If you’ve heard about big data (which, let’s be honest, who hasn’t?) you’ve probably heard that there’s been a giant storm of data analytics jobs flooding the market recently. But is that really true? And if it is, what industries are growing the most?
We decided to look at some data to find out, and what we discovered was pretty surprising! Here’s a look at where data analytics careers currently stand and what to do if you want to get one of these jobs.
Where Are The Analytics Jobs?
Jobs dealing with big data and analytics really have skyrocketed in the last year, according to a study conducted by Forbes using WANTED Analytics. These jobs are even making their way into traditional spheres of business, such as finance, marketing, and operations.
According to this study, the top five industries hiring big-data-related expertise as of June 2015 are professional, scientific, and technical services (25%), information technologies (17%), manufacturing (15%), finance and insurance (9%), and retail trade (8%).
The following table shows the distribution of open positions by occupation and the percentage of growth in job demand over 12 months.
As you can see, there is a great need for big data expertise in the business and IT realms. The need for data-savvy sales representatives increased by a massive 837%, management analysts increased by 232%, and information technology project managers increased by 216%.
The most in-demand skills associated with these jobs have also been changing over the past year. A comparison of data from the end of 2014 to June 2015 shows that Python programming was in highest demand, but now the need for VMWare experience is greater.
December 2014
June 2015
What’s more, the median salary for professionals with big data and analytics expertise increased from $103,000 to $104,850 in the six-month period. And according to Linda Burtch of Burtch Works Recruiting, that number will continue to rise.
“Companies looking to recruit big data professionals will need to make sure their [salary] bands are competitive and think of other ways to lure talent, especially given the likelihood that they will be competing with multiple offers.”
That means the jobs are out there, and the outlook is good for those who possess data analytics skills. But where do you get these skills if you don’t already have them?
Where Can You Get Analytics Skills?
Aside from the skills listed above, there are many things a data analyst should know how to do in order to get a job in today’s market.
Some people argue that you can learn these skills on your own through self-taught courses or research. However, as Linda says in another Burtch Works article, the best way to learn these skills is through a high-quality education.
“Data scientists are highly educated—88% have at least a master’s degree and 46% have PhDs. While there are notable exceptions, a very strong educational background is usually required to develop the depth of knowledge necessary to be a data scientist.”
While personal research and practice can certainly help you develop analytical skills, a graduate program that focuses on a true understanding of data interpretation and manipulation with guided, real-world experience is the most effective way to learn. Not to mention, employers will likely favor job candidates who have their degree over those who don’t.
Bentley’s Masters of Business Analytics program gives students a firm grounding in the use of analytics to identify trends and patterns and to refine and develop strategies suggested by data. It focuses largely on how to apply these strategies in a business environment and how to use the data for predictive analysis—something that is essential to companies today.
Join The Big Data Trend
It’s pretty obvious that the field of analytics is hot right now and will only get hotter as more companies realize the importance of collecting and analyzing data for their business. For those who possess the right skills, a well-paying job in analytics won’t be hard to find. The best way to get those skills is to get a master’s degree.
Is a job in big data waiting for you?