Data Manager

Introduction

In today’s technology-dominated world, products are increasingly becoming digital. This is leading to the generation of huge amounts of data, as a result. The data is collected and analyzed to perform various technical tasks within an organization. This has also led to a significant rise in career opportunities related to the management of data and managing its other aspects. This article talks about how to become a data manager, roles and responsibilities, salary and many more.

Who is a Data Manager?

A data manager is a professional who is responsible for storing, optimizing, analyzing and managing a company’s data systems with attention to detail and security. Data managers ensure that the data is collected securely and there are no errors in data management. Data managers are also responsible for training the junior staff and developing useful strategies for the company.  Certain skills are required to be a data manager apart from educational qualifications or experience. One of the key data management skills includes the excellent analytical ability to analyze and interpret an enormous amount of data. Employers prefer candidates who are either experienced or have the necessary skills to be onboard as a data manager.   

Data Manager – Job Description

Data managers are also known as Database administrators. The job requirement may vary with the type of industry, such as financial, IT, medical and educational industries. Usually, the job description of a data manager requires more than 40 hours of work in a week to meet the business demands. 

A typical job description of data manager entails the following requirements –

• Education – To become a data manager, the basic educational requirement is a bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, computer science or a related field. Some job positions may also require with an MBA degree or a Master’s degree in business-related field. 
• Certifications – Some jobs may require candidates to have additional certifications related to data management or specific software. 
• Experience – Most employers expect data managers to have prior experience of 1 to 2 years in database development or data analysis.
• Key data manager skills – Apart from the educational requirement and experience, employers look for specific data manager skills to suit the job role. A data manager should have excellent communication and analytical skills. They should be logical, able to solve problems quickly and possess basic knowledge of data management software systems. Data managers should be familiar with the hard disk arrays, mainframe systems, operating systems and database design concepts. An excellent data manager should be able to review and manage compound data and offer useful recommendations based on that to increase retention and growth.    
• Technical skills – Proficiency in MS Office is a must. 

Roles and Responsibilities 

The typical day-to-day responsibilities of a data manager include –

• Leverage the knowledge obtained upon data evaluation for product development.
• Create policies for effective management of database systems.
• Formulate techniques and policies for efficient collection and analysis of data and ensure its accuracy and adequacy. 
• Manage incoming data files and review them for inconsistencies or errors.
• Streamline collected data to share it with the stakeholders or upper management seamlessly.
• Assist with data reports and evaluate the performance.
• Troubleshoot problems related to data to make informed decisions.
• Develop useful warehouse strategies to collect and prepare data for robust analysis.
• Apply knowledge of database management and techniques to deliver customized products or experiences.
• Develop data pipelines and assist with data extraction while adhering to company and legal standards.  

Data Manager Salary Trends in India/US

Data Manager Salary: Based on Company

Companies like Gartner and Accenture can offer yearly compensation of around 11 lac and 9 lac respectively in India.

In the US, companies such as The Emmes Corporation, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Columbia University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute are among the top employers for hiring data managers. The salary offered is highest at Columbia University (average salary of around $72,877) and the lowest at The Emmes Corporation (average salary of around $45,775).

Data Manager Salary: Based on Experience

With a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, a certification course in data management, and 1 to 5 years of experience in a related field, a data manager can earn up to $90,000 per year. However, in India, an entry-level data manager job position can earn you a total compensation of INR 14,20,000 . This number may go up to 30,00,000 per year with 9 to 10 years of experience in a related field. 

Data Manager Salary: Based on Skills

The average Data Manager salary in the US ranges anywhere between $65,000 to $75,000 per year. This may go up to $90,000 depending on the level of experience and skills.

The top skills in demand for data managers include data management, database management and reporting, SQL, data analysis and Microsoft Excel. Having skills in data management and SQL will fetch you a job with the highest average salary of around $65,229 and $71,873, respectively. Other skills that yield lesser salaries include data analysis with an average salary of $64,955, database management & reporting with an average salary of $61,726 and Microsoft Excel with an average salary of $57,252.

In India, top skills in demand for the position of data manager include data analysis with an average base salary of INR 1,312,381, data management with an average base salary of INR 858,655 and SQL with an average base salary of 1,220,838. Other skills in demand include Microsoft Excel and database management & reporting with an average base salary of   INR 494,545 and INR 590,328 respectively.

Skills required to be a Data Manager

A data manager should possess technical as well as soft skills to be able to handle the job responsibilities and perform well in an organization. Some key skills required for successfully managing data include –

• Strong analytical ability – A great data manager should be able to optimize and use data efficiently to make presentations and analyze results. He should be able to understand the client’s requirements and be willing to provide creative solutions for product development.
• Familiarity with database design concepts – Understanding database design and concepts is essential to execute short-term and long-term planning of various database projects. This knowledge is also helpful in storing and optimizing data sets for future use.
• Good knowledge of database software – It is essential for data managers to be acquainted with various database software and understand how to edit, store, review, and perform other functions within a database. Prior experience with SQL databases, Python, Perl and related applications also work as an added advantage.
• Adherence to data integrity – Knowing how to use different programs and sources of data is important. Data managers should be willing to collaborate with other teams to analyze large data sets, review to find potential inconsistencies and ensure that data is accurate to company standards.
• Account management – Another essential data manager skill is the ability to manage online accounts, organize data, copy, download and move files, share email attachments and more.  

