Explore a career in Big Data.

Big data is a field that treats ways to analyze, systematically extract information from, or otherwise deal with data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data-processing application software.

 

  • Data Analyst â€“ primary focus of analysis and problem solving relates to data, types of data, and relationships among data elements within a business system or IT system.
  • Database Administrator â€“ ensure databases run efficiently, uses specialized software to store and organize data and make sure that data is available to users and secure from unauthorized access.
  • Database Developer â€“ create and implement computer databases, determine the best database management systems for a particular client, as well as test database programs for efficiency and performance, troubleshoot and correct problems.
  • Data Modeler â€“ systems analysts that design computer databases that translate complex business data into usable computer systems, they work with data architects to design databases that meet organizational needs using conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
  • Data Scientist â€“ collects, analyzes and interprets large amounts of data to identify ways to help a business improve operations an gain a competitive edge over rivals.
  • Research Scientists â€“ these individuals are experts in multiple AI disciplines, including applied mathematics, machine learning, deep learning, and computational statistics.
  • Business Intelligence Analyst â€“ analyzes data that is used by a business or organization. Data used in business intelligence generally supports decision-making, the analyst works with this kind of data to maximize its utility.
  • Database Manager â€“ provides database applications by developing the architecture, programming, troubleshooting, and security; maintains database results by setting and enforcing standards and controls; upgrades hardware and software by assessing transaction processing
  • Data Warehouse Manager â€“ manages daily activities of team responsible for design, implementation, maintenance, and support of data warehouse systems and related data marts; oversees data design and the creation of database architecture and data repositories.
  • Data Architect â€“ designs, creates, deploys and manages an organization’s data architecture; defines how the data will be stored, consumed, integrated and managed by different data entities and IT systems.
  • Big Data Engineer â€“ creates and manages a company’s Big Data infrastructure and tools, and is someone that knows how to get results from vast amounts of data quickly; builds what the big data solutions architect has designed; develop, maintain, test and evaluate big data solutions within organizations.
  • Big Data Analyst â€“ reviews, analyzes, and reports on big data stored and maintained by an organization; responsible for utilizing data analytics and customer relationship management (CRM) software
  • to evaluate an organization’s technical performance and providing recommendations on system enhancements
  • Data Visualization Developer/Analyst â€“ utilizes visualization tools and software to communicate information to clients or for their own company by presenting large amounts of information in ways that are universally understandable or easy to interpret and spot patterns, trends, and correlations.
  • Machine Learning Engineer â€“ computer programmers that develop machines and systems that can learn and apply knowledge without specific direction (i.e.: using building towards artificial intelligence). They will create programs that will enable machines to take actions without being specifically directed to perform those tasks.
  • Predictive Analytics â€“ the practice of extracting information from existing data sets in order to determine patterns and predict future outcomes and trends; forecasts what might happen in the future with an acceptable level of reliability, and includes what-if scenarios and risk assessment
  • Prescriptive Analytics â€“ uses optimization and simulation algorithms to advise on possible outcomes; attempt to quantify the effect of future decisions in order to advise on possible outcomes before the decisions are actually made.
  • Descriptive Analytics â€“ describes or summarizes raw data and make something that is interpretable by humans; specifically understanding past behaviors and how they might influence the future.

  • Business
  • E-commerce
  • Finance
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Science
  • Social Networking
  • Telecommunications
  • Utilities
  • Politics
  • Smart Meters on Appliances

  • Volume (storage, identifying relevant data)
  • Velocity (the pace at which data is produced, collected, and processed)
  • Veracity (quality of data)
  • Variety (form, structure, sorting)

SPSS, SAS, R, SQL, Apache Hadoop, Pig, Hive, Storm, NoSQL, Statistics, Python, Data Visualization.

IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, Oracle, Google, Apple, Intel, HCL Technologies, Wipro Technologies, Verizon, Visa, Boeing, SA

  • Employers recruit and hire according to specific cycles that vary by employer and opportunity type. By understanding and adapting your job or internship search strategy to the industry’s recruiting timeline, you are putting yourself in the best position to secure a full-time or summer position
  • The graphic below details when employers of differing types and sizes hire throughout the year. The darker areas indicate a higher level of recruiting activity, which is when you can expect most applications to open and close.

Key:

  • Large companies: 1000+ employees, public or private
  • Small companies and start-ups: Fewer than 250 employees, public or private
  • Mid-size companies: May hire on either timeline, depending on the employer
  • REUs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates, competitive opportunities for summer research, mainly in academia, funded by the National Science Foundation
  • Government agencies: Federal, state and local

This Week in Emerging Tech | October 30, 2025

Hello Emerging Technologies Career Community! Now is the time to start applying for Summer 2026 internships and Research! Check out this week’s blog for jobs and events, and don’t forget to come visit the Greene Center in Dewey Hall 4th …

By Cordelia Smith
Cordelia Smith Career Advisor
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This Week in Emerging Tech | October 16, 2025

Hello Emerging Technologies Career Community! We’re halfway through October… can you believe it’s true? Fall’s in full swing with crisp skies of blue!
Check out this week’s blog for jobs and events, plus opportunities waiting that just make sense! And …

By Cordelia Smith
Cordelia Smith Career Advisor
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This Week in Emerging Tech | October 2, 2025

Hello Emerging Technologies Career Community! Are you planning for the Summer 2026? If not, explore below and don’t forget to visit the Greene Center Career Center in Dewey Hall on the 4th Floor!

Upcoming Events

Practice Technical Interview Week | Wednesday, …

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Cordelia Smith Career Advisor
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Career Center Hours Peer Career Advisor Drop-Ins
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