Apart from strong programming knowledge, having a strong business acumen along with adroit communication also constitute the skills for big data analysts. With a sudden burst of information and its wide-found usage across all industries, companies would soon require a lot of data scientists. As employment prospects increase, demand for additional skills for big data analysts will also increase.
1.Hardcore programming: the IT skill
One of the most important aspect of a big data analyst is that she should have hardcore programming skills. She should be adept in various programming languages like C++, Java, Python etc. Apart from coding, a good knowledge of databases such as SQL, HIVE etc. is also required.
2.Quantitative reasoning: the academic bent
Having a good mathematical background is necessary for a big data analyst. Along with statistical mathematics, she must also be good in multivariable calculus, linear and matrix algebra, mean, median and mode, probability etc. A big data scientist needs to be capable enough to infer ongoing trends and customers spending data which requires a good understanding of mathematics.
3.Good at interpreting data: something that can be learnt over time
The most important quality of a data analyst is interpretation of data. Big data consists of various huge sets of data and the data analyst should be able to decipher various patterns, sequences and associations that would help the company to know about its customers’ habits and the way they like to spend money.
4.Communication: one of the most important soft skills for big data analysts
After analysing and studying data, a big data analyst must also explain it to the respective department of the company. So, he should be able to comprehend as well as skilfully explain various charts, graphs, and huge sets of data in a language that personnel of the concerned department understand.
With the increased usage of big data in companies across every industry, the demand for big data analysts will only increase. Employment in the field will skyrocket, making it an even more compelling reason for data analysts to not only improve their programming and quantitative skills but their communication and presentation skills as well.
