People Analyst

Why become a People Analyst, you ask? Well, imagine having the power to unravel the mysteries of human behaviour and use your insights to drive positive change in the world. 

Whether you’re passionate about helping individuals thrive in their careers, improving team dynamics in the workplace, or shaping company culture for the better, being a People Analyst allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Uncover patterns in workplace behaviour and performance.

• Help organisations improve employee well-being.
• Use data to drive better hiring decisions.
• Be part of the future of human resources.

A People Analyst supports employers and businesses to make informed decisions based on data. Data is a method for businesses to make informed strategic decisions with minimal human error in the form of bias or emotions. Data is used in businesses to inform employers of information not only on the performance of their employees, but also on gender diversity and pay gaps.

As a People Analyst, your role revolves around analysing data and insights to understand human behaviour and inform decision making in various domains. 

From conducting surveys and interviews to analysing performance metrics and demographic data, you’ll use a blend of quantitative and qualitative methods to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations related to human interactions. Whether you’re working in human resources, organisational psychology, market research, or social science, your expertise as a People Analyst is invaluable in driving strategic initiatives and fostering positive change.

A People Analyst supports employers and businesses to make informed decisions based on data. Data is a method for businesses to make informed strategic decisions with minimal human error in the form of bias or emotions. Data is used in businesses to inform employers of information not only on the performance of their employees, but also on gender diversity and pay gaps.

As a People Analyst, your skills and expertise are highly sought after in a variety of industries that focus on understanding and engaging with people.

• Human Resources
• Market Research
• Organisational Development
• Consumer Insights
• Social Science Research
• Talent Management

To excel as a People Analyst, you’ll need a diverse set of skills that allow you to navigate complex human behaviours and analyse data effectively.

• Data Analysis
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Empathy
• Research
• Problem-solving

To have a successful career as a People Analyst, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in subjects that provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand human behaviour and analyse data effectively.

Psychology

Gain insights into human cognition, behaviour, and motivation.

Statistics

Learn quantitative methods and data analysis techniques.

Sociology

Explore social structures, interactions, and group dynamics.

Communication Studies

Develop interpersonal skills and communication strategies.

From predicting consumer behaviour to designing effective employee training programs, the possibilities are endless for People Analysts! Whether you’re conducting experiments to understand decision making processes or developing strategies to enhance team collaboration, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Analyse data to improve workplace happiness
Use employee feedback and engagement surveys to find ways to make workplaces more positive and motivating.

Create visual reports for company leaders
Turn complex data into easy-to-read charts and graphs that help managers understand employee trends and make informed decisions.

Predict future hiring needs using data
Use data analytics to forecast which skills and roles a company will need in the future, helping businesses plan ahead.

Investigate reasons for high staff turnover
Dive into data to understand why people leave a company and recommend changes to improve employee retention.

Collaborate with HR to design better benefits
Work with human resources teams to design employee benefits that improve well-being, based on data about staff needs and preferences.

Track the impact of diversity initiatives
Monitor the success of diversity and inclusion programmes using data, helping companies create fair and inclusive work environments.

In Australia, significant contributions have been made to the field of People Analysis, shaping industries and inspiring others with their innovative thinking and expertise.

Carmen Hu
Carmen is a leader in people analytics at a major Australian bank, where she uses data to improve hiring processes and employee development programmes. Her work helps businesses make smarter, fairer decisions about their teams.

Jo Dodd
Jo is known for her expertise in data-driven HR strategies, helping organisations create better employee experiences by understanding the needs and motivations of their workforce.

Mina Radhakrishnan
Mina has worked in tech and people analytics for some of the world’s biggest companies, bringing a data-first approach to solving challenges in hiring, diversity, and employee satisfaction.

Jacqui Curtis
As a key figure in the Australian Public Service, Jacqui has led initiatives to use data in improving workplace culture, performance, and leadership development across the government sector.

Sarah Smith

Known for her groundbreaking research in organisational psychology, Sarah has used her expertise as a People Analyst to help companies improve employee engagement and performance.

David Brown

With a passion for market research and consumer behaviour, David has led People Analysis projects that have transformed marketing strategies and product development initiatives across Australia.

Emma White

As a pioneer in talent management and leadership development, Emma has leveraged her skills as a People Analyst to identify and nurture future leaders in various industries.

To thrive as a People Analyst, you’ll need a combination of personality traits that allow you to understand and empathise with people’s needs and motivations.

