OVERVIEW
What Is a Data Governance Analyst?
Information is power, and well-governed data can propel a company toward continued growth and achievement. Mismanaged data can lead to operational inefficiencies, financial setbacks, security breaches, and substantial legal repercussions. Data governance analysts design and implement the policies, rules, and systems that direct the use of data within a company. They build data governance frameworks that increase organizational efficiency, optimize data analytics practices, and comply with regulatory standards. From developing procedures that guard sensitive information to confirming data integrity through routine audits, their fundamental objective is to ensure that data is used safely and efficiently.
If you’re intrigued by the dynamic field of data management, passionate about emerging information technologies, and want to help companies leverage data for success, a career as a data governance analyst could be right for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Data Governance Analyst Do?
Data-driven insights are the foundation of most strategic business decisions. Across myriad industries, companies rely on skilled data governance analysts to help them improve operations, understand market trends and customer behavior, develop sound financial plans, and foster growth. Some of the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a data governance analyst include:
- Collaborating with cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, and legal teams to ensure data governance systems align with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Developing policies that dictate how data is collected, used, stored, and accessed, and periodically updating protocols to align with evolving business objectives or compliance standards.
- Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the data governance program’s performance.
- Ensuring that data management practices comply with data governance regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCCPA), and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA).
- Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records of data-related policies and procedures.
- Using dashboards to visualize data governance metrics and communicate insights to stakeholders.
- Identifying flaws or inconsistencies in data management processes that could damage data integrity.
- Integrating tools to automate recurring, error-prone activities such as data cataloging and mapping.
- Creating detailed data lineage records that describe data assets’ origin and movement throughout systems.
- Standardizing the terminology used to refer to data elements by maintaining an accurate data glossary.
- Leading workshops and training sessions to educate employees about data governance best practices.
Where Does a Data Governance Analyst Work?
Any organization that uses data to make strategic decisions or must comply with data regulations may rely on data governance analysts to develop sound data policies and procedures. Data governance analysts can work in a wide variety of settings, including:
- Private corporations
- Government agencies
- Healthcare companies
- Consulting firms
- Financial institutions
- Manufacturing firms
- Technology companies
- Retail businesses
- Marketing agencies
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Data Governance Analyst?
Most data governance roles require at least a bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in this fast-growing field, consider earning your undergraduate degree in information technology, data management, computer science, or a related discipline. These degrees will provide the technical skills and industry knowledge you need to stay competitive. If you want to qualify for higher-level data governance jobs, consider earning a master’s degree in data analytics, information technology management, or cybersecurity and information assurance.
Professional certifications can further demonstrate your technical expertise and professional ambition to prospective employers. Some of the most well-recognized data governance certifications include:
- Data Governance and Stewardship Professional (DGSP)
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Udacity Data Analyst Nanodegree
- Master Data Management (MDM)
- Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
Best Degrees for a Data Governance Analyst
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,735 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 25 months.
- Tuition: $3,985 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 38 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- AI
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,265 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
Business
Leadership Certificate – School of Business
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the...
Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.
- Time: 4 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $2,250 for the certificate.
- Courses: 3 courses total in this program.
This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.
Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:
- Finance and Banking
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT
- Consulting
- Nonprofit
- Government
How Much Does a Data Governance Analyst Make?
$58,626
On average, data governance analysts make $58,626 annually. Base salaries typically range from $52,165 to $66,713 a year. However, the industry, location, and company size can all influence the pay rate for data governance jobs. Professionals with ample experience in data management and analysis typically qualify for higher salaries than those without this experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Data Governance Analyst?
10%
Data assets are increasingly vital for business, and there’s a growing demand for professionals who can gather, manage, and safeguard these valuable resources. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically list data governance analyst job statistics, the need for management analysts is projected to grow by 10% from 2022 to 2032.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Data Governance Analyst Need?
Data governance analysts develop and oversee efficient data management systems and strategies. Some of the top skills needed to succeed in this career include:
Regulatory knowledge. Data management policies and strategies must comply with security regulations, privacy laws, and industry-specific standards.
Technical abilities. Data governance analysts need a robust understanding of SQL, VBA, cloud platforms, enterprise data management tools, and big data technologies in order to design and implement effective data governance strategies.
Communication. Collaboration, cooperation, conflict resolution, and relationship facilitation skills allow data governance professionals to build policies and systems that support the organization’s overarching objectives.
Data stewardship. Data governance analysts oversee the entire data life cycle, ensuring that data is accessible, usable, consistent, and secure.
Problem-solving. When errors, inconsistencies, or technical glitches arise, data governance analysts may need to use innovative approaches to solve them.
Attention to detail. Flaws or oversights within data management processes and systems can have disastrous financial or legal consequences, so attention to detail is essential.
Project management. Data governance analysts oversee large-scale projects with many working parts.
Adaptability. To succeed in the evolving field of data governance, professionals must be willing to adapt to changing circumstances and commit to continuous learning.
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