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Careers in big data analytics: What are they and how to get one?

Writer's picture: Kathie AdamsKathie Adams

One career track that is relatively straightforward to understand in a sector as continually expanding as data science is that of the data analyst. After all, a data analyst can do exactly as it says: he/she analyzes the data. Data analysis is something we all do on a daily basis. Every one of us is continually learning and absorbing new knowledge (data), and as a result, we reach numerous conclusions and make numerous decisions (analysis).

In the most basic terms:

  • A big data analyst is responsible for gathering data, categorizing it, and making sensible decisions as a result.

  • A big data analyst is in charge of dissecting trends and patterns revealed in large data sets, transforming that information into behavior patterns findings or projections, sharing information with stakeholders, and ultimately influencing, if not determining a company’s directions and decisions.

  • Firms typically employ data analysts to help them inform or improve their business processes.

  • Using this guide, he/she may be able to begin the journey to becoming a data analyst, including a detailed job description, career outlook, and salary information.


Big data analyst certification

Who is a big data analyst?

A big data analyst is someone who reviews, analyses, and reports on a company's recorded and stored big data. They offer expertise in big data analysis or big data analytics. Data analysts sometimes find themselves handling specific business problems using existing tools, processes, and data sources rather than establishing their data projects.

What are the job functions of a big data analyst?

Data analysts take data and use it to improve company decision-making. Data analysts often focus on solving issues that cost companies money and helping them make decisions for expanding their business.

Data analysts typically perform these functions:

  • Establishing a market price for novel materials

  • Lowering the cost of transportation

  • Cleaning and screening data to remove irrelevant information

  • Data mining from a variety of sources

  • Predicting market shares

What are the core steps to launching a big data analyst career?

Step 1: earning the required qualification

Consider getting a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, finance, management, or related field to give yourself the best chance of succeeding as a data analyst.

Step 2: gaining the required experience

If candidates have no prior experience as big data analysts, it will be tough to find work. Working while in college is a great method to gain useful experience and develop abilities that will help them receive more training and education. Even though the majority of persons in technical professions start at the entry level, they may be able to advance to roles such as statistical analyst or technician. These occupations will give students significant on-the-job experience and training. At this time, potential data analysts or students should attend as many in-house training programs as possible, with an emphasis on the integration of analytical software tools and big data management.

Step 3: gaining the required skills

R and Python are two of the most popular languages used by data analysts. R provides support for statistical computing and graphics, but Python’s ease of use makes it a good choice for use in large projects. Apart from these programming languages, data analysts are also required to have a good hold on machine learning, data wrangling, data visualization, and communication skills.

Step 4: advancing careers with big data analyst certifications and postgraduate degrees

A master’s degree will give more job opportunities and ways to advance a career in big data analytics. Employers want applicants to have a broad range of knowledge and be familiar not just with the latest technologies but also with older ones. If individuals want to be successful in the field of data science, considering pursuing a master’s in data science, data analysis, or big data management is a good taught.

If candidates are nervous about the costs or commitments involved in pursuing a master's degree, they can consider earning data analyst certifications instead. These credentials are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the subject in a relatively short period. The following are some of the data analyst certifications that can be earned:

  • Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP)

  • Associate Big data Analyst (ABDA)

  • SAS Certified Advanced Analytics Professional using SAS 9

What does a big data analyst get paid?

A Glassdoor salary report estimates that big data analysts earn between USD 76,000 and USD130,000 annually, with the average being USD 81,850. The analysis of big data is a relatively new field that can provide competitive advantages for companies and job seekers as there is a huge shortage of big data analysts.

What is the job outlook for a big data analyst?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of operations and research analysts (including data analysts) is expected to expand 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is substantially faster than the average of several other job roles. Since many organizations have difficulty recruiting these highly skilled people, computer science and related professionals are likely to have outstanding job prospects. Many organizations are still seeking to fill positions, despite the skills scarcity, and expect to see even more teams join this year as they try to catch up to the rest of the market.

To conclude…

By becoming a big data analyst, one can embark upon a career path in data science that is dynamic, constantly evolving, and genuinely rewarding. The rapid advancement of technology provides opportunities for continuous improvement in careers, as well as the ability to continually evolve and improve as a profession. For the types of individuals described above - curious and driven by evidence and logic - this would be an extremely fulfilling career.

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