Data entry professionals use computers and data processing programs to enter information into a database or documentation platform. They may also be required to transcribe data from recordings or phone conversations. While most data entry professionals work electronically, paper documentation may be used as well, depending on the employer.

Once you’ve established a good understanding of how to land a data entry job, and decided it’s a career you’d like to stick with, there are a few strategies for moving forward—and up the career ladder.

If you’re at the entry level and have only a high school degree, continue your education with a focus on subjects like information technology, data science, or business or office technology. Consider earning an associate’s degree or racking up academic credits in an online study course that dovetails with your career aspirations as a data entry professional.

As you progress in your data entry career, consider advancing to a supervisory position, or transitioning to a position as a data entry analyst or data analyst. Both jobs usually require a college degree; excellent analytical skills; the ability to establish and maintain databases; oversight of quarterly or annual data reporting; and great communication skills.

If you’re ready to start searching for data entry jobs, FlexJobs can help! Data entry is one of the most flexible careers in today’s job market, and that’s why we constantly add new ones to our database. Check them out and connect with your next opportunity.