Career as Big Data Analyst

While starting from the position of a fresher after completing your UG or PG degree, it takes around two to three years of experience to get a grip on Big Data Analytics. Overall performance and working environment decide your shift to the next level starting from fresher. Candidates with practical knowledge of different programming languages, knowledge in quantum computing and edge computing with data auditing and mining will surely give you an edge in the market. It takes around 4-5 years of hard work and sheer dedication to achieve a senior level position being data analyst as there is no shortcut to get there earlier. Big Data Analysts are high in demand and there are international job opportunities available that offer lucrative salaries along with various other facilities.

Some of the common designations that are offered to a Data Analyst are Data Miner, Data Auditor, Research Analyst, Teacher, and Scientist Assistant. The job profile includes gathering data from various sources, arranging and organizing it in a presentable format, finding the hidden data pattern, analyzing the data and making a strategic decision based on the finding. It also involves preparing a detailed report of the enormous data and drawing inferences from the data gathered. A typical day involves long sitting hours working on a computer. There won’t be much frequent travelling but relevant projects, write-ups and presentations need to be prepared. 

In India, an average Big Data Analyst can earn from Rs 5 Lakh per annum to Rs 10 Lakh per annum. A senior Data Analyst can earn up to Rs 20 Lakh per annum. With the increase in demand of “Data-Driven Decision” Big Data Analysts are high in demand. Big companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google offer up to Rs 25 Lakh to data analysts. Those with M.Sc. earn higher salaries than B.Sc. One of the key factors for salary is hands-on experience and practical expertise in the field of data science. 

Pros:

• It is an enriching career for those who love playing with numbers, data and making strategic decisions.
• It requires a specific set of skills which very few possess, that make it free from fierce competition.
• The future aspects are promising as it is a vast area to explore and learn.
• It helps you pushing your limits and forces you to update your skills and knowledge continually.

Cons:

• The job requires excellent analytical and statistical skills for taking even the smallest strategic decision.
• The job demands working under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines.
• It requires a lot of additional knowledge with UG and PG degree to stand out that makes it very difficult to excel. 

To become a Big Data Analyst professional, there isn’t any hard and fast requirement, but there are some aspects that you need to fulfil to become one. Complete your 10+2 in science stream or with major math subjects like chemistry, physics. After completion of 10+2, you have to opt-in for an undergraduate degree in science, mathematics, engineering, finance, economics, and statistics or data science. A UG degree in these subjects is necessary because to become a Big Data Analyst you must have a grip on statistical and analytical skills. After completion of UG degree, you can start preparing for a PG degree in science, mathematics, engineering, finance, economics or statistics. Companies like IBM, Microsoft; Google also offers specialized certifications to excel in Big Data Analysis. 

The average cost of UG degree in science, mathematics, engineering, finance, economics, and statistics or data science cost around Rs 2.5 Lakh plus hostel and mess facility. For some private colleges, the fees will be higher. For UG degree the fees can range from Rs 1 to 2 Lakh per year. Certifications and specialized degrees by big companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google cost less and provide training as well. Several Big Data Analysis courses are available at lower costs from various institutes as well. 

There are various colleges which offer quality education and good infrastructure for students with a good learning atmosphere in college.

Below mentioned are some books that will help you gain important insight into the course-

1. Data Analyst by Gulati Harish
2. Big Data for Analysts by Bilous Yevgen
3. Data Mining Methods for the Content Analyst, Taylor & Francis Ltd
4. The Data Revolution by Rob Kitchin
5. Big Data at Work by T.H. Davenport 

This is the most sought after career option for those who love statistics, analytical and creative reasoning and constantly look to update their skills and knowledge. For those who do not prefer a job can work as an independent research analyst, scientist assistant, technical writer or enumerator. You can also join a college as a teacher of the subject. You can also opt-in for a PhD based on your interest.