Don’t know what the pros and cons of being a big data analyst are? Having worked as a big data analyst, I’ve learned about the ups and downs in this field.
If you’re thinking about working in this field or just curious, this discussion will give you a clear picture of what to expect. Read on for more!
Overview of Big Data Analysts
A big data analyst collects, processes, and analyzes complex and vast datasets (called big data) using advanced tools and techniques.
Today, there’s so much data. It’s my (and other data analysts‘) responsibility to help companies use that data to make better decisions by working with all sorts of data, structured (like databases) and unstructured (like text and images).
To do this, I use specialized tools and technologies (Hadoop and Spark) along with programming languages (Python) to clean up messy data, organize it, and then analyze it. My main goal is to find the patterns and insights hidden.
Now let’s delve into the pros and cons of working in this role! I surveyed several analysts who work with me, and they all agreed on these.
First, let’s look at what I’ve enjoyed about growth potential, income, and more while working in this role over the years!
1. Big Data Analysis Is A Potential Field
Big data analysis is a field with lots of job chances. Just look at the numbers: In 2022, the global market for big data tech was worth $309.43 billion, and it is not slowing down.
Experts think it will grow to a whopping over $842 billion by 2030 (increasing by about 13.6% every year). As you can see, there’s a high need for people who can make sense of all this data.
2. Good Salary
What makes this field even more appealing is the range of earnings. Most big data analysts’ incomes in 2023 fall within $89,000 to $146,000 annually.
Specifically, the base pay typically falls between $75,000 and $119,000, with extra income, such as bonuses, ranging from $14,000 to $27,000 per year.
So, the average salary is appealing, and there’s room for growth. You can earn even more as you get better at your job and gain more experience. It’s one of the perks of being in a field with high demand and earning potential.
3. Diverse Job Options
In this field, you’ve got a wide range of job options. Here are some of them:
- Business analyst: You work with companies to help them make decisions by working with data about their customers and how they do business.
- Data scientist: In this role, you analyze data and create fancy models and algorithms to predict or solve complex problems.
- Healthcare analyst: In the healthcare field, you use data to improve patient care, keep track of medical records, and even predict diseases.
- Financial analyst: Finance and big data go hand in hand. You use data to understand financial risks, have trading strategies, and spot fraud.
- Marketing analyst: You help companies understand what customers like and how to advertise better using data.
These are just a few examples, and there are many more paths, making it a versatile and exciting career choice.
4. Impactful Insights
Working in this role is like being a data detective as I dig through information mountains to find vital clues. These clues (insights) are like hidden treasures.
I am working in marketing; I help companies understand customers. But if you work in healthcare, you can predict disease outbreaks and help improve patient care.
Regarding ones working in financial companies, they help their companies use insights to make decisions. As a result, they reduce risks and make more money.
Regarding the cons, you will face cybersecurity risks, technical challenges, and compliance considerations. Let’s learn more!
5. Cybersecurity Risks
A concern when working in this role is facing cybersecurity risks, especially when handling sensitive data. These risks are a big deal because the data I work with can be a target for cybercriminals.
One risk is data breaches (where someone might steal or access the data without permission). This problem can lead to financial losses/damage a company’s reputation.
Another risk is privacy breaches. I often deal with personal info like names and addresses, so mishandling it could lead to privacy problems and even legal trouble.
To stay safe, I must be careful and follow security rules. I also work closely with IT and cybersecurity teams to keep the data I work with secure.
6. Technical Challenges
In this role, one big challenge related to tech is dealing with the massive amount of data that can slow down computers. So, I always need special tools and infrastructure to handle it.
Another challenge is that the data I get can be messy and come in different shapes and sizes. Cleaning it and ensuring it is accurate before analysis takes much time.
7. Compliance Considerations
In this field, you must follow data-related rules and laws called compliance. One important aspect is data privacy rules (GDPR or HIPAA). They say how personal data must be handled, stored, and protected.
Depending on your industry, there might be specific rules, too. In finance or healthcare, there are extra regulations to follow.
No matter what industry you work in, you must avoid legal problems and keep people’s trust in how you handle their data.
Should You Become A Big Data Analyst?
I believe you have your answer after reading my above sharing. It is a great career if you like working with data and being careful with rules.
In this role, you get to work with data and find important information; I am sure you will find it exciting. The pay is often good. And there are lots of jobs in various fields.
But it’s not all easy: you must learn and keep up with new technology; there are rules to use and protect data, and you must follow them carefully.
Wrap Up
Now you know the advantages and disadvantages of being a big data analyst. I like working in this field due to the valuable insights, competitive salaries, and diverse job prospects.
However, the demands of handling massive data volumes, staying up-to-date, and ensuring strict data compliance are demanding.