In Data Science
From this post you will learn about the roles and responsibilities of a data steward, the difference between data owner vs data steward vs data custodian, and how to become a certified data steward.
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Data is a valuable asset that drives businesses and organizations to make informed decisions. Data stewards play a critical role in managing data within an organization.
What is a Data Steward?
A data steward is a person or group responsible for managing the data assets of an organization. They ensure that data is collected, stored, and used appropriately while adhering to relevant regulations and policies. They are responsible for ensuring data quality, accuracy, and consistency.
Data stewards work closely with other stakeholders such as data owners, data custodians, and data users to ensure that data is available, accessible, and usable for decision-making purposes. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of data and minimizing risks associated with data breaches or mishandling.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Top Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Steward | $80,000 | 10% | Data Governance, Metadata Management, Data Quality |
| CRM Data Steward | $85,000 | 8% | Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Management, Data Analysis |
| Data Owner | $90,000 | 11% | Data Management, Data Governance, Data Architecture |
| Data Custodian | $75,000 | 6% | Data Security, Data Privacy, Data Access Management |
Roles and Responsibilities of a Data Steward
The roles and responsibilities of a data steward vary depending on the organization and its data management strategy. Here are some of the primary responsibilities of a data steward:
- Define and maintain data standards and policies
- Ensure compliance with data-related regulations and policies
- Develop and implement data management procedures and processes
- Monitor and manage data quality and integrity
- Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness
- Develop and maintain data dictionaries and metadata
- Collaborate with other stakeholders to identify data needs and requirements
- Train and educate staff on data management policies and procedures
- Monitor data usage and access
- Manage data security and privacy
Data Owner vs Data Steward vs Data Custodian
Data owner, data steward, and data custodian are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct roles and responsibilities.
A data owner is a person or group responsible for the data and its usage. They have ultimate responsibility for the data's accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness. Data owners define the data and its intended use, authorize access to the data, and ensure its security and privacy.
A data steward is responsible for ensuring that the data is properly managed and used. They have operational responsibility for data management and work closely with data owners to ensure that the data is managed appropriately. Data stewards define data standards and policies, monitor data quality, and ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
A data custodian is responsible for the technical aspects of data management. They ensure that the data is stored, secured, and backed up properly. Data custodians also manage access to the data, maintain the database and hardware, and ensure the data's availability.
How to Become a Certified Data Steward
Becoming a certified data steward can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this critical role. There are various certification courses available that can help you gain expertise in data management and demonstrate your proficiency as a data steward.
Some of the popular certification courses for data stewards include:
- Certified Data Steward (CDS) offered by the Data Governance Institute
- Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP) offered by the Institute for Information Management
- Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) offered by the Data Management Association International
These certification courses cover topics such as data governance, data quality, metadata management, data modeling, and data security. They typically involve training, coursework, and exams, and require ongoing professional development to maintain the certification.
Data Steward Jobs and Resume Tips
As data becomes increasingly important for businesses, the demand for data stewards is also growing. Data steward jobs are available in various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and technology.
To land a data steward job, you need to have a strong understanding of data management principles and experience in managing data.
When creating a data steward resume, highlight your data management experience, relevant certifications, and technical skills. Emphasize your ability to maintain data quality, develop data management policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with data-related regulations. Include any experience working with databases, data governance frameworks, and data modeling.
Data Steward resume example
Name: Jane Doe
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Summary: Experienced Data Steward with over 5 years of experience managing data for healthcare and finance industries. Skilled in developing data management policies, ensuring data quality, and maintaining compliance with data-related regulations. Certified Data Steward with expertise in data governance, metadata management, and data modeling. Seeking a challenging data steward role to contribute to an organization's success.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, 2015-2019
- Certified Data Steward (CDS), Data Governance Institute, 2020
Skills:
- Data governance
- Metadata management
- Data modeling
- Data quality management
- Data security and privacy
- Database management (SQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL)
- Technical writing
- Project management
Experience:
Data Steward, ABC Healthcare, Jan 2020 - Present
- Developed and implemented data management policies and procedures for the organization
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations and data privacy policies
- Developed and maintained data dictionaries and metadata for healthcare data
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to identify data needs and requirements
- Ensured data accuracy and completeness for healthcare reporting
- Managed access to healthcare data for internal and external stakeholders
Data Steward, XYZ Finance, May 2018 - Dec 2019
- Managed data quality for customer data, ensuring accuracy and consistency across systems
- Developed data models for financial products to improve data management processes
- Implemented data governance frameworks to improve data security and privacy
- Collaborated with business stakeholders to identify data needs and requirements for financial reporting
- Developed and maintained data dictionaries and metadata for financial data
- Managed access to financial data for internal and external stakeholders
Certifications:
- Certified Data Steward (CDS), Data Governance Institute, 2020
- Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP), Institute for Information Management, 2021
References: Available upon request.
Conclusion
Data stewards play a vital role in managing data within organizations. They ensure that data is collected, stored, and used appropriately, while minimizing risks associated with data breaches or mishandling. A certified data steward has the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this role and contribute to an organization's success. If you're interested in becoming a data steward, consider obtaining a relevant certification and building your experience in data management.