If you’ve ever considered a career in tech you may have wondered, “What is big data?

Data itself is becoming a crucial component of how companies get an edge on their competition. Because of this, those who understand it, what it’s used for, and how to get the most value out of it are at a considerable advantage in the job market.

Let’s answer the question for you. We’ll also look at the basics, what skills you need for a career in it, and the steps required to learn it.

What Is Big Data?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the definition of what is big data is “the large amount of information available because of recent advances in technology.”

As more devices become available and hit the market, more information is tracked, stored, and transmitted from those devices. These can include smartphones, tablets, and even appliances with a wireless connection.

They transmit all types of information – examples include how often the item is used, what the user purchases, and what the user searches for on the Internet.

There are other uses, these are just some of the more common forms of data companies look at.

The way the database processing works is that analysts use this information to give companies valuable insight into how their customers act.

The fundamentals of big data are that these analysts must understand how to view, process, and interpret the large amount of it to help it make sense.

What Are Big Data Basics?

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The advantages of big data involve the sheer volume of it. Because of the growing number of devices that record database information, there’s more of it than ever.

Because challenges of big data involve this overwhelming amount – it becomes much harder to process when so much of it is included. Regarding the characteristics, there are four attributes that define it:

  • Volume: This refers to how much data is being transmitted.
  • Variety: What type of information is the analyst working with? Is it structured or unstructured? Structured data is well-defined by an existing set of rules (i.e. cash or money, dates, etc.). Unstructured does not have any rules (it can be a picture, audio file, etc.).
  • Veracity: This refers to how trustworthy the info is.
  • Velocity: How frequently is the info being transmitted?

All four of these elements combined speak to the value of the data to the end-user. When companies use it effectively, the benefits of big data are that it gives them the ability to adjust how they market to their customers.

What Skills Do You Need For Big Data?

Four positions that have big data applications are actuaries, operations research analysts, statisticians, and mathematicians.

Three of the four available positions that involve information science are among the fastest-growing occupations in the country.

That means the impacts and benefits will be felt the most in these four industries. This is where you’ll find the main uses for business applied.

Analyzing massive databases mainly involves the use of mathematical science. The specific skills needed to be successful include analytical skills, the ability to use and develop complex mathematical models.

Additionally, being able to develop systems that interpret the meaning of various data, collecting, interpreting, and summarizing as well as identifying trends observed in big data is important.

While programming is used at times, it’s not always necessary. Analyzing information does not always require coding, but it’s a useful skill set.

What Are The Steps To Learn Big Data?

The amount of time it takes you to learn Big Data will depend on how much you can concentrate on that specific topic.

With not much else on your plate, you may be able to master it in several months. But the first step is to identify the right mentor to show you how to get the most value out of it. Then you can identify the right learning path for you.

So the first step is to identify a mentor. The second step is to familiarize yourself with the core concepts and fundamentals.

Then you’ll need to understand how to apply those fundamentals in a way that brings value to a company or organization. Once you understand how to do this, you’ll notice many more opportunities available to you.

Learning will take concentration, a commitment to learning, and discipline. But once you immerse yourself in it, you’ll be able to discuss topics such as big data analysis and management before too long.

Summary

Ultimately, database analysis is a tool that companies are still getting a handle on and learning new things about every day. And as more devices become available to customers, companies will need more ways to process data as they receive more of it.

Mass information processing involves a number of skills anyone can learn with the right attitude and an expert partner to guide them. Think of how well-versed you’d be after a hands-on tutorial as opposed to attempting to learn on your own.

Or think about the advantage you’d have if you entered the field with big data certification for project managers. With the right training program, you can legitimize your knowledge and ability to be successful.

You can get familiarized with the skills you’ll need to not just survive in the world of  data but thrive. As more organizations look to derive value out of world data, your expertise can help you bring value to them. You can stay ahead of trends that can help you predict and adapt to the future of big data in 2020 and beyond.

Don’t wait. Take your first step to get training for data science with a powered by Woz U partner program today. Partner schools powered by Woz U curriculum can help you drive your passion for change and turn it into a fun, lucrative career in data that is high in demand.

 

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Sources
https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-7/big-data-adds-up.htm
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/fastest-growing-occupations.htm