I keep reading that organizations need to hire more people with skills in big data analytics and informatics. It's probably true. But who are these people, and where are they going to come from?
For the insurance industry, I see a close overlap between actuarial, underwriting and analytics skills. They're not the same functions, but they speak to similar interests and aptitudes.
But I believe the spread of technology must inevitably enable more people to realize they have an affinity for data analysis – people who otherwise would not have recognized their calling. Our stereotyped ideas about the kinds of people who are interested in this stuff and are good at it are probably outdated. Especially with the great advances in visual modeling. You no longer need to have some mysterious ability to “see” data patterns or relationships in your head.
Also, it's vital to remember data is central to the business. We should not be corralling “data scientists” off in a sealed room and thinking of what they do as magic. Data analysis needs to be located in, and performed by, the business. Let's look for data analysis potential in everyone we recruit. And let's offer training and encouragement to everyone who shows an interest in working with data. Health IT
Comments