Three different sources on what makes a good analyst…
From one of the most influential books I have ever read, the Accidental Analyst… An ANALYST is a person who analyzes and skilled in analysis. Four Character Traits that most analysts have:
- PASSION for helping people solve real problems
- KNOWLEDGE of the business being analyzed
- EXPOSURE to thinking analytically and problem solving tools
- EXPERIENCE using data to solve problems
Certain personality types most analysts have:
- reflective
- intuitive
- deep-thinkers
- and able to make quick judgments
In addition, the International Institute for Analytics and Vendor Talent Analytics, Corp. surveyed 302 analytics professionals in 2013. Curiosity came out as the top skill in a study of the characteristics of analytics pros.
And finally from KDnuggets.com:
“The Analytics Professionals in our 2012 Study are very creative and curious. They have an insatiable thirst to learn; wanting to look everything up on the Internet immediately because they simply “have to know.”. When something doesn’t work, they’ll assume there is a rational explanation and jump in to find and solve it.”
Decision-Making, Analytics & Intelligence > Philippines 