Data is a valuable asset of any company. And needless to say, just about every business makes use of it. Even support departments like the Cox cable bundles department. But why? Well, simply because data offers real, hard, and relevant insights into both customer behaviors and business practices which can help transform the company for the better. Therefore, the more skilled you are when it comes to utilizing data, the more opportunities you will be presented within the job market.
Top Data Skills You Require in Today’s Job Market
Data can be complicated. Hence, you will be needing not only a comprehensive plan for collecting data, but you will also need to have the ability to analyze and manage it. You must be familiar with data analytics and the technologies that it uses to have a better chance of getting hired. With that said, let’s have a look at the data skills you need in today’s economy.
#1. Digital Literacy
This is one of the broadest and straightforward data skills that you will need. It is among the biggest keys to success in today’s global economy. And the reason is that almost every industry employs data management systems to boost the efficiency of its practices. Digital literacy can lead to great success across careers and industries. Also, you just can’t ignore the value of working with diverse business hardware and software programs. Here are some of the technologies you should be familiar with:
- Image editing tools
- Video creation and file management
- Document creation
- Data storage
Knowing about these tools will serve as a basis for you being digital literate. Also, the more control and understanding you will have over data, the more potential you will have in the workplace.
#2. Data Analytics
Anyone who knows data analytics will certainly have a lot of worth in the job market. Why? Well, because an experienced individual will have the ability to transform the business for the modern economy. They can give them transparency, agility, and insight. Many companies seek for data analysts to maximize their profits. Do remember that data analytics is just the data side of business analytics. But what’s business analytics? It is a process that enables a company to transform raw data into something useful for the business with which they work. For instance, with business analytics, companies can perform predictive analysis for demand. Also, big data evaluation can be used for the generation of customer profiles.
Big data can provide a competitive edge to any company that knows how to utilize it. Did you know that big data is now greatly affecting the real estate industry by transforming buyer targeting and personalization? Here are some of the skills you need to equip in order to become an expert in this field:
- Data visualization
- Communication
- Statistical visualization
- SQL
#3. Programming
While it’s true that not every data expert knows how programming works but having knowledge about it will definitely help you. You see, working with data means that you will be working with queries, databases, and algorithms. If you are familiar with a language like Java, it will take you less effort to draw out the data that you want. Moreover, statistical programming will enable you to automate advanced analysis, which would not be possible to do in Excel or any other data entry programs. The more proficient you are in programming languages, the easier it will become for you to streamline data for analysis. The following are some of the sought-after languages which you should consider learning:
- Python
- R
- SQL
- Java
#4. Web Analytics
Web analytics is all about obtaining data that is available online and then using it to better understand the customers. This can help you improve various aspects of the business, such as product development and customer service. For instance, a news website can make use of Google Analytics to see which stories are gaining the most traction. It can then figure out the best ways to produce more of them. Some of the most common and widely used web analytic tools include:
- Google Analytics
- Mixpanel
- Kissmetrics
#5. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
No one can underestimate the important role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the market. AI is bringing a major revolution in automation and data analysis. Machine learning is also advancing. The autoML is helping businesses to better their models at every level. The reason why it is so helpful is that it not only concludes the data but also tests solutions all on its own until it produces the best result. If you get good at producing such a tool for a business, then it will be you picking the companies you want to work with. However, it’s not that easy! You will need to become an expert in some of the following skills before you get a grip of AI and ML:
- Software engineering
- Computer science
- Advanced mathematics
- ML algorithm selection
#6. Customer Analytics
Similar to web analytics, customer analytics can help businesses to assess customer behavior and to organize data. It is used across different industries to improve performance, create marketing campaigns, and enhance customer satisfaction. Companies that make use of customer analytics are easily able to improve their bottom line. Therefore, if you are able to analyze and interpret the data, you will be able to increase the value of a company.
Conclusion
Data is everything in today’s world. When it’s said that it is the most valuable asset of a company, it’s not wrong! You see, the global market for big data analytics is expected to cross $105.8 billion by 2027. This is all because of the perks that analytics provides to businesses. So, if you want to have your share in this industry, then you will have to develop some data-driven skills. You can start with digital literacy and then slowly advance from there.
