Big Data has become a popular IT term over the past few years, and its value is becoming more apparent in almost every industry. The need to collect and save data – which you can find pretty much anywhere – has become more prevalent, and as such, the demand for big data analysts is higher than ever.
Big Data helps businesses make better decisions and gain a competitive edge. If data analysis interests you, but you are on the fence about whether to pursue a career in the industry, here are just a few reasons you should consider a job in big data analytics.
High Demand
As we mentioned briefly above, data analysts are in high demand. There are more jobs in the field now than a year ago, and this demand will only increase. IT professionals in all industries are looking to invest more time and money into training staff in analytics and hiring experts to help.
According to Srikanth Velamakanni, CEO of Fractal Analytics, the market will expand to make up at least a third of the entire global IT market.
As more and more US businesses consider Big Data Analytics a ‘high priority‘, prospective analysts have endless opportunities to sell their skills and experience to land their dream job.
Large Skills Gap
While the demand for data analysts is high, the number of people qualified for the job is not. This is the case globally, not just in the US. There is currently a massive deficit of skills and a supply of candidates.
If you are looking to requalify or are at the point of considering whether to take on a degree or Masters, you might want to consider a certificate in Data Science or Mathematics. Courses are now also available long distance. Michigan Tech, for example, offers 100% online Applied Statistics programs, which could help you fill the skills gap for Big Data Analytics.
Great Salary
People choose a specific career for a whole range of reasons. One of these, however, can often be money. This high demand for Data Analysts and the wide skills gap is bumping up the salary prospects for qualified candidates. In 2015, the Australian Skills and Salary Survey Report concluded that data analysts’ average salary was $130,000. Meanwhile, it is estimated that Analytics in India can provide a salary 50% higher than other IT professionals. In the UK, Itjobswatch.co.uk reported a 14% increase in year-on-year average wage between 2015 and 2016.
If you are interested in more information about salaries, check out these 11 high-paying Data Analytics jobs.
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It is a Top Priority for Business
As we mentioned above, US businesses consider Big Data a ‘top priority, and the adoption of analytics increases each year.
New technologies are revolutionizing the access businesses have to data and how they can use it. According to a Data Warehousing Institute report, companies are beginning to use Predictive Analytics and Data Mining.
As Big Data can provide companies with a competitive edge, the demand and rate for implementation are ever-increasing. Many businesses are already working on a strategy to set themselves up for Big Data Analytics, while the rest are planning on doing so soon.
You Could Play a Huge Part in Decision Making
Big Data Analysts can provide a competitive edge for businesses and, as such, can quickly become a hugely valued members of the workforce. With this in mind, data analysts will play a significant role in future decisions, using their interpretation of data to sway stakeholders and management.
Big Data plays a huge part in creating and driving business strategy, making informed decisions, and benefitting the business as a whole. If you want to make a difference, Big Data Analytics is a career to pursue.
There’s demand for Unstructured Data Analytics
There is a rise in demand in both Unstructured and Semi-structured data analytics within the high demand for Big Data. Unstructured data includes weblogs, social media content, media, and email. If you have specialist skills to analyze this data, the job market is going to heat up for you within the next few years.
Work is available in any industry
No matter what type of industry you are interested in working in, there is always a need for big data analytics. The demand for analysts is huge in just about every industry – from Healthcare to energy and Marketing.
This means that those qualified as analysts can benefit from a whole world of varied job opportunities within any industry that takes their fancy.
There are three types of Big Data Analysts – Prescriptive, Predictive, and Descriptive – but there are also plenty of other roles that you can take on. Everything from data engineers, consultants, architects, and associate jobs is available, so it is worth making sure you search for various terms when browsing job sites.
Growth Forecasts Are Huge
Big Data Analytics is one of the most disruptive technologies which will continue to have a considerable influence within the industry for years to come. Several different research reports predict massive growth with the market, with some even suggesting that 85% of businesses worldwide are already using Cloud Technology while 53% are currently using Big Data.
There are so many reasons to consider a job in Big Data Analytics. While some believe this type of data will lead to less human interaction, this could not be further from the truth. Sure, machines can collect and identify trends within data, but the human touch can create actionable feedback that companies can use to make decisions.
With this in mind, Data Analysts are finding themselves in a pretty lucrative position, with excellent salaries and plenty of job opportunities. If you think you have what it takes to become a Master in Big Data, you could see yourself changing the way businesses work and significantly impacting their success.
