Question

For this assignment you identify what is necessary for you to find a position with an organization doing BI. Here's what's needed for this assignment:

• Identify a position within BI.
• Identify the skills necessary to obtain that position and what you would need to do to obtain these skills.
• Explain what you like or dislike about this position.
• Consider how a position in BI may fit into your long term career goals.

NOTE: Complete Internet searches on job boards of your choice to so you can review a variety of BI employment opportunities. Cite all sources used.

Answer 1

Ans 1

There are many positions within BI to choose from. Let's suppose you want to become a Big Data Architect.

Ans 2

The necessary skills to become a Big Data Architect are:

1. Technical Skills:
   • Deep understanding of ETL (i.e. data extraction, transformation and loading), development & deployment of analytics systems
   • Implementing Big Data using Hadoop, Spark, Presto, Hive
   • Know-how of Databases (like Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL Server) & Data Warehouses (like Redshift, Teradata, Vertica)
   • Knowledge of foundation infrastructure requirements (things like - Networking, Storage, and Hardware Optimization)
   • Understanding of modern data architectures and concepts like streaming, Big Data as a Service, schema on read and real-time-data access etc.
   • Experience with data integration tools such as Informatica/Ab-Initio
   • Ability to analyse structural requirements for new software and applications. Suggest appropriate technologies, technology approaches and processes
   • Ability to optimize new & current database systems as well as conduct tests, troubleshoot and integrate new elements
2. Management Skills
   • Strong verbal and written communications skills
   • Ability to work across internal and external organizations and virtual teams
   • Ability to think and understand complex business requirements
   • Ability to design conceptual and logical data models and flowcharts
   • Ability to manage projects & teams
   • Ability to lead change

What you'd need to do:

• Acquire an advanced degree in Computer science, MIS, engineering and/or Applied Statistics / Mathematics and/or Operations Research
• Acquire an AWS Certification, e.g. AWS Solutions Architect, Developer, SysOps Associate/Professional etc.
• Acquire Management training - learn concepts like leadership, people and process management, optimisation etc.
• Focus on gaining experience and expertise in Data transformation/ETL tools and technologies (things like- data cataloguing and curation, etc.) [Usually people need 8-9+ years of relevant experience and proven track records in building big data Infrastructure to achieve this position in reputed companies].

Ans 3

Likes could be:

• Lucrative salary (over $130,000 per year)
• Involves a lot of exposure and learning (offers a wide range of roles and responsibilities)
• Allows for creative thinking

Dislikes could be:

• Requires tremendous hard work. You need to keep studying and updating your domain-specific/technical knowledge
• Time related commitments induce tremendous pressure and stress (may hamper your work-life balance at times)........ etc.

Ans 4

Perhaps your long term goal could be to start a Consultancy of your own that rivals the Big four! You'd need this experience of dealing with big data and managing people in the BI domain in order for you to effectively lead your vision. The role discussed above, is pretty close to the ultimate potential within a BI career (at least at the moment). Your next step ahead would be to strive for top management roles - e.g. a place among the board of directors or as mentioned, your own venture that's led by you..