A data steward manages data collection, usage, and protection for a company, working with various departments and overseeing database administrators and network security specialists. They also extrapolate conclusions from collected data and ensure data integrity and security. Relevant experience and a college degree are usually required.
A data steward is employed by a company to provide data management and defense. They serve as a liaison between the information technology, marketing, sales, and accounting departments. In addition to coordinating data usage, data administrators also manage programmers, database administrators, and network security specialists. Every business collects a huge amount of data that needs to be distributed, analyzed and protected. Data stewards ensure that all information collected by a company is used effectively and efficiently.
Data collection is overseen by a data steward. They work with software developers and site administrators to ensure that all necessary information is gathered in a uniform manner and is easily accessible by other departments. In practice, this means working with database administrators to create an end-user accessible system of storage and reporting methods. Data stewards also define the standards for data models and dictionaries within an enterprise.
In addition to data collection, another function of the data steward is to extrapolate conclusions from collected facts and statistics. These conclusions are presented to the company’s management with the administrator’s plans and recommendations. For example, site traffic data and activity patterns collected by a site administrator can be presented to other departments, along with the data administrator, explaining trends and plans for improvement.
Data integrity is also a data steward’s responsibility. Working closely with system administrators, they oversee the movement of data from one system to another during hardware and software upgrades. Organizers also coordinate and oversee the testing and troubleshooting of data systems before they are released to users.
Standards for backing up, duplicating, and securely storing data can be managed by data stewards. They also work with network security experts to protect the collected information from potential malicious outside interference. Auditing of data collection and internal use of data is another role played by data stewards who function as data gatekeepers. Organizers also consult with database administrators for optimal performance of all database systems. Websites, internal software programs and company e-mail are all run by databases.
An individual can become a data administrator after working for the first time in the field of information technology as a database administrator, software developer or network systems specialist. Significant experience within the field or within a company may be required to gain employment. A college degree in a relevant field is also usually required. It is important to have organizational skills and problem-solving skills as a data steward. Leadership skills and public speaking also play a crucial role as data stewards manage others and present collected information.
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