Let’s go back ten years: we will find that the job descriptions and roles such as data scientist, chief data officer, and data engineer barely existed. If any business required data analysis, it was done by the IT department, a dark room full of screens and people tapping away on the keyboard.

Fast forward to today, data expertise has turned into a highly coveted skill in businesses of all sizes and shapes. Many organizations employ entire teams to manage the vast volumes of data they handle and create meaningful insights to drive powerful decisions and digital products.

Since the demand for data expertise has grown, the gap between the number of people with these skills and huge number of roles to fit has also increased. This may have significant consequences in the future as more and more organizations are becoming fully dependent on data.

A data analyst is required to use a variety of different skills daily. He will need everything from storytelling to an in-depth analysis of data visualization.

Marketing Technology News: MarTech Interview with Gregg Johnson, CEO at Invoca

The top data skills that anyone will need to match the competition are:

1. Aptitude for problem-solving

Whether a data analyst or a marketer dealing with data day in or day out, he should be good at problem-solving skills. 90% of the analytics is about problem-solving, and knowing what questions to ask. When the questions are grounded well in the business, you will get the right answers.

2. Solid numerical skills

Any person dealing with data should love numbers. There is no need to be a number nerd, but it is certainly better to develop an aptitude for numbers to deal with a swarm of data.

3. Expertise in data visualization

For effective data analysis, one must have the knowledge and patience to work with apps like MS Excel. It is a powerful tool that helps to crystallize complex topics and present things in a simple way. A data analyst should be good at data visualization.

4. Great communication skills

Lastly, a data person should be good at communicating within the organization. A data analyst who visualizes the data, he should also communicate his ideas accurately to his team.

The data skill gaps in an organization can be bridged by taking an effort toward the right hiring. Here is what every organization must do:

5. Transparent recruitment

To close the data skills gap, it is always fair to be transparent with prospective employees. During the final stages of the interview, it is better to be clear about the challenges the company is facing. If there are some specific requirements outside of the role offered, it should be conveyed to reduce confusion in the future.

Anyone planning to work for your organization must know “why” he has been given the current role. When the management is transparent about the role offered, the candidate too can better assess whether they are the right fit for the job.

6. The Role of Automation

The use of automation will alleviate the burden of marketers in many ways. With the right automation in hand, marketers can streamline various marketing efforts, which allows them to focus on other strategic tasks. The tools offer accurate and rich data, which the marketers can leverage to tailor content to help consumers know about the brand and the products.

Undoubtedly, the implementation of AI and machine learning can simplify data processing across various organizations.

7. Appealing Data Positions

Since digital experts and fresh graduates are looking to explore the market for better opportunities, organizations must make the roles as attractive as possible. It narrows down to how viable a role looks, the career growth one can achieve, and the benefits attached to the position. There are ample ways through which you make your positions more attractive, for example, by highlighting the importance of data in the job descriptions, showing more paths for development, and offering better opportunities to use cutting-edge technologies.

8. Prioritizing Team Building

When it comes to managing data, a single person cannot cater to every data-drive demand of an organization. The results will come through a team effort.

Organizations can bridge this gap by hiring for multiple roles and binding them in a team with a leader. Diversity in hiring offers access to a broader skill set from people hailing from different backgrounds. As a result, you create a team proactive in problem-solving and planning.

A diverse selection of candidates in the team can supplement and complement each other’s skills and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.

Wrapping Up

Organizations and marketers must understand that better training strategies lead to better results for your marketing. While many technologies will arrive in the field, organizations can achieve better results by assessing the skill gap to stay on top of the competition.

BONUS READ – Jon Miller, CMO at Demandbase chats about the evolution of ABM in this webchat with MarTechSeries:

Marketing Technology News: Determining the Right Martech Investments in 2023