How to Become a Data Manager

What does a data manager do?

Data is vital to the functioning of any company. Without data, it’s impossible to make educated decisions that can lead to increased profits and decreased expenses. This means that a data manager is essential in any organization. In this guide, you’ll learn more about what the duties of a data manager are and what the job prospects are like.
Data managers are responsible for making sure that all data is collected, tracked, stored, analyzed, and utilized properly in order to fulfill their organization’s goals. They must also find ways to protect sensitive information from potential threats and hackers along with prioritizing tasks for their team in order for everyone to be productive. A major consideration for most companies is whether or not they require employees who specialize in data management skillsets or if these tasks can be done by other members of the company. If you’re considering a career as a data manager, read on!

A data manager supervises a company’s data systems and ensures they are organized, stored and secure. Depending on the size of the company, a data manager might work in a team of data operators or as an individual. The employee in this position is responsible for safeguarding all the data that a company owns. Additional responsibilities might include:

• Developing systems, policies, procedures and protocols for data management within a company

• Making sure that a company’s data management protocols are in compliance with regulatory standards

• Assessing, evaluating and updating the software, hardware and storage needs of a company

• Distributing information throughout the company about the policy and procedures surrounding data retrieval, storage and sharing

• Assisting colleagues in performing data-related tasks

• Staying current with safety procedures to protect data from breaches or attacks

• Networking with clients

• Delivering reports to superiors about data management issues

Data Manager Salary

A data manager is someone who manages and organizes data from a variety of sources–in this case, the salary they earn.
Data managers are in high demand now, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a tech whiz to get one of these jobs. If you’re interested in getting into this field, read on for more information.

The average data manager salary in America is $58,294. The median wage for data managers is $50,000.
Data management is a profession that covers many areas of knowledge and expertise. Some of the more common skills include database administration, statistics, computer programming, and business development. Data managers must be able to use their expertise to grow and manage data in order to achieve success within their field or organization.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be an increase in jobs for this position by 17% between now and 2026.

Average salary

Data managers usually work full-time positions. Salaries for this position vary depending on the candidate’s level of education and work experience as well as the size of the firm and the industry.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $87,723 per year

• Some salaries range from $20,000 to $206,000 per year.

Data manager requirements

Aspiring data managers must have certain requirements before obtaining a position, including:

Education

A data manager is a senior administrative position for which a bachelor’s degree is typically a minimum requirement. Data managers could get a bachelor’s degree in several fields, including computer science, computer engineering, statistics and business administration. Courses in these programs teach data managers relevant skills, such as security applications, database design and data mining.

Many companies seek data managers with advanced degrees. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems offers an ideal mix of project leadership and technical background. Master’s degrees in computer science, statistics and mathematics are also relevant. Data managers seeking a position in a specific field, such as healthcare, can choose to obtain a master’s degree in public health, for example.

Training

Although a data manager learns the basics of their occupation during their education, the majority of their training occurs on the job. Entry-level jobs in database management and design are ideal for data managers to gain relevant experience in the field.

During school, students should complete at least one internship in a field of their choice. Undergoing an internship can allow students to gain hands-on experience in the data and information technology field. Also, they can build valuable business connections that could help them find employment once they graduate.

Data managers can maintain current knowledge of their industry by attending conferences or webinars. During these events, they learn about industry trends, the latest releases for different programs and platforms and how to use new technology. They also meet with fellow professionals who can share expert knowledge in different specializations.

Certifications

Several certifications will demonstrate a data manager’s capability and commitment to the field. Some examples are:

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

 If you have a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional analytics experience, or a master’s degree and three years of experience, you can take an examination to receive the CAP, which is a global professional certification. You will need to renew a CAP every three years. Recent graduates in entry-level jobs can apply for the aCAP certification, which is an Associate-Certified Analytics Professional credential.

Certified Data Management Professionals (CDMP)

This certification from the nonprofit Global Data Management Community has four levels—CDMP Associate, CDMP Practitioner, CDMP Master and CDMP Fellow. You must submit a CV if you are applying for the latter two levels to demonstrate your years of experience. There are additional specialist exams in subjects such as data quality, data governance and data modeling.

Skills

The following skills are key to a successful career as a data manager:

Interpersonal

A data manager must often review a large amount of information and explain the patterns the information reveals and why it matters. Because a data manager works with many employees who are outside the information technology field, they also have to explain technical terms to non-technical people in a way that they can understand.

Written communication

Data managers often generate reports. Not only will they collect and analyze data, but they also present it in a way that is clear and interesting. Being able to use software to create charts, graphs and tables in addition to text is an asset.

Critical-thinking

Problem-solving is a major aspect of a data manager’s job. A data manager should be able to examine all aspects of a problem and devise an economical and optimal solution.

Technical

These include proficiency in programming languages, such as Python and Java. They should also understand database systems such as SQL and NoSQL, and operating systems such as UNIX and LINUX. Additionally, they need a working knowledge of big data tools, such as Azure, IBM and Google, and familiarity with data visualization and analytics tools, such as Tableau, QlikView and D3.

Data manager work environment

Data managers work in a variety of office environments. Here are some characteristics of their job:

• Using technical software

• Sitting at a desk facing one or many computer screens

• Communicating regularly with a team that will include both technical and non-technical staff

• Creating and presenting reports

• Quick problem-solving that involves developing creative solutions

Companies that need to process large amounts of information typically hire data managers. Industries in which data managers can usually find positions include:

• Financial organizations

• Publishing and media companies

• Entertainment studios

• Retail chains

• Insurance companies

• Health care organizations

• Education institutes

• Utility companies

• Social media companies

How to become a data manager

Here are some steps that you can follow to become a data manager:

1. Pursue an education

A bachelor’s degree is the basic entry-level requirement for a data manager. Degrees in computer science, computer engineering, statistics or business administration can be useful for this field. You may need a master’s degree for senior data manager positions. Review job postings for data manager positions in your area to determine which degree would be best.

2. Gain work experience

To become a data manager, you will need to gain some experience in the field. Obtain positions as data technicians or data designers to learn as much as you can about different programs, platforms and systems. This work experience will help you acquire a managerial position.

3. Earn certifications

Data managers can acquire certifications from organizations that demonstrate their expertise in analytics and data management. Earning a certification can expand your job opportunities and increase your earning potential, and some companies seek candidates with certain certificates.

4. Search for positions

After you have found open positions that match your level of education and experience, carefully read the instructions for applying. Write a cover letter that summarizes the reasons why you would be a good fit for the job. It can also be helpful to tailor your resume to the job description to stand out from other candidates.

Data manager job description example

Optometry chain in suburban Phoenix is looking for a data manager. Our company recently acquired several offices and has rebranded. We need an experienced, organized, motivated and skilled data manager to consolidate data for all offices and institute protocols. This is a job with scope for freedom, initiative and professional growth.

The qualified candidate’s duties will include:

• Identifying hardware and software needs

• Hiring at least two temporary employees to assist in data entry and design

• Creating protocols for ongoing data storage, analysis and retrieval

• Researching and implementing security procedures for data management

The successful candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or an MBA with an undergraduate degree in computer science, and a minimum of 10 years of experience.

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