Job opportunities within the tech industry are seeing a great deal of growth at this point in time. With a financial output that amounts to roughly 10% of the US economy and around 300,000 new jobs added to tech in just the last year alone, it is no wonder that so many people are looking to become qualified to work within this booming industry.
Career Opportunities In Big Data
The job security and potential for growth which are presented by the tech industry are generally attributed to the ever-growing dependency that private individuals, as well as businesses and corporations, have on technology.
Everything from communication to the storage of data is done via technological means, and the security that is needed for this data is vital. Furthermore, as more advancements are made in the world of technology with each passing year, this trend towards tech shows no signs of slowing.
While there are many different types of jobs within the tech industry that are worth considering, some that can be particularly lucrative are those that pertain to big data.
With an earning potential in the neighborhood of $165,000 per year and a great deal of opportunity for those proficient in the skills required for the job, a career in big data can mean big things for you.
Big data is a term that is applied to incredibly large data sets. Those who work with big data are tasked with dissecting that data and transforming it into useful information that can then be used by other entities for various purposes.
For instance, a large retail-based company might want a big data specialist to analyze their consumer data and turn it information that can then be used by the company to provide a better consumer experience.
There is a multitude of applications for big data and many ways in which you might work with it. However, getting your foot in the door for a career in big data requires the right preparation and approach to your overall career path.
Here are a few things that will help you to have a big career in big data.
The Right Level of Education
The jobs within the tech industry that pertain to big data, for the most part, involve a certain level of higher education. Such qualifications are necessary for big data is a complex field to work in.
You must have a solid knowledge base and firm skill set to be able to work with big data. An understanding of data mining and cloud computing is a must, while skills like adaptability and critical thinking are also important to have.
The right education will equip you with these and the many other skills that you need to be successful at a career in big data. While you should certainly start with a bachelor’s degree in a pertinent major, a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on data science is most likely going to be your best bet for setting yourself up for future success.
The thought of earning your master’s degree might not be an enticing one, especially if you are in a situation where you need to continue to work full-time. Although such a degree will be demanding, it is necessary if you want to reach your full potential in a career in big data.
Thankfully, you can always look to earn your data science masters online. This is an incredibly viable option for people who are unable to pursue more traditionally structured graduate degree programs. For the most part, too, online education options tend to be more affordable.
Know Your Niche
As is the case with other areas of the tech industry, there are quite a few different types of jobs that you can look into when you are considering a career in big data.
Each of these jobs will have their own set of requirements, so the sooner you can discern which would be best for you, the better your chances will be of obtaining the right skills and tailoring your experience and education to best prepare you for that job.
For the most part, the jobs that you consider can be classified as either engineering, developmental, or managerial in nature. Other jobs that aren’t quite in the top tier of the industry include those that pertain to statistics, analytics, and other specialties.
Each of the jobs that you might consider will have their own pros and cons, so it is important to find out what your particular calling is.
Things to keep in mind as you are weighing your options include job security, earning potential, flexibility, and opportunities for advancement. You will also want to consider the specific nature of the jobs that you are looking into.
It can help in such instances to look for short-term internships or shadowing opportunities with companies that work with big data. Such firsthand experience can help you to better understand if your skills and talents make you a good fit for a particular job.
As you can narrow down your job search to the perfect position in the world of big data, you will want to find out if there are any specific skills or certifications that you will need to start your career.
Never Stop Learning
It is important to note that one of the hallmarks of a career in the tech industry is that such jobs require one to continue learning throughout their career.
The day you receive your diploma is hardly the end of your learning experience. Those who can find a great deal of success in big data are the ones who dedicate themselves to a lifetime of learning.
This is because the nature of technology is such that it never stops developing and advancing. For this reason, your knowledge base must also continue to grow and develop. It is only with a commitment to continual learning that you will be able to reach your full potential in your career, working with big data.
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