A day in the life of a Data Manager

Below are enlisted the tasks that a data manager handles on a daily basis –

• Generate data reports, queries, and files during data entry. 
• Process and sort incoming data, manage receipts, verify the information, and keep a log of data sets.
• Leverage software knowledge and implement data warehousing strategies to ensure compliance.
• Supervise work of junior staff concerning data management.
• Track workflow, execute A/B testing to iterate new products.
• Coordinate with other departments and provide information regarding marketing, etc. 

How to become a Data Manager?

The step-by-step guide to becoming a data manager is explained below –

Step 1 – Graduate with a relevant bachelor’s degree 

You can consider completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, information systems, or a related field with a specialization in database management (if available). These typically consist of 3 or 4-year courses and cover topics that help create a good foundation for data and technology.   

Step 2 – Begin working as a data analyst or database developer or data manager 

You can begin your career as a data analyst or database developer and then advance into the profile of a data manager. An experience of 1 to 2 years will provide you with important insights into collecting and optimizing data, building data structures, managing data operations and more. 

Step 3 – Consider a certification course 

You can opt for a certification course solely dedicated to data management. Earning certifications will work as an added advantage and increase your chances of getting a favourable job position in the desired company. You can complete certifications via online as well as offline modes. 

Step 4 – Earn a Master’s degree in business administration 

Some employers may prefer hiring data managers with MBA as the minimum qualification. So as per the industry demands, you can also pursue Masters in Business Administration degree offered with specialization in information systems. 

What are the advantages of a Data Manager Course?

If you are a problem-solver, analytical thinker and love working with data, then a data management course is recommended for you. The course will pave way for you to become a successful Data Manager aside from other perks. Let us discuss the advantages of enrolling in the Data Manager course for accelerating your career –

• You can choose from a wide assortment of courses related to data management such as Python for data analysis, Data Visualisation, SQL for data science, My SQL Basics, Excel for beginners and more. Most of these courses are available free of cost and can be easily learned alongside your full-time job. Besides, these are available online so it saves a lot of time that would have been spent on commuting for an offline course.
• The course will equip you with the necessary skills required to excel at your current job or identify potential new opportunities at your exiting or new workplace. The course is designed in a comprehensive manner that is easy to understand for everyone – from a beginner to a professional. 
• After successful completion of the course, you will receive a shareable certificate that can be attached to your resume or shared on your professional social media such as LinkedIn. It will increase your chances of getting noticed and possibly selected for your dream job in the desired company.
• By the end of the course, you will learn key concepts of data management, analytical skills and concepts relevant to the data analysis process, hands-on practice of various tools that will prepare you to confidently explore entry-level job opportunities.  

FAQs

1. Will the Data Manager course help me get better job opportunities?

Yes, the Data Manager course at Great Learning will help you master the key concepts of data management and provide you with free access to course materials. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also receive a shareable certificate that can be shared with your existing employer or during a job interview with a new employer. 

2. What background is required to enroll for the course?

No prior technical experience is required to enroll for the course. The course is beginner-friendly and anyone who wants to learn about data and its various aspects can opt for this course.

3. Why start a career as a Data Manager?

The amount of data produced is enormous and most of the companies are going digital to meet consumer expectations and demands. To fulfill these requirements, Data Managers are increasingly growing in demand and are competitively paid. 

4. How much time do I need to spend on the course?

You can spend around 6 to 8 hours per week for an estimated 8 weeks of course. However, this is a self-paced course so you can progress at your own speed accordingly. 

5. What will I get after I enroll in the course?

You will get access to video lectures and course material relevant to the course after your enrollment is confirmed. You will also get a certificate of completion that you can print, attach with your resume, or share on your LinkedIn profile for extra advantage. 

6. Do I need to follow course material in a certain order?

We highly recommend following the course material in the said order as the course curriculum builds on previous lessons in a systematic manner that makes it easy to understand for everyone with or without prior knowledge of data management. 

7. Why enroll in the Data Manager course?

The course will help you familiarize yourself with the foundational concepts of data management and prepare you to explore relevant job opportunities. You will gradually go through a curriculum along with relevant projects/quizzes to enhance your skills. By spending just 6 to 8 hours a week in a flexible manner, you will be job-ready to showcase your skill set and apply for entry-level jobs in data management. 

8. How do I enroll for the course?

You can select the desired course you wish to enrol for and then simply click on the ‘ENROL NOW’ button to proceed with the registration process.

Conclusion

Data Managers are undoubtedly one of the most sought-after professionals in today’s data-driven world. The data manager course prepares you to analyze data, develop business strategies and make informed decisions. The course will give you a competitive edge and help you prepare for various job opportunities such as Data Analyst, Database Manager, Data Manager and more. You will not only master the foundational concepts of data management but also improve your analytical and problem-solving skills. The course will empower you to choose your career path in the field of data and apply the knowledge for individual or company-based projects.