How to get big data expertise on a budget

Big data professionals are in big demand, with the need for data processing outpacing the supply of trained data analysts on the job market. As a result, salaries have shot upward, putting them out of the reach of many businesses that don’t have the funds to dedicate to a full-time data scientist. Businesses fully realize that if they want to remain competitive they need access to the same up-to-date data that their competitors have, but are in a fix about how to get there.

Fortunately, you don’t have to pay six figures to have data at your fingertips. Here are a few options that can keep you competitive without breaking your budget.

Data analytics is a relatively new profession, although statisticians have been extracting and studying data for decades. Finding an affordable and talented data scientist may be as simple as thinking beyond the traditional wording. Although there are different types of data scientists, a large part of the job involves mastering the software used to extract and study data. Software engineers and statisticians often transition into data scientist jobs, requiring only a short learning period to work at full speed.

You could also work with local colleges to find students interested in getting data analytics experience through a summer job while they’re still in school. If you’re willing to wait while your newly-hired professional learns the specific skills necessary to extract the data you need, you’ll likely be rewarded with a loyal employee who grows along with your organization.

You may already have someone on your team who is interested in learning to work with data. Before considering an outsider, first ask if any of your existing workers are interested in this role. Even if everyone on your team is too busy to take on additional responsibilities, it may be easier to hire someone to handle some of that employee’s workload than to find a dedicated data scientist at a much higher salary. By investing in the training your employee needs to do the work, you’ll show a commitment to your staff that will boost morale.