What are the jobs that work with data?

A data analyst is a specialist who gathers, processes, and interprets data in order to find answers or solutions to certain problems. They use visualization and modeling to discover various correlations between data and then use them to make predictions. The results of their work can inform and support decision-making in business, science, and management. They often utilize statistical analysis and machine learning methods.

Analysts can find work in any field that has a lot of data on how clients and consumers use their products. However, they are most sought after by companies that work with very large data sets, such as advertising and financial firms. Analytics is also relevant in banking, gaming, consulting, telecommunications, and other fields.

According to the salary-tracking website Zarplan, the median salary of a data analyst in Russia is about 155,000 rubles. Specialists with more work experience can earn more than 300,000 rubles working for a major company. 

To work as a data analyst, one requires a good understanding of math, programming, and business processes. Analysts working in various fields handle slightly different tasks, but the main gist of their work stays the same: collect data according to a particular request, process it, then interpret it in such a way so it can be used to inform a decision.

Data architect is a job that requires a deeper level of math and programming knowledge. They organize data and develop architecture for data systems. These systems help businesses store, organize, interpret, and exchange information within a company. Data architects are the ones who design how various applications and programs interact with such information. 

A data architect also picks which program modules to use for each task, decides how to integrate them all with one another, and which programming languages and technological solutions to use in order to guide the project’s further development. To do this, they need to have a solid grasp of applied mathematics and statistics, know how to visualize and use models to represent data, be familiar with database management systems, know the specifics of software development, and possess numerous other skills.

There is a need for architects at organizations that work with large databases, including government agencies. According to the service Dream Job, the median salary of a data architect is about 245,000 rubles per month.

You can get training for both of these jobs by applying for one of ITMO’s professional development programs in AI. They are open for people aged above 18 and up to the age of retirement, with either secondary vocational education or higher education, as well as those who are currently studying. Another important requirement is that applicants have no prior education related to artificial intelligence.

Data Analyst 

Who can join. Data Analyst is a program for anyone doing their first steps in IT – for instance, those looking to change their career track or pick up a few data analysis skills.

Prospective students should have an understanding of digital culture, know school-level mathematics, and demonstrate basic programming skills in any high-level language (Python, C++, Java, etc.). 

Program curriculum. In this course, students will learn to work with big data: they will assemble, process, and analyze it, apply machine learning to detect patterns and anomalies, use Python for data analysis, and program in SQL.

As it’s a practice-oriented course, students will train to solve applied tasks, such as classification and clustering, image segmentation and identification with AI, automated text processing, as well as speech synthesis and analysis. Some of the tasks include classifying emails as spam and evaluating a person’s credit profile. 

According to Elena Mikhailova, the head of ITMO’s Higher School of Digital Culture, the course will be especially beneficial for those wishing to shift their career path towards analytics. Among other things, after the course, students will be able to evaluate product quality, account for time lost due to breakdowns, visualize data, and create user-friendly databases.

The course features several webinars with experts and HR specialists who will offer job hunting and CV tips.

Learning format. The program comprises three modules and 26 topics, all covered within the 3.5 months of classes (15-20 hours a week).

Thanks to the blended learning format, students can access course materials and exercises online and join webinars, workshops, and consultations.

How to join. To get into the program, you will have to pass an entrance exam with 20 questions and problems in mathematics and computer science.

The next three sessions of the course are:

• June 6 - September 18, 2023
• August 15 - November 27, 2023
• September 5 - December 5, 2023

With the official discount, you can join the course for 15,000 rubles instead of 100,000 rubles (check your eligibility for a discount by filling in an application form on the University 20.35 website – available for Russian citizens). Once your application is approved, you can proceed to the entrance exam for your chosen program. After you pass the exam, you can sign your agreement for educational services with ITMO.

Data Architect

Who can join. Data Architect is a program for anyone who has a basic understanding of IT and wants to deepen it.

Students are expected to know their way around digital culture, as well as university-level mathematics (linear algebra, basics of mathematical analysis), and be comfortable using any high-level programming language. 

Program curriculum. Students will learn to apply machine and deep learning methods (clustering – k-means, DBSCAN, hierarchical clustering; classification – logistic regression, regression, decision trees; convolutional and recurrent neural networks, etc.).

Apart from learning to detect anomalies and patterns in data, analyzing it and improving models with Python libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, OpenCV), students will take part in a machine learning contest where they will be solving cases. Moreover, they will learn to design and create neural networks to analyze any data type. The course’s tasks include training a model to predict realty prices and evaluate a bank client’s credit profile. 

Moreover, the course will introduce students to natural language processing (keyword search, comparing texts, etc.) and computer vision (visual search and object classification, handwriting recognition, etc.), among other applied tasks.

Learning format. The course comprises seven modules and 32 topics, all covered within the 3.5 months of classes (17-22 hours a week).

Thanks to the blended learning format, students can access course materials and exercises online and join webinars, workshops, and consultations.

How to join. To get into the program, you will have to pass an entrance exam with 20 questions and problems in mathematics and computer science.

The next sessions of the course are:

• June 1 - September 15, 2023
• August 21 - December 4, 2023

With the official discount, you can join the course for 15,000 rubles instead of 100,000 rubles (check your eligibility for a discount by filling in an application form on the University 20.35 website – available for Russian citizens). Once your application is approved, you can proceed to the entrance exam for your chosen program. After you pass the exam, you can sign your agreement for educational services with ITMO.

Stay tuned for updates on the courses on Telegram and VK (both in Russian).