Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The Work

Big data generally is defined as a collection of large datasets that cannot be analysed with normal statistical methods. The datasets are so big, they are measured in exabytes—one quintillion (1 followed by 18 seroes) bytes. By comparison, an mp3 song is typically less than 10 megabytes (1 followed by 6 seroes)

The data do not have to be just numbers; they can be videos, pictures, maps, words and phrases, and so on. Examples of big data include customer reviews on commercial websites, comments on social networking websites, photos and videos posted online, electronic medical records, and bank records. There are two types of big data: structured and unstructured.

Structured data are numbers and words that can be easily categorised and analysed. These data are generated by things like network sensors embedded in electronic devices, smartphones, and global positioning system (GPS) devices. Structured data also include things like sales figures, account balances, and transaction data.

Unstructured data include more complex information, such as customer reviews from commercial websites, photos and other multimedia, and comments on social net - working sites. These data cannot easily be separated into categories or analysed numerically.

Occupations

There are lots of occupations that work with big data in one way or another. The job tasks of these workers are evolving, as are their job titles. Several occupations that might work with big data are described below, along with their relevant job tasks.

Managers who work with big data are known as chief data officers or chief information officers. They create the policy for how their organisation will use data, as well as supervise the analysts, computer programmers, and other workers.

Third Level teachers who use big data usually instruct students in statistical analysis and computer science. These teachers may have a lot of expertise and experience working with big data but choose to help new generations of workers develop their skills to enter the workforce.

Software developers have an important role in working with big data. They write the computer programs that aggregate, process, analyse, and visualise the data, along with the trends and other useful information that can be found in those data. Software developers generally are not associated with a single industry but create computer programs for use across industries for lots of different data. They may explore alternative sources of data and alter their programs to work with specific kinds.

Other emerging titles include:

Data Analyst - performs analysis of data and works out how the findings of the analysis can best be applied to profit the business. Data Analysts may have a degree such as BS in Mathematics, Economics, or Computer Science. People in this role in the business field may undertake an MBA.

Data Change Agents - drives changes in internal operations and processes based on data analytics. A Level 7 Degre in Computer Science is a typical starting point to career in this sector. A background in Six Sigma and knowledge of statistics would be beneficial.

Data Engineer/Operator - responsible for the day-to-day operation of Big Data computer systems.

Data Scientist - takes the lead in processing raw data and determines what type of analysis would deliver the best results. Draws on maths, computing, science, statistics and sociology to interpret information and produce insights. Typically has a background that includes maths and statistics, as well as artificial intelligence and natural language processing.

Data Steward - manages the quality and security of an organisation's information. A Bachelor Degree at NFQ Level 7/8 or higher and industry specific experience in the areas of IT, business, or finance would be required.

Data Virtualisation - Cloud Specialist - builds and maintains a virtualised data service layer that can draw data from any source and make it available across organisations in a consistent, easy-to-access manner. A Level 7 degree or greater in computer science or maths opens up many career opportunities across the IT sector. May have a traditional programming, database administ&

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
• Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
• Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
• Prepare data for processing by organising information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
• Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
• Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
• Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
• Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
• Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
• Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.

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.

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.

In addition to having a bachelor’s degree, most analysts who work with big data have a master’s or higher degree. Common specialties include mathematics, statistics, or computer science.

As there is a quite a bit of variety in terms of the types of tasks Data Analysts/ specialists perform some qualifications are better suited to different positions than others.

For example, big data operations in large corporations in the private sector usually demand more programming skills, so a background in computer science may be beneficial.

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 & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Creative digital media, Data Analytics, Software Development & Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & Sales, Media studies, Marketing at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: ICT software developer, Cyber security, Lean Sigma Management NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Media & Communication, Communications, Data Science, Digital Marketing with Analytics, Data Science and Analytics, Computing - Data Analytics and Big Data, Business Analytics NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Computer Science - Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Data Science & Analytics, Digital Marketing & Analytics, Art Design & Media - Research, Media & Communication - Research NFQ level 9

Professional Development 

Training for Data media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternaitves in Skillnets, Higher education, Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.  
 
Irish Analytics Inst

Springboardcourses

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €135k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Brightwater / Lincoln/ Prosperity.ie/ Clark

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average growth rate for this occupation was significantly above average, with strong growth observed between 2020 and 2021; employment grew by approximately 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Employment was spread across all sectors of the economy, with the largest share, at just over a fifth, for professional activities. Employment permits, primarily in the ICT sector, spanned a number of roles, including data analysts, account strategists and logistics specialists.

While the number of online job adverts (OVATE) remained almost unchanged in 2022 for this occupational group, there was a 6% increase in adverts for financial and accounting technicians (although the numbers involved are small).

Employers (Skills for Growth & Spotlight on Skills) have signalled difficulties in recruiting data analysts. Furthermore, data analysis skills were required in other difficult-to-fill job roles such as engineers, software developers, and lab analysts. Demand for data analytics skills is evident; however, rather than existing only as standalone roles, these skills are increasingly embedded in other occupations.

• INSIGHT - National Centre for Data Analytics

  • Joint initiative between UCD, NUIG, UCC, and DCU
  • Various - See website
  • Various - See website
  • Click Here

• Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC)

  • 7th Floor Tower Building Trinity Technology & Enterprise Campus Grand Canal Quay Dublin 2 Ireland
  • (01) 5241608 (ext 21)
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Centre for Applied Data Analytics Research (CeADAR)

  • CeADAR University College Dublin NexusUCD Belfield Office Park, Unit 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4
  • (01) 716 5713
  • melina.ziegel@ucd (CeADAR Project Manager)
  • Click Here