What Is a Data Modeller?

Data modellers are systems analysts working with data architects and administrators to design computer databases and are at the forefront of data management measures that underpin organisational data structures. In more ways than one, these systems analysts play an integral role in helping organisations achieve end goals in nearly every area of operation, including product lifecycle and customer experience.

Knowing what data modelling is, what data modellers do in their roles, and the skills, education, and experience needed to become a data modeller can help determine if this career path is right for you.

What is data modelling?

Data modelling is how data is evaluated, organised, measured, and managed in business processes. At its core, data modelling produces usable computer systems from complex business data [1]. The overarching goal of the data modeller role is to design and construct databases that enable organisations to access and utilise their data more effectively.

Data modelled through data modelling is represented visually and can illustrate an entire information system or parts of the whole. Within this visual representation are various points and structures that comprise the data that is or will be stored within the information system.

Importance of data modelling

The importance of data modelling rests on the treatment of specific data. Not all data can or should be treated the same. Therefore, it is a part of the data modeller’s responsibility to determine how to structure data to ensure it meets the needs of the organisation and its end customers.

Another critical aspect of data modelling is using the data as a resource for achieving organisational objectives. Predefined requirements and rules govern data management in databases and information systems to ensure the data’s incorporation into the system is correct. 

This step also ensures the data is efficiently used and applied and can adapt to the needs and expectations of stakeholders and end-users.

In an ideal situation, data models are dynamic and fully and functionally support business processes and planning, no matter how complex.

What do data modellers do?

As a data modeller, you will design and manage data systems that are architecturally sound enough to support your organisation's goals. In most cases, you will work with other information technology (IT) professionals like data scientists and database administrators to model critical data and information that will play an essential role in the organisation’s decision-making and customer experience processes. Additionally, you will be responsible for understanding how core data is utilised and supporting all organisational stakeholders and operations, including its products, customers, and staff.

Skills you need to succeed as a data modeller

Data modellers are expected to possess critical skills that will be especially important in helping them operate efficiently and keep them focused on fulfilling their roles. Such skills include but are not limited to the following:

• Data modelling experience

• Database administration experience

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team

• Software development experience

• Experience with data modelling tools such as erwin and SAP PowerDesigner

• Experience with SQL

• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Good analytical skills

• Ability to exercise creative and solution-based thinking

• Excellent verbal communication

• Ability to think abstractly

Job opportunities for data modellers

There is plenty of job opportunities for data modellers. After acquiring the education, skills, and experience needed to become a data modeller, you have the qualifications necessary for several job opportunities across a spectrum of data management roles and capacities, including:

• Lead data modeller

• Data modelling consultant

• Senior data modeller

• Data integration manager

• Data engineer

• Data analyst

Benefit from a strong job outlook

Data modelling remains a growing field in the data science industry. According to the Times of India, job postings for data scientists have increased 29 percent [2]. 

 

Suppose you decide to pursue a career as a data modeller. In that case, you will appreciate the growing need for data management coupled with the consistent success of the role (with organisations within various industries), making this a secure line of work for the near future.

Common career path for becoming a data modeller

Becoming a data modeller may look different for each person. Some start their careers as data analysts, while others wait until they have earned the education, experience, and certifications needed to go straight into a data modelling role.

Once you’ve decided to secure a career in this field, consider this common career path for becoming a data modeller:

Get a degree

A degree in a data science field is what many employers in India seek in a data modeller [2]. You should consider earning a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a role as a data modeller.  

Work experience

Alongside the proper education, organisations typically want to know you have working experience as a data professional. According to Glassdoor, data modellers earn an average annual salary of ₹14,00,000, and those with years of experience can earn upwards of ₹25,00,000 annually [3].

Certifications

The proper certifications can prove your expertise, increase your skills, and enhance your opportunities to secure data modelling roles. 

Of course, the salary you secure will depend on other factors, such as the amount of education and training you’ve received, certifications earned, and the number of years of experience in the field, among other things.

Next steps in data modelling

For an introduction to data modelling, consider taking the Introduction to Big Data course offered on Coursera by the University of California, San Diego.

You can also pursue several Professional Certificates on Coursera, including the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or a Google Cloud Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP Specialisation.