Question 1

What are big data analytics, and why are they important to learn about?

Accepted Answer

Big data analytics refers to the application of advanced data analysis techniques to datasets that are very large, diverse (including structured and unstructured data), and often arriving in real time. The ability to process data at this scale is increasingly essential to navigating today’s business world, and it is at the core of important applications such as machine learning, business intelligence, financial engineering, and other software tools to enable data-informed decision-making.

Computer programs have been used to assist with data analysis for decades, but tools like Microsoft Excel and traditional relational database management systems (RDBMS) queried with SQL are not capable of handling today’s high-volume, high-velocity datasets. Instead, today’s data management professionals rely on high-powered data infrastructure designed to work with distributed file systems and cloud computing resources - particularly the open-source Apache Hadoop ecosystem, including high-speed data processing with Apache Spark and distributed SQL engines like Apache Hive.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Organizations of all types and sizes are seeking ways to leverage the possibilities of big data to improve operations through reduced costs and faster decision-making, create new products and services, or advance our knowledge about the world. Big data analytics skills can thus open up a wide range of career opportunities, from working as a “quant” on Wall Street to developing navigation systems for autonomous vehicles to helping to discover more effective medicines and drugs in health science.

Two of the most broadly-applicable roles in this field are data engineers, who build the data infrastructure needed to deliver big data-scale datasets efficiently and reliably, and the data scientists responsible for analyzing them. These roles are in high demand, and are highly-paid as well; 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 analytics by taking online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Data science is one of the most popular topics to learn about on Coursera, and there are a variety of options to build your skills in big data analytics. You can take online courses and Specializations from top-ranked schools like the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California San Diego, as well as leading companies like IBM, PwC, Cloudera, and Google Cloud. And regardless of where you choose to learn from, Coursera gives you the ability to access course materials and complete assignments on a flexible schedule, making this a great fit for students and mid-career professionals alike.

Question 4

What skills or experience do I need to already have before learning about big data analytics?

Accepted Answer

Before you start learning big data analytics, it’s helpful to have an understanding of database management and the fundamentals of how programming languages work. Specifically, experience with SQL, Python, Java, or R can be useful when studying big data analytics. You also may find it beneficial to know how to work with Hadoop and Linux and use basic math and statistics. Additionally, strong analytical skills and a curiosity about playing with data come in handy when you learn big data analytics.

Question 5

What kind of people are most suited for work in big data analytics?

Accepted Answer

The right people for roles in big data analytics are inquisitive problem solvers who like working with numbers and using statistics to sort through large amounts of data. They typically have work experience or coursework in high-level math or computer programming. A background in behavioral analysis can also be useful for roles in big data analytics because individuals often seek to understand or predict what influences the behavior represented by data. Big data analysts may often need soft skills, such as communication and collaboration skills they use when explaining what they see in the data and working with team members on projects.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

If you like working with numbers and are comfortable using statistical techniques, learning big data analytics may be right for you. The amount of data collected on a daily basis is already massive and continues to grow, so organizations need analysts who can curate and prepare data for businesses, governments, and other groups to use. Learning big data analytics may interest you if you possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and want to apply those skills to sorting and analyzing data to find what’s useful for a client. You may be able to use the knowledge you gain to land an internship or seek a career in data science filling roles in a variety of industries.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Big Data Analytics, 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.

Big Data Analytics Courses Online

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Explore the Big Data Analytics Course Catalog

IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R

Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies

Healthcare Analytics Essentials

Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere

Foundations of Business Intelligence

Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python

Tools for Data Science

Meta Data Analyst

Meta Marketing Analytics

Process Data from Dirty to Clean

Data Science: Foundations using R

Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations

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Frequently Asked Questions about Big Data Analytics

What are big data analytics, and why are they important to learn about?‎

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

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

What skills or experience do I need to already have before learning about big data analytics?‎

What kind of people are most suited for work in big data analytics?‎

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

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

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

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