• Empathetic
• Analytical
• Curious
• Insightful
• Collaborative
• Adaptable

A university degree in data analytics, human resources, or business management is a strong foundation for a career as a People Analyst. Here are some common options:

Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management Focus)
This degree equips students with the knowledge to understand employee behaviour, organisational culture, and how to manage people. Curtin University offers a course that covers HR strategy alongside business analytics, preparing students for a role in people analytics.

Bachelor of Data Science
Focusing on data science, this degree teaches students how to analyse large data sets, providing the skills needed to interpret employee data and make evidence-based recommendations. The University of Western Australia (UWA) offers a detailed data science programme that can be tailored to include business applications such as people analytics.

Bachelor of Business Analytics
This degree blends data analysis with business strategy, teaching students how to use data to drive decisions across organisations. Murdoch University offers a programme that prepares students for roles in analysing workplace data to support HR and management.

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Human Resources Management
• Business Administration
• Data Science
• Organisational Psychology

Imagine combining your love for psychology with your interest in data analysis or business management. By pursuing interdisciplinary studies, you can unlock new perspectives and skills that enhance your effectiveness as a People Analyst. Whether you’re blending degrees in psychology and data science to explore the intersection of human behaviour and technology or combining sociology with business administration to understand organisational dynamics, the possibilities are endless!

During your studies to become a People Analyst, you’ll dive deep into the fascinating realm of human behaviour and data analysis. From understanding psychological theories and research methods to mastering statistical techniques and communication strategies, every lesson will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field. Get ready to explore the complexities of human interactions, uncovering insights that drive meaningful change in organisations and communities.

Gain hands-on experience as a People Analyst through internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time roles. Whether you’re assisting with research projects at university, conducting surveys and interviews in the field, or analysing data for organisations, every opportunity to apply your skills in real-world settings will enhance your expertise and prepare you for a successful career.

Not interested in pursuing a full university degree? Let’s explore alternative pathways to becoming a People Analyst, such as micro-learning platforms or workplace training programs. 

Engage in short courses and workshops to develop specific skills in data analysis, communication, or psychology. Alternatively, seek out junior positions in research or human resources departments where you can learn and grow through practical experience.

Vocational Training and Certifications

For students who prefer hands-on learning, vocational training and certifications provide a more practical route into people analytics.

• Diploma of Human Resources Management
  This diploma covers key HR practices alongside basic data analysis, helping students understand the importance of data in making informed decisions about people management.
• Certified People Analytics Professional (CPAP)
  This certification focuses on the use of data analytics in HR, providing students with practical skills in gathering, interpreting, and reporting on employee data.

Micro-Learning and Online Courses

Online courses offer flexibility for students who want to specialise in people analytics.

• Introduction to People Analytics
  Learn the basics of using data to understand workplace trends and employee behaviour, giving a foundation in people analytics.

HR Metrics and Analytics
This course teaches how to collect, analyse, and apply data to improve hiring, performance, and employee engagement strategies.

Western Australia
In Western Australia, People Analysts are in demand across various industries. In Perth, roles such as Human Resources Assistants at local companies like Rio Tinto offer opportunities to support HR functions using data to improve employee experiences. Universities in Western Australia, such as The University of Western Australia (UWA), also hire Research Assistants to explore workforce trends and analyse employee behaviour. Additionally, Data Analysts at government agencies in Perth, such as WA Government Jobs, use data to improve workplace policies and employee engagement.

Australia
Nationwide, People Analysts can find a variety of roles in HR and data analytics. In Sydney and Melbourne, Market Researchers are in high demand at firms like Nielsen, where analysing consumer and employee data is crucial for business growth. Talent Acquisition Coordinators at multinational companies like PwC Australia focus on improving recruitment strategies through data insights. Across the country, Organisational Development Assistants at Not For Profit organisations, such as The Smith Family, use data to enhance staff training and development programmes.

Rest of the World
Globally, People Analysts have exciting opportunities to work with tech giants and consulting firms. In Silicon Valley, HR Specialists at companies like Google use people analytics to drive hiring and retention strategies. In Europe, Behavioural Scientists at institutions such as Max Planck Institute work on research projects to understand workforce behaviour and improve workplace dynamics. In Asia, Talent Management Consultants at global consulting firms like McKinsey & Company help businesses use data to build more effective teams and enhance performance.