Entry-level data and analytics jobs: 4 roles explained

Roles that collect, clean and explain data. 4 starting roles in data and analytics, with what each one does and the skills it takes.

Data and analytics roles

  • Data Analyst

    0 open now

    A data analyst answers business questions with data: pulling it, cleaning it, analyzing it and presenting what it means. It is one of the most accessible technical-adjacent entry roles.

    Skills: SQL, Excel, A dashboard tool (Tableau, Power BI or Looker), Basic statistics

  • Junior Data Engineer

    0 open now

    A data engineer builds the pipelines that move and store data so analysts and scientists can use it. Entry roles maintain and extend existing pipelines.

    Skills: SQL, Python, Data modeling basics, Cloud data tools

  • Reporting Analyst

    0 open now

    A reporting or BI analyst builds the standing reports and dashboards a company relies on, and keeps them correct.

    Skills: BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker), SQL, Excel, Metric definitions

  • Research Assistant / Associate

    0 open now

    A research assistant gathers and organizes information, runs surveys or studies and writes up findings for a team or client. It fits people with strong reading, writing and analysis skills.

    Skills: Research methods, Writing, Excel or statistics software, Attention to detail

Other kinds of entry-level work

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