Big Data Projects are complex
that require innovative solutions. Traditional data warehousing, processing and
ETL approaches, in and of themselves, are not effective answers to the
increasing volumes and complexity of the data being generated. The increasing
complexity is due to the newer kinds of data that are being collected such as
from sensors, devices, instrumentation, social media etc. many of which did not
exist a few years ago. Same goes for the volume. With ever increasing volumes
as well complexity, it is causing the older systems to fail and not keep up –
and is forcing the data professionals to think very differently and try to come
up with out of box solutions.
According to an
October 2012 report by the IT research firm Gartner, the promise of big
data should
create 4.4 million IT jobs globally by 2015. In addition, Peter Sondegaard,
senior vice president of Gartner, stated that for every big data related role
in the U.S. it will create employment for three people outside of IT resulting
in a likely additional 6 million jobs in the U.S. (http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2207915)
With big data being a
newer discipline, organizations consider on the job learning of new skills and software
for new hires as well as continuous training for current hires the norm.
The good news for people looking for jobs in the field of big data is
that on the job training is the norm and lack of big data experience doesn't
necessarily mean that a company won't consider hiring you. There are a
multitude of analytics roles and one approach to breaking into the field of big
data is by applying to a position closest to your current role.
Recruiters, hiring
managers and thought leaders in the analytics community are not just looking
for big data experience or expertise. They are searching for other skills and
personality traits. Big Data solutions require a certain amount of innovation,
experimentation and trial and error. Hiring managers are looking for candidates
that are "Curious". Curiosity and Tenacity as well as organizational
and interpersonal skills are required in order for someone to systematically
solve complex problems. Training can be provided and skills can be
learned but creative problem solving and curiosity are skills that many hiring
managers are looking for.
It also helps for a
big data professional to have a true understanding of the purpose and
interpretation of big data for business insights. Project professionals will
need to be able to collaborate with other departments such as operations and
business intelligence. Collecting real time data from different internal and
external sources allows businesses new opportunities for identifying business
insights, optimizing business and innovation. Essentially big data and
analytics helps turn data into increased revenue for businesses which will help
economic growth and create more jobs both in and outside of the IT field.
Click below to learn
more about the world of Big Data
