Mathematics and Statistics

The marketplace is hungry for data analysts

The marketplace is hungry for data analysts

Data analysis is one of the hottest trends in the business world today. In 2018, the Canadian big data services market is expected to be worth around 1.45 billion Canadian dollars and continue to climb to 1.8 billion by 2020.

Quite rightly, a recent McKinsey Global Institute study called data analysis "the next frontier for innovation, competition and productivity." Companies increasingly recognize that data analysis provides competitive intelligence and strategic insights. They are on the lookout for analysts to mine big data sets and spot the trends that can help them draw accurate forecasts, manage performance, make decisions, foster innovation, and drive efficiencies.

The UFV Data Analysis post-baccalaureate program was designed to respond to the exploding demand for data analysts across all sectors of the economy. The ten-month program equips you with the practical skills you need to turn data into the business intelligence that companies and institutions highly value in the marketplace.

You learn the computing techniques required to analyze vast amounts of data from varied sources, identify patterns, and present your findings compellingly to decision makers. Through UFV's Co-operative Education option, you can opt to combine your studies with a paid work term to gain valuable work experience and develop your network.

The program is an ideal option if you have an undergraduate university degree and want to acquire specialized skills that can set you apart in the job market. Upgrading options are available for those who do not quite meet the entrance requirements.

Career Outlook for Data Analysis

A recent survey by McKinsey Global Institute reports that finding the right talent is the biggest hurdle companies face in trying to integrate data and analytics into their operations. Approximately half of executives across regions and industries reported greater difficulty recruiting analytical talent than filling any other kind of role.

Jobs for data analysts are opening in a wide range of fields, from banking to health care, business to education, science to telecommunications. Salaries match the demand, with impressive entry-level wages rising to the six-figure range for senior analysts.

Experienced data analysts with strong leadership and business skills may progress to become senior or lead analysts, managers, chief information officers, or consultants.