Big Data, Small Talent Pool
March 24, 2012
It may be big data’s biggest issue; Government Computer News asks “Big Data’s Big Question: Where Are the Data Scientists?” Writer Rutrell Yasin explains:
“Even as organizations are trying to define the role of those tasked with analyzing and managing the new phenomenon of big data, people capable of that job are already projected to be in short supply.
“The move from a network-centric to a data-rich environment requires a different skill set, John Marshall, CTO of the Directorate of Intelligence J2 with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said March 6 during a forum on big data. . . .
“A recent study reported that shortages of qualified workers who understand the power of big data is estimated to be between 140,000 and 190,000 people by 2018, Marshall said.”
Students are beginning to exit college with data analytics and data mining skills, but there may not be enough to fill the gap, especially in the public sector. There are professionals who have developed the required subject matter, math, and programming skills, but most of them are content to retain their lucrative jobs in Silicon Valley or New York.
The article does note that the broad term “data scientist” is akin to “doctor,” in that there are specialists within the field. Michael Lazar, a former intelligence community member who is now a senior solutions architect with VMware, recommends that public sector organizations internally train their people to meet their unique data analysis and management needs.
Though the article focuses on government organizations, it is a relevant read for anyone interested in big data. Also, it suggests a potentially lucrative field for young people looking to build a career in a difficult economy.
Stephen E. Arnold, March 24, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
