25/01/2022
Big data plays a key role in the world of business. Analyzing big data to inform key decisions is a large driver of growth—which means that data-savvy pros are in huge demand.
Living in the digital era means embracing technology in all its forms. Businesses are recognizing just how important it is to keep up with the latest in tech. Harnessing big data appears to be the key to success for many businesses, and it’s crucial for staying ahead of the competition.
So it’s only natural that big data has seeped into all businesses, whether we realize it or not. But despite having an abundance of data, there’s a distinct lack of qualified professionals with the right skill set. Let’s take a look at how big data is used in organizations today, and why a career in this sector is well worth pursuing.
What exactly is big data?
It’s safe to say that we’ve all become very familiar with data—this is the age of technology, after all. Thanks to our digital lifestyles, we’re now dealing with more data than ever before, and we’re facing challenges in the ways we deal with it. Big data is a field that deals with data sets that are too big or complex to be dealt with by standard software. These enormous data sets are analyzed, so that we can discover trends and patterns, and identify new opportunities.
With big data, the goal is to tackle complex problems and make better business decisions.
Because it’s not about how much data you have—it’s what you do with it. Businesses and organizations utilize data to gain an edge over competitors, and to better understand their customers. So as you can imagine, all this data has led to an increased demand for skilled analytics professionals who can harness data to inform best business practices.
Which industries use big data?
Big data experts can find work in virtually any sector, which means it’s a brilliant career path to follow. Media and entertainment organizations can analyze customer data to create content for different audiences and give them personalized recommendations. Take Spotify, for example—the music streaming giant uses big data analytics to provide its users with suggestions based on their listening habits.
Big data is also essential in the retail industry. From traditional brick-and-mortar stores to e-commerce sites, many retailers use big data to discover customer preferences. These retailers can compile big data from customer loyalty programs or local demographics to figure out peak times, allowing them to schedule staff and stock products accordingly.
What big data roles are out there?
When it comes to careers in big data, the world’s your oyster. As big data becomes more influential in business, it has seeped into virtually every industry—meaning that graduates with technical and business acumen are highly sought after. Whether it’s in insurance or a government organization, here are just some of the career paths you could follow with big data:
Database administrator
It’s so important to maintain the integrity and performance of a database—not to mention its security. The administrator’s role is to oversee its day-to-day management. Their job is to monitor and troubleshoot databases, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Big data developer
Similar to a software developer, a big data developer’s job is to implement coding and programming to databases. From tracking data to storing and processing it, developers can have many roles—all in the name of streamlining and making these processes as efficient as possible.
Big data analyst
One of big data’s most popular roles, data analysts are problem-solvers who turn large volumes of data into business insights. From creating automated systems to compiling reports, data analysts can both work independently and as part of a team. One thing you can be sure of is diversity—a data analyst at an insurance company could have a very different role from a data analyst at a retailer, for instance.
Big data scientist
Data scientists look at data from a business perspective, going beyond typical data analysis. From building statistical models to using advanced programming skills, they identify business trends and insights, and make recommendations to businesses.
Data governance consultant
This is all about regulating the use of data. Not only do governance consultants develop data structures, they also oversee procedures and policies to ensure that the use of data complies with the guidelines.
The big data professional: a profile
It goes without saying that different positions call for different skill sets. Nevertheless, big data professionals often need the right blend of technical prowess and business acumen. Here are some of the most sought-after skills:
– Analytical thinking
– Problem solving skills
– Tech savvy
– Excellent communication skills
– The ability to collaborate with diverse teams
As well as having the right skill set, roles in big data often require a strong educational background with the right mix of theory and practice. IE University’s unique hands-on Master in Business Analytics & Data Science program is the perfect way to catapult your career and become the next business-savvy data expert.
What the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science can offer
The Master in Business Analytics & Data Science is the perfect background for those eager to drive businesses forward in the 21st century. This program provides students with the skills and business knowledge to make waves in the world of data science. After all, strong business know-how is essential for understanding business analytics.
With IE University’s program, you’ll become a key player in the transformation of businesses.
With a hands-on methodology, our curriculum is designed to be as career boosting as possible, ensuring you obtain the knowledge to apply to real-world problems. One thing’s for sure, it’s not enough to analyze the data—you also have to be able to channel it to create value for a business.
