Finding and Hiring a Research Analyst Unicorn

Authors

Hansa Magee, University of Missouri
Nick Bilyk, Northern Arizona University

Document Type

Presentation

Abstract

As more data analytics programs pop up, we see graduates with these degrees and certificates in our applicant pool. However, the analyst that works in higher ed administration is not like a data scientist that looks for biomarkers in genomic data or the programmer that writes in R all day. What are the skills needed for this job? What exactly is this job that we are hiring for? Should managers prioritize applicants with analytics certificates? Or is experience with sponsored projects more important? We (your presenters) don’t have perfect answers but we (the collective conference attendees) can come up with imperfect guidelines! Much of this depends on your specific institution’s characteristics and needs, but there are three things we deem absolutely necessary for an analyst to have in their skillset: an analytical mind, diverse communication skills, and quickly adapting to your institutional culture.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/EYQ8-AC47

Publication Date

2024

Comments

Watch the post-summit online webinar. Use the link below under "Additional Files" to download the recording.

Recommended Citation

Magee, Hansa and Bilyk, Nick, "Finding and Hiring a Research Analyst Unicorn" (2024). Research Analytics Summit 2024. 13.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/research_events2/13