BIG DATA IS A CHALLENGE FOR SOME CIOS

Big data is not without some big obstacles for some CIOs.  A recent survey from Robert Half Technology found that 76 percent of CIOs said their companies don’t currently gather customer data such as demographics or buying habits and less than one if four do not collect this type of information.  Among the companies that do, more than half (53 percent) said they lack sufficient staff to access customer data, and generate reports and other business insights from it. 

Hiring employees to collect and leverage customer data can be costly, but the information can also be extremely useful to organizations.  This type of information gives firms an opportunity to create more personalized online experiences for customers, develop highly targeted marketing campaigns and optimize business practices.  Some firms may not be collecting customer data because they lack the systems and resources for high data analytics, or they may not have the budget to do so. 

For companies looking to fill big-data positions, the following are job descriptions and salary ranges for the most in-demand jobs:

Business intelligence analysts assist firms in making critical business decisions by gathering and analyzing data to better target marketing efforts.  Starting salaries for these professionals will range from $94,250 to $132,500.

Data architects evaluate and translate business requirements into specific database solutions (data design models, database architecture and data repository designs). These professionals are forecast to see starting salaries ranging from $104,250 to $143,500. 

Data warehouse analyst collect, analyze and leverage a firm’s stored data, and devised solutions that make it easier to access. Data warehouse analysts can expect starting salaries ranging from $93,500 to $126,500.