Question 1

What is big data, and why is it important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

“Big data” is a term widely used to describe our data-rich world, in which virtually every activity generates a digital data footprint that can be collected and analyzed. While data and data analysis are not necessarily new, the effective use of the extremely large - and rapidly-growing - datasets of today require new approaches to data management.

In order to harness big data for important applications like machine learning and artificial intelligence, you need more than an Excel spreadsheet or a traditional relational database and SQL. Instead, an entire data infrastructure is necessary to collect and process this data at scale, including data pipelines, data lakes, and data warehouses.

To make this possible, data engineers rely on new approaches to data processing such as MapReduce, developed by Google, the open-source Apache Hadoop ecosystem including Apache Spark and Apache Hive, and, increasingly, cloud computing and cloud database platforms like Cloudera.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can I get with a background in big data?

Accepted Answer

With companies in practically every industry eager to discover ways to harness the power of big data in their operations, having a background in this area can open doors to a wide range of careers. Operations managers at manufacturing or logistics companies may harness data to improve their demand forecasting, inventory planning, and process efficiency; digital marketers use marketing analytics to better understand their customers and the effectiveness of their messaging; and “quants” at hedge funds rely on data-based financial engineering approaches to move millions of dollars in milliseconds.

Understanding how big data applications are built and what they are capable of can thus be incredibly valuable even if you aren’t a data engineer or data scientist yourself. However, if you have the expertise and desire to work directly with big data yourself, data engineers are responsible for building the data infrastructure capable of reliably and efficiently delivering big data at scale, and data scientists are responsible for using a wide range of analytic and programming approaches to uncover insights from it.

These two roles are in extremely high demand, and command salaries to match. According to Glassdoor, data engineers earn an average annual salary of $102,864, and data scientists earn an average annual salary of $113,309.

Question 3

Can I learn about big data by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Yes - in fact, Coursera is one of the best places to learn about big data. You can take individual courses and Specializations spanning multiple courses on big data, data science, and related topics from top-ranked universities from all over the world, from the University California San Diego to Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Coursera also offers the opportunity to learn from industry leaders in the field like Google Cloud, Cloudera, and IBM, including options to get professional certificates.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn about big data?

Accepted Answer

The skills and experience that you might need to already have before starting to learn big data may include software programming knowledge as well as top skills in math, algebra, data science, and related areas. The types of programming languages that are common in big data environments include Python, SQL, Java, C, and overall data structure and algorithm insights. Working with structured and unstructured data may likely require knowledge and background in discrete mathematics, statistics, and linear algebra. Of course, learning about big data roles would also require you to bring good soft skills like listening, focus, communication, and flexibility to the table. Finally, what would also play a part before starting to learn big data might include a good education in data science or mathematics.

Question 5

What kind of person is best suited to learn big data?

Accepted Answer

The kind of people best suited for work that involves big data are those who are keenly interested in data sciences, statistical modeling, data analysis, and the move to a big data future with the internet. People who love to work with data are best suited for roles in big data. This would likely include persons who may have quantitative experience in data technology, or a background and a skill set working with accounting, finance, ratios, and percentages. Big data enthusiasts may also be adventurous types, who take big risks and want to work at the forefront of technology and society.

Question 6

How do I know if learning big data is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Learning big data may be right for you if you have strong analytical insights, a data science background, a head for numbers, and a familiarity with internet tools, cloud platforms, and data analysis software. Working in big data is one of the most in-demand jobs now, and the opportunity to work in a relevant field is very alluring. If you're flexible in your work roles, are a creative thinker, and have the discipline and right background, then learning big data may be right for you to advance your career forward.

Question 7

What are the benefits of taking an online Big Data course?

Accepted Answer

Online Big Data courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Big Data skills. With a wide range of Big Data classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Big Data career skills.

Question 8

What Big Data courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Big Data, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.

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Explore the Big Data Course Catalog

Fundamentals of Big Data

Modern Big Data Analysis with SQL

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Frequently Asked Questions about Big Data

What is big data, and why is it important to learn about?‎

What kinds of careers can I get with a background in big data?‎

Can I learn about big data by taking online courses on Coursera?‎

What skills or experience do I need to already have before starting to learn about big data?‎

What kind of person is best suited to learn big data?‎

How do I know if learning big data is right for me?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Big Data course?‎

What Big Data courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

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