“Our greatest challenge is making sense out of data. We need a new generation of executives to understand and lead through data.”

Mark Benioff, CEO – Salesforce.com

Careers in data management are becoming increasingly popular. Roles of librarians, conservators, archaeologists, clinical psychologists, and clinical data managers are common examples.

In the information age, it is crucial to have people who can make sense out of all the data, which is an important a business asset as people, property, and money. Therefore, companies are hiring for senior positions such as Chief Data Officer, to acquire, manage and deploy data for growth. 

Think you can keep ahead of the curve by joining this booming field? BrainGain magazine brings you practical information on a career in Data Management.

What is Data Management?

Data management involves the curation and management of data, which is information in various forms. Think statistics, facts & figures, records, archives and so on. Such data is generated from a business activity, typically a project, and is a result of extensive ground work and research. It is a crucially important asset for businesses which want to survive and thrive.

Why Data Management?

Better advertising is the first payoff. Data management helps organisations to understand audience and tastes. This also means better marketing. Even the customers are benefited. Data management ensures their privacy, and protection. In other words, this is the best way for businesses to survive marketing challenges.

Roles -

Data Management Technician: Responsible for carrying out tasks related to developing and maintaining a high-quality data resource for an organization.

Data Management Consultant: Provides professional support to an organization as a whole, and particular backing to data technicians, executives and managers.

Data Manager: Responsible for overseeing activities of the aforementioned along with budgeting, personnel management, planning and project management, conflict resolution, facilities’ management, presentation, interpersonal communication, and other managerial tasks.

A data manager is also liaison between the data management executive and the data management staff that carries out the tasks. Most data managers have a combination of work experience, education and professional certification.

Career Path:

To become a data manager, the minimum one needs is a bachelor’s degree. However, some employers prefer a Master in Business Administration.  Commonly, the bachelors in is Information Technology or Computer Science, which has an applicability across responsibilities, be it in a library, or a clinical research environment. Specific certifications in software programming could also be required.

About 1-5 years of experience in data analysis, or database development is useful. Most data managers begin their careers working as data analysts or database developers.

An MBA is an added advantage. It teaches subjects related to database management, such as concepts, advanced database management systems, design and processing, statistical quality control, and business modeling using spreadsheets. The advanced degree and business education potentially make the data manager a stronger candidate for management and senior administrative positions.

Mean annual salary for all data managers is USD 82,280 per annum, according to 2014 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.