Key Characteristics of Entry-Level Data Analytics Professionals: A Thematic Analysis of Stakeholder Perspectives

Abstract

Prior studies of individual attributes needed for data analytics (DA) roles reveal a lengthy list of requirements that make it difficult to elucidate and identify their key characteristics. In addition, researchers and practitioners use various terms such as skills, abilities, traits, dispositions, and competencies to describe these characteristics. We address this gap in the literature through a thematic analysis of multiple sources of stakeholder input and use terminology consistent with the professional bodies of the ACM and AIS. Thus, we use the word ‘skills’ to represent the ability to perform DA tasks and execute actions resulting from one’s acquired knowledge and we use the word ‘dispositions’ to represent the tendency or manner in which an individual approaches a DA task. We synthesize the skills and dispositions needed by DA professionals into six key characteristics: technical skills, Business domain skills, communication and collaboration skills, innovativeness, grit, and critical thinking, along with supporting descriptions and details. We find corroboration for our study results from DA job postings and explore the alignment of the results with studies of information systems (IS) professionals. Our study intends to provide clear and actionable guidance to academics, practitioners, and students interested in the DA profession.