The big data analytics industry is growing exponentially across the globe. In fact, according to Statista, the industry is estimated to reach over $68 billion by 2025. Businesses across different fields have embraced big data analytics as a crucial decision-making tool. A huge percentage of businesses use big data analytics to find accurate business insights, identify market opportunities and enhance digital marketing and customer service. Moreover, these businesses need data analytics experts to make sense of the data if they are to achieve their goals. What this means to you is a massive opportunity to grow a career in the field and make a successful future for yourself. With that said, here is all you need to know when choosing a career in this field.
Why Choose a Career in Big Data Analytics
When choosing a career path, perhaps the first thing you need to know is what is in it for you. Besides having a passion for something, you want a career that can promise growth and good financial compensation. So, why choose a career in data analytics?
I. Increasing demand for data analytics experts
As said earlier, businesses are recognizing the importance of data in fueling business growth. However, with huge unstructured data available to them, they need skilled people to work on them to derive relevance and make sense of it. This means a surge in demand for data analytics professionals across the world. Even better, big data analytics is expected to continue growing with the massive amount of data being generated every single minute. You can expect the demand for data analytics experts to continue soaring as well. Moreover, there is a shortage of data analytics professionals with the required expertise to carry out the tasks. Choosing a career in this field can usher you into a less competitive field with higher chances of landing a job faster and better opportunities for growth.
II. A lucrative career choice
Businesses across the world are having a difficult time filling positions due to the shortage of data analytics experts. If you have the right expertise, landing a position faster isn’t all you can benefit from the career. You also have the opportunity to negotiate a good salary package and benefits. And, if statistics are anything to go by, you can expect to be compensated in the six figures. The salary for a Director of Data can range from $150,000 to $200,000 yearly in Tampa, Florida according to a study by Robert Half Technology.
III. Variety of roles to choose from
If you are looking for versatility, a career in big data analytics offers you different options in so many ways. For starters, you can choose different titles and roles that come with data analytics. Such titles include big data engineer, big data analyst, big data analytics architect, and business intelligence and analytics consultant among others. In addition, the demand for big data analytics experts spans different industries. You can choose to work in healthcare, IT, manufacturing, marketing, and financial services among other sectors. Another advantage is that a career in big data analytics exposes you to different roles in an organization. Your skills can come in handy in business management, HR, creative and development, and research departments among others.
Potential Challenges
Just like any other career choice out there, a career in big data analytics comes with some challenges. But these are likely to emerge when performing the job. Understanding what you are up against is important and can help you prepare and position yourself for success. Here are some of the challenges to expect in the line of your work:
- Lack of the right technology – Data analytics involves working with massive amounts of data collected from multiple sources. Carrying out the tasks of cleaning and preparing data manually can be overwhelming. Unless your organization invests in the right technology and tools to make work easier and safeguard data, it can be quite daunting
- Working with people who don’t understand data analytics – Explaining the technical jargon of big data analytics can be frustrating when dealing with stakeholders who don’t understand the language and teams who lack a data culture. You will need to be creative in your communication to ace it
- Misconceptions of the role and undefined KPIs – If the management lacks the understanding of data science, they are likely to have unrealistic expectations about your role. In addition, with the shortage in skilled professionals in data analytics, you might be required to perform all the necessary tasks alone.
How to Get Started
The good thing about pursuing a career in big data analytics is that it is easy to get started. All you have to do is get the right skills, earn the relevant certificates and enhance your job-hunting efforts. The main skills that you need to develop are mathematical skills, technical skills in working with different database tools and computer programs, coding and programming skills, data visualization skills, machine learning and reporting, and data presentation skills. Additionally, some common certificates in the big data field include Certified Analytics Professional, SAS Certified Predictive Modeler, EMC: Data Science Associate, and Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Scientist.
One more thing to keep in mind is that more and more people are joining the field. As said above, a career in big data analytics is lucrative due to the increasing demand for skilled professionals. As expected, more people are likely to jump in for the opportunities. The field is becoming competitive day by day, which is why you need to enhance your job-searching efforts. Conducting online searches on sites that focus on data analyst jobs can help widen your reach for better results.
Conclusion
There is so much potential for career growth in data analytics owing to the fact that experts in the field are in high demand across different sectors. Choosing a career in this field could be what you have needed for that much-awaited big break. Keep in mind that you are in for a lucrative job that can give you the versatility needed to grow. However, be aware of the challenges as well and know how to get started in the career path.
