Big data has become an ever-growing career path in recent years. But regardless of this fact, many people are not familiar with what this term really means and what the job of a big data professional entails.
So, if this topic piques your interest or you’re interested in studying it, read on to find out how big data works, the education requirements, career paths, salary, and how you can get into this field.
What Is Big Data?
Big data is a term that refers to data that is so large, fast, or complex that it is challenging to process traditional methods. This data can be used to address business problems you would not have been able to tackle before. However, the amount of data is not as important as what businesses do with it. Big data is usually analyzed for insights to help them make better business decisions and strategic steps.
Big data is steadily expanding across diverse divisions such as sales, marketing, research and development, and strategic management.
Are Big Data Careers In Demand?
With the advancement of technology and the rise of digital platforms, big data has grown. In today’s business, no matter where you are or what industry you work in, big data has become a term you will hear often. Enterprises are striving to process and analyze these large data sets efficiently, thus making career opportunities for those in the bid data field.
With organizations making heavy use of big data to stay ahead in the competitive market, the professionals of this field are in high demand worldwide. According to IBM, the number of jobs for data professionals in the U.S will only continue to increase in the following years. A BS in Data Science or Master’s in Big Data Analytics are your best bet at claiming your spot in big data positions.
Big Data Career Paths
Big data is a lucrative field with new possibilities for experts in all industries and across the globe. With the demand for skilled big data professionals continuing to rise, now is the best time to enter the job market. Here is a list of some of the most sought after and in-demand jobs in this field:
1. Big Data Engineer
Big data engineers are comparable to data analysts since they turn large volumes of data into insights for organizations to use to make smarter business decisions. However, Big data engineers also retrieve, interpret, analyze, and report on a business’s data that they have to gather from various sources. These professionals are responsible for developing a company’s software and hardware architecture, testing, managing, and maintaining the big data solutions in the enterprises.
2. Data Architect
Data architects design the structure of complex data frameworks, and they build and maintain said databases. They are tasked with developing strategies for each subject area of the enterprise data model and communicating plans, status, and issues to their company’s executives. They are responsible for creating database solutions, evaluating requirements, and preparing design reports.
3. Database Manager
Database managers work closely with database developers, guide and train lower-level staff, identify database problems, take corrective action on said problems, and assist with the design of storage hardware and maintenance.
4. Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence engineers are responsible for handling the big data warehouses and solving complex issues related to it. Business intelligence requires several years of experience with database queries, online analytical processing (OLAP), and data cube technology skills.
5. Data Scientist
This career is the most sought-after in big data. Data scientists use their technical and analytical skills to design and construct new processes to extract meaning from data. In addition, these professionals develop prototypes, algorithms, predictive models, and custom analysis. They are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and manipulating data. Prior work experience in a related position is usually required.
6. Database Developer
Database developers analyze current database processes to modernize or eliminate inefficient coding. These professionals often work closely with other members of the development team, monitor database performance, develop new databases, and deal with any occurring issues.
7. Data Analyst
Data analysts develop methods to analyze large data sets, turning them into insights so businesses can make better decisions. They work in various fields, from finance, retail, and technology, among others. This career is also one of the most demanding positions in big data.
How Much Do Big Data Professionals Get Paid?
The strong demand for big data professionals is affecting the wages for qualified professionals. The salary of big data professionals is directly proportional to the factors like the skills earned, education, experience in the domain, knowledge of technology, etc. Depending on the specific position along with your skill and education level, big data jobs are very lucrative. According to Indeed, estimated salaries in the big data field, depending on the career, range from $74,708 to $139,170 per year.
How Can I Start My Big Data Career?
If you are considering pursuing a big data career, you can prepare for any of the sought-after titles above. Education and specific skills are a requirement to land a job in this field. Big data positions require a background in programming, fluency, or familiarity in C, Python, Java, and SQL. The best way to acquire these skills is by getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Seeking a graduate education will equip you with the said skills and enable advanced training and hands-on learning experience that future employers look for. Bay Atlantic University offers data science programs where you can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science or a Master of Science in Big Data Analytics.
For more information, you are welcome to contact us at any time.
