Data Modelers help organize all the data in a computer system. They work with professionals in all fields designing databases to specific needs depending on the industry. Basically they make super complicated stuff look easy. This is a total computer geek career path, so expect to spend a few years in lots of Information Technology classes. With the speed of change in the world of technology, just as soon as you learn the ropes and land a job, you will need to be prepared to stay ahead and seek out continuing education. The computer science route is a lifelong learning field. You will will get compensated greatly though, so go ahead and get started!
Education
To enter the field of Data Modeling you will need to acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or applied mathematics. It may be advantageous to further your education with a Masters’s of Business Administration (MBA) or at the very least some post graduate courses in business or information systems management.
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is an organization you will want to familiarize yourself with. They set a lot of the standards for those entering the field of Data Modeling. According to ACM, students should exhibit the following skills by the time they finish their program:
- digital logic
- data representation
- computer architecture and organization
- memory architecture
- directions in computing
- familiarity with modeling tools such as ERWIN or Embarcadero
- know SQL language
- gain experience using Oracle or Terandata database systems
- communication skills
Its a good idea to seek out an internship if you’re going the traditional college route. A graduate with hands-on experience will fare much better in landing a good job compared to a graduate with no experience. Many Data Modelers start off as Analysts and move up to the position as they gain experience and prove themselves in a lower ranking position.
Job Expectations
A Data Modeler spends the day organizing data, you’ll also work with data architects and analysts identifying key facts and dimensions to support particular system requirements of your company or client. Expect to perform the following duties:
manage data
restructure data
maintain data integrity
reduce redundancy
have complete knowledge of the domain
Outlook
We can follow the statistics for computer systems analysts to figure out the economic outlook and pay for Data Modelers, as they are a small group within a larger group of computer analysts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median pay is just under $80k as reported in May of 2012. Also according to the BLS, computer systems jobs overall are projected to grow by 25% from 2012 through 2022, a rate faster than the average nationally.