Look to different sectors for big data talent: Hudson

A new report from recruitment firm Hudson suggests that companies should be looking beyond IT for big data analysts.

According to the report, Tackling the Big Data Challenge, 78 per cent of Australian respondents told Hudson that their organisation currently lacks the skills to undertake big data initiatives.

The report found that potential big data analysts could come from widely disparate backgrounds such as sales, marketing, construction and engineering.

Hudson Asia Pacific CEO Mark Steyn said that finding the right skills and competencies in big data is challenging.

“People who can blend deep technical expertise, business and analytical skills, an understanding of the market and the customer represent nirvana in terms of big data talent,” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately these individuals are in short supply. This presages a skills crisis of vast proportions and is forcing organisations to look outside the usual supply network for talent.”

The report lists the competencies and attributes that big data analysts should display. These include big data program leadership, data management, domain expertise, big data analysis, project management, campaign management and campaign assessment.

Read Creating the analytics role – merging business with technologists.

When getting started with a big data project, Steyn said that management buy-in is critical.

“While many c-level executives are alert to the promise of big data, securing their explicit support for any big data initiative is critical.”

He added that enterprises should prioritise big data readiness. For example, business cases could be developed to identify priority areas such as marketing or operations where big data analysis could deliver significant benefits.

In addition, Steyn said that companies should hire project managers to scope pilot projects and identify resources required for data analysis.

“Big data is as an equal opportunity disruption because all enterprises have access to vast streams of data,” he said.

“Those that invest in exploiting the data, and take the time to carefully find, hire and retain the right skills mix will achieve competitive advantage.”

Follow Hamish Barwick on Twitter: @HamishBarwick

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