Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst at Walden University, your primary responsibilities include retrieving and analyzing data from various sources, primarily the student information system. You'll be fulfilling internal data requests, supporting doctoral capstone assessment requirements, and using SQL Server and Oracle to query databases. Additionally, you'll perform quality assurance on data, develop reports using Power BI and Excel, and collaborate with various stakeholders to present insights effectively.

To qualify for the Data Analyst position at Walden University, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree with coursework in research methods and statistical analysis, preferably in the social sciences. Experience with reporting and online learning software, such as SQL Server, and intermediate to advanced skills in Power BI and Excel are essential. Candidates should also possess strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills and be independent self-starters.

Data Analysts at Walden University primarily utilize tools and technologies like SQL Server for database querying, Power BI for data visualization, and Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting. Familiarity with other reporting and learning software, such as Taskstream and Cognos, is also beneficial as it contributes to the comprehensive understanding of data needed for the role.

The Data Analyst at Walden University supports university initiatives by providing data-driven insights that inform decision-making processes. By developing, testing, and analyzing reports and dashboards, the analyst offers valuable information that helps in assessing academic program reviews and co-curricular evaluations, ultimately aiding in the growth and success of the university's mission.

Walden University offers a robust benefits package for their Data Analyst positions, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, employees can participate in a 401k Retirement Program with a 6% employer match, take advantage of the Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy, and enjoy 12 paid holidays throughout the year. The benefits ensure a supportive and rewarding working environment.

When addressing your experience with data analysis and reporting, focus on specific projects you've worked on that highlight your skills. Mention the types of data sources you've engaged with, the tools you've used such as Power BI, and how your analysis has contributed to decision-making. Providing quantifiable outcomes will showcase the impact of your work.

To ensure data accuracy and integrity, emphasize your methodical approach to checking data sources, running quality assurance tests, and cross-verifying findings with multiple datasets. Discuss any tools or techniques that you leverage, such as SQL queries for validation or data audits that help streamline this process.

When queried about your database querying strategies, detail your familiarity with SQL Server and Oracle. Discuss how you strategize your queries for efficiency, the types of joins and aggregations you utilize, and any optimization techniques you employ to ensure quick and accurate retrieval of data.

To effectively present findings to various audiences, it's important to tailor your communication style. Mention how you adjust the complexity of your reports based on the audience, utilizing visual aids like dashboards in Power BI to demonstrate key insights. Also, describe your approach to summarizing technical information into digestible content for non-technical stakeholders.

When describing a challenging data problem, begin by outlining the context of the issue, followed by the analytical steps you undertook to solve it. Highlight your problem-solving skills and determination to find a solution, and discuss the outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Discuss your experience with Power BI by detailing the specific projects where you've used the tool. Talk about how you create dashboards, utilize DAX for calculations, and how your visualizations have helped stakeholders quickly grasp complex data. Sharing a brief example will enhance your credibility.

Handling tight deadlines requires strong time management and prioritization skills. Explain your process for organizing tasks, identifying critical requests, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders during high-pressure situations. Illustrate this with an example where you successfully met a challenging deadline.

When asked about using data to influence a decision, provide a specific example where your analysis led to actionable insights. Detail the data you analyzed, the stakeholders involved, and how your findings changed or confirmed their direction, emphasizing the importance of data in strategic decision-making.

Share your passion for uncovering insights that can lead to meaningful improvements. Discuss how the opportunity to support educational initiatives and the desire to make a measurable impact on students' success motivate you. Highlighting your dedication to using data as a tool for positive change will resonate well.

Staying updated on new tools and technologies is essential in the field of data analysis. Discuss your commitment to continuous learning through online courses, webinars, or industry blogs. Mention any professional networks or communities you are part of that help keep you informed about the latest trends and tools in data analytics.