. You can use this site to find remote data analyst jobs by job type, such as “Data Analyst” or “Customer Service Advisor.
4. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a fantastic resource for finding remote data analyst jobs because many more people are using this website than all three sites mentioned above combined! You can search by keyword or city/state/country to find people in your area who have listed themselves as.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to become a full-time data analyst but are still interested in working with them and remote work, becoming a remote data analyst could be your next best option. You can become a remote data analyst with any degree if you have excellent communication skills and a solid understanding of the analytics process.
The bottom line is that remote data analysts have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the right fit for their careers. Whether you take the self-taught route or jump into a degree program, it’s possible to find the education you need to make this career a reality.
While remote work can sometimes be tough to see initially, with perseverance and the proper education, remote data analysis can be a satisfying and lucrative career path.
