Dear All,

During my PhD I have thoroughly enjoyed the data analyst aspect of my course. Predominantly I have used SPSS and R (I have also dabbled in Python - but that has generally been for fun, rather than actual application to my Datasets). I am currently coming towards the end of my PhD in Psychology (Quantitative methods used throughout).

I personally believe that a life in academia really isn't for me (Although I have enjoyed my experience as a Doctoral Researcher). My major aim now is to secure a job in Data Analyst, ideally, a job where I am using software such as SPSS, SAS or R on a daily basis. At this moment in time, I am new to the field, so I am not setting out to work in a specific field, although I am aware of how broad the sector is in data analysis is.

Despite almost having a PhD I am willing to settle for lower paid jobs (Jobs that I MAY have been able to secure after my Masters rather than my PhD) simply to break into the industry. Anyway, I am just wondering of anyone can offer any advice to where to start? I have come across posts such as:

Marketing Analyst
Insight Analyst
Data Analyst
Commercial Analyst....


Many of the job descriptions have been quite intimidating, and I find myself wondering the best approach to use it when hunting and applying for such jobs...

Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

The first thing you should do is check out industry organisations for your country to give you a starting point. Becoming a member at one will allow for you learn about the industry and meet the right people. Most industry jobs can be via word of mouth and not through traditional applications. Don't wait until the end of your PhD, get started now (it's good that you are thinking ahead!). It can take a while to make good connections and start to see results from your efforts.

Data analysts are in high demand and can be versatile regarding whether you go for government/social services or private sector.

It would be good to narrow your focus as to what kind of data analysis you'd like to do, as this will help you target your search. You should also think about trying to join projects that require the use of a data analyst as a pro-bono consultancy. This will help develop your experience, and again help you make the right connections. One thing you could do is move into institutional research, and then from there, move into more industry/private sector.

But really, it is a bit of a luck game. Keep your eye out for opportunities and utilise a variety of job hunting methods, keep doing the traditional submitting applications, but also use networking sites like Linkedin to join groups/see if opportunities pop up. Set up informational interviews with alumni of your school who are data analysts to find out what's required with the job. Utilise the career services at your uni and see if they have a mentorship program.

Hi awsoci,


Thank you for your response. This has been most helpful and has definitely help me work out what types of things I need to think about / do.

I am currently based in Bristol,England. There doesn't seem to be any shortage of jobs in data analysis, it is just convincing them to give me a shot. I think the biggest hurdle is only ever performing data analysis in a academic role - not a commercial one. Nonetheless, parallels can clearly be drawn between the two.

Cheers again.

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