Duties and responsibilities of the data specialist

Data specialists transfer information on paper to electronic data systems. They typically monitor the entire conversion process and work closely with clients to ensure that this data is accurate and accessible. A data specialist should investigate data sources to verify the validity of this information. Data specialists may also be responsible for designing databases for specific customer use and training customers in the use of data storage and retrieval systems, databases, and software.

Data specialists are primarily employed in corporate IT departments, but may also work for consulting firms, government agencies, or in the healthcare sector. The projected job growth rate for database administrators, such as data specialists, is 11 percent through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The occupancy rate for database administrators who also design systems is expected to be 26% during the same period. The increasing use of third-party companies for data processing and cloud computing services is believed to be the main factor in these statistics on expected job growth.

Duties and responsibilities of the data specialist

Several tasks fall on data specialists as they collect, search and verify the data to be stored in specially designed databases or data storage systems. We analyzed various job openings for data specialists and found that most employers list the following duties and responsibilities for this position.

Analyze and verify the data

Data specialists often begin any data conversion process by conducting a thorough data analysis of a customer's information. They will investigate data sources and make necessary corrections to existing data to ensure the accuracy of the information recorded.

Create a digital conversion program

A data expert will often analyze a customer's existing systems and create a suitable program for that specific system. In some cases, a data specialist can design a database or software program necessary to convert the data.

Generate reports

Data specialists must constantly inform clients about the progress of a conversion program. They must submit reports that cover workflow and workflow interruptions, exceptions, costs, and analysis results.

Provide assistance and technical support

After a conversion project is complete, a data specialist typically trains a client to use the database or software system. Data specialists also manage databases and answer any questions users may have about the system.

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