A day in the life of a big data analyst is busy because they have a lot of tasks to cover. They handle all of them properly with the right techniques and their own experiences.
As a big data analyst for years, I will share what I do every day. By the end, you can understand the ins and outs of this exciting job.
Overview
A big data analyst is a technical expert who analyzes big data to provide insights for their companies. They can make decisions and gain competitive advantage.
What does a big data analyst do? Well, their tasks can vary depending on the project. But generally, here is what they handle:
- Gathering and processing data
- Finding patterns in the data sets
- Producing reports based on their findings
- Turning the results into practical insights
- Joining meetings with others
I have mentioned some basic tasks of a big data analyst above. You may wonder how I can deal with them, right? I will show you what my work days look like.
Check Data Overnight
The data is collected overnight. Hence, I start by checking it, which is often user behavior information and sales figures.
Gather Data
Gathering data is a crucial part of my job. Depending on the specific project, I may handle different types of data sets.
My boss usually asks me to collect both unstructured and structured data from multiple sources, such as mobile apps and cloud storage. My company also keeps some in the data warehouses so I can access it quickly.
Process Data
After collecting and storing the data, I organize it properly to ensure I can receive accurate results when running analytical queries.
There are many data-processing methods, but I often go for batch processing. This technique deals with big data blocks. It will also come in handy when I need a long turnaround interval between gathering and analyzing the data.
Meanwhile, I often choose the stream processing method when working with small data batches. This method shortens the delay period, allowing for faster decision-making. However, it costs more and is more complicated.
Clean Data
Not every data is clean. Thus, as a big data analyst, I have to ensure their quality for more potent results.
For this task, I format the data correctly. If needed, I will eliminate irrelevant and duplicative data. If it remains there, I will encounter flawed insights.
Produce Reports
After processing the data, I analyze it and generate reports to present my findings so my manager and colleagues can understand easily. Then, based on them, my company will make data-driven decisions.
Do you know the trickiest thing when working as a big data analyst? Well, not all the staff are technical. Hence, I have to translate complex issues into easy-to-understand ones. That is why this task takes a lot of time.
Spot Patterns
I also compose reports to find data patterns for my company to make predictions. I then use them to illustrate what causes business problems.
A pattern in big data is a trend that impacts the business world positively. I can spot it in three steps:
- Organize the data: This stage involves gathering, cleaning, and processing data, as I mentioned above.
- Choose the suitable algorithms and tools: There are many options here, each with a unique set of pros and cons. Hence, I have chosen one after considering all the factors. For example, I often use Apache Spark to handle large-scale data. And if I work on user-friendly interfaces, I will go for Hive.
- Analyze advanced data: Here, I delve deeper into the data sets to uncover patterns. Machine learning models and NLP help me a lot in this step.
Collaborate with Others
Handling big datasets for a huge company is not easy. Luckily, I work with many technical experts. Together, we can come up with the best approaches and solutions for our strategies.
We have team meetings at every stage of the project. Regular discussions allow for better teamwork. We can also brainstorm ideas to deal with the complicated datasets effectively.
Transform Findings Into Practical Insights
Spotting meaningful data patterns is a huge step for my job. With the help of my colleagues, I can do it properly. Then, I can find valuable insights within my company’s big data.
The insights help monitor market trends and purchase behavior. They also give us more details about customer needs. Finally, we can do business successfully.
Work on Continuous Learning
Technology is constantly evolving. Thus, as a technical expert, I have to keep learning to remain competitive in the industry. But how can I do it?
First, I read the news every day to keep up with the latest trends. If I find something interesting, I will apply it to my project.
Second, I join online courses to broaden my knowledge and sharpen my skills. Continuous learning then helps me nail my job, offering more opportunities.
I love attending seminars and conferences, too. These are chances to extend my network and meet more experts in the field. They will teach me valuable lessons that schools cannot offer.
Conclusion
A day in the life of a big data analyst may be different. Once you become one, you can experience other things, but generally, you have to deal with big data to help your company make wise strategies.
Hopefully, you can find what you need after checking this article. And if you want to pursue this career, send me a message below. I will share everything!
