Why "Curiosity" is something that hiring managers for Big Data are looking for
Big Data Projects are complex that require innovative solutions. Traditional data warehousing, processing and ETL approaches, in and of themselves, are not effective answers to the increasing volumes and complexity of the data being generated. The increasing complexity is due to the newer kinds of data that are being collected such as from sensors, devices, instrumentation, social media etc. many of which did not exist a few years ago. Same goes for the volume. With ever increasing volumes as well complexity, it is causing the older systems to fail and not keep up – and is forcing the data professionals to think very differently and try to come up with out of box solutions.
According to an October 2012 report by the IT research firm Gartner, the promise of big data should create 4.4 million IT jobs globally by 2015. In addition, Peter Sondegaard, senior vice president of Gartner, stated that for every big data related role in the U.S. it will create employment for three people outside of IT resulting in a likely additional 6 million jobs in the U.S. (http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2207915)
With big data being a newer discipline, organizations consider on the job learning of new skills and software for new hires as well as continuous training for current hires the norm. The good news for people looking for jobs in the field of big data is that on the job training is the norm and lack of big data experience doesn't necessarily mean that a company won't consider hiring you. There are a multitude of analytics roles and one approach to breaking into the field of big data is by applying to a position closest to your current role.
Recruiters, hiring managers and thought leaders in the analytics community are not just looking for big data experience or expertise. They are searching for other skills and personality traits. Big Data solutions require a certain amount of innovation, experimentation and trial and error. Hiring managers are looking for candidates that are "Curious". Curiosity and Tenacity as well as organizational and interpersonal skills are required in order for someone to systematically solve complex problems. Training can be provided and skills can be learned but creative problem solving and curiosity are skills that many hiring managers are looking for.
It also helps for a big data professional to have a true understanding of the purpose and interpretation of big data for business insights. Project professionals will need to be able to collaborate with other departments such as operations and business intelligence. Collecting real time data from different internal and external sources allows businesses new opportunities for identifying business insights, optimizing business and innovation. Essentially big data and analytics helps turn data into increased revenue for businesses which will help economic growth and create more jobs both in and outside of the IT field.
