Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Data Change Agent- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
This occupation is at the crossroads of business and IT. It is one of the many new jobs that has been created with the advent of Big Data.
The work of a Change Agent is to drive changes in internal business operations and processes - The work of a Data Change agent is to do exactly that, based on data analytics - using data to make timely decisions, to improve products, to understand customer experiences, operational efficiency and to drive competitiveness.
Data Change Agents are leaders in information management technology and how to use it in solving business problems and meeting new demands.
Data Change Agents are in demand in forward-thinking organisations. Their job involves evangelising and marshalling the necessary resources for new innovation and new ways of doing business.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
- Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.
- Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
- Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
- Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
- Create graphs, charts, or other visualisations to convey the results of data analysis using specialised software.
- Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Design surveys, opinion polls, or other instruments to collect data.
- Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
- Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.
Qualities - Data Change Agent
Data Change Agents need to be good communicators.
A background Six Sigma is desirable, meaning they know how to apply statistics to improve quality on a continuous basis.
A strong ability with numeracy & some coding ability may be of benefit.
Interests - Data Change Agent
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Data Change Agent
There are many pathways towards a career in data analytics. A Level 7 Degree in Computer Science is a typical starting point to a career in this sector. Experience of Six Sigma and knowledge of statistics would be beneficial, together with an understanding and experience of business functions.
Training for Data media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternatives in Skillnet, higher education, Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, media, production.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: creative digital media, data analytics, software development, digital marketing, sales, media studies, marketing.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales, ICT Software Developer.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: digital media, sociology, media, communication, arts, media studies, advertising and marketing communications, digital marketing with analytics, data science and analytics, computing, data analytics and big data, business analytics.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: arts and media, creative digital media, computer science, data analytics, business analytics, data science, digital marketing and analytics, art design, media, research, communication.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Irish Analytics Institute
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Data Change Agent
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €70k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Brightwater/ CPL / Morgan McKInley/ Clark/ Archer/ Osborne
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Data Change Agent
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants; Business analysts; Business and financial project management professionals.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average growth for this occupation was strong; this is in part related to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment levels have also been increasing annually since then. Over 700 new employment permits were issued in 2021 for roles including risk/business analysts and project managers.
The ICT sector accounted for over a third of permits issued, although the numbers employed in this occupation in the ICT sector are small. The number of advertised vacancies in the OVATE data increased by 39%, albeit from a small base. While no shortages are evident, the skills in demand as highlighted by the Spotlight on Skills data in the introduction above (e.g. relationship management, critical thinking etc) would be of relevance for these occupations.
