How Do I Become a Director of Analytics?

Professionals who work in analytics use computer software and statistics to locate problems in organizations and to suggest and often to implement solutions. For example, a professional who works in analytics for an online business might track the satisfaction levels of consumers who use an online service and utilize his or her knowledge of programming to improve online consumer experiences. This kind of professional might analyze the success of initiatives by measuring statistics regarding how often individual consumers return to a site, how much time they spend on a site and how much money they spend. To become a director of analytics, it is essential that you gain years of experience in an analytics role in an industry in which you are interested in working. A director is a professional who oversees all analytical operations, and he or she should have a strong body of knowledge that pertains specifically to a certain field or industry.

A person who would like to become a director of analytics should earn an undergraduate degree in a field such as information systems, computer engineering or statistics. In most cases, a person who wants to become a director of analytics should study how to apply these concepts to business contexts. Many employers prefer that job candidates have graduate degrees in business. You can benefit from studying in an advanced graduate program in which you learn how to use principles of computer science and statistical analysis in real-world scenarios.

Aside from being able to program and optimize software and map intelligence networks, a person who would like to become a director of analytics must also be able to perform business research, perform analysis and present solutions. To do this kind of work, you have to be very familiar with your industry. For this reason, it is a good idea to take an analytics position early on in a field of your choice. If you decide to work in the business software industry, for instance, you should dedicate plenty of time to learning about new developments, popular programs, consumer preferences and leaders in the field.

To become a director of analytics, you should compose a résumé and cover letter in which you highlight your understanding of information systems and how they can be used within a particular industry. It also is essential that you write about experiences in which you have been able to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities. Likewise, you need to show that you are a proficient data miner who is able to locate problems and focus on specific solutions.