I'm a senior data analyst at Derby County Football Club

Football data analysis isn't just about breaking down on-field statistics like possession, shots on target and expected goals (xG). It involves taking large amounts of information from both on and off the pitch that can help a club make better-informed decisions. But it's all in a day's work for Grace.

She works as a senior data analyst at Derby County Football Club. Her role involves taking data from various sources to give insights in ways that are easy for others to understand and use.

To be able to get the data was really satisfying…we defended aggressively and actually won!

• Growing up she was always interested in football
• Started going to games with her dad and thinking about the data side of the game
• Worked part-time in Derby County's ticket office when she turned 16
• Studied A-levels in Maths, Chemistry and Geography. She failed her first year of A-level Maths but resat and passed
• Studied for a Maths degree at university, while continuing to work for the club
• Joined Derby County full time as a Data Analyst, progressing to Senior Data Analyst.

Grace's career has followed this path:

Part-time ticket office assistant --> data analyst --> senior data analyst

However, this is not the only route or the only field where this job is needed. You can use data analysis skills to work in a lot of different areas, such as healthcare, finance, environment, and e-commerce. The gov.uk careers site advises that, from a role as a data analyst, you could: "become a senior or lead data analyst, or data team manager; work as a freelance consultant; move into teaching and academic research; become a data scientist, developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help businesses overcome challenges and be more efficient."

• Learn the core tools: Get to grips with the software that is used across the industry, such as Excel and data visualisation platforms like Tableau or Power BI
• Communication is key: Get really good at communication skills – understand the questions being asked and communicate those insights clearly to help people make better decisions
• Improve knowledge: Developing your technical and industry knowledge will help you stand out. Don’t be too disheartened if something doesn’t work out, it is a job that constantly evolves.

In Grace's experience, the salary for a data analyst can range from £22,000 – £28,000 when you first start to £48,000 – £60,000 once you get more experienced. Grace says: "I'm really grateful for the opportunities I've had in my career and I really love and enjoy working in the football industry."

Grace is a senior data analyst, but there are many other jobs for people who enjoy maths. Find out more about the role of data analyst-statistician.

• Data analyst-statistician average salary: from £28,000 to £65,000 per year.
• Data analyst-statistician typical working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week.

What qualifications do you need to be a data analyst-statistician?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, an apprenticeship or a graduate training scheme. You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in statistics, mathematics, economics, operational research or psychology, but may be able to apply for jobs if you hold a degree in a different subject that included statistics as part of your course. You may be able to start a junior position after completing a relevant college course, or apply for an apprenticeship to get a trainee position.

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

Bitesize Careers, in partnership with The Open University, has launched the Follow Your Passion campaign, exploring how you can draw on your passions and interests to find your future jobs, with the focus on football.

From content creation to computer game design, nutrition to number-crunching, check out the Bitesize Careers Follow Your Passion collection for loads of inspiring careers content.