A data steward is a person hired by a company to manage and advocate for data. They act as a link between the departments of information technology, marketing, sales, and accounting. Data stewards oversee programmers, database administrators, and network security specialists in addition to coordinating the use of data. Every company generates a large amount of data that must be distributed, analyzed, and safeguarded. Data stewards ensure that all of a company’s collected data is used effectively and efficiently.
A data steward oversees the data collection process. They collaborate with software developers and website administrators to ensure that all necessary data is collected in a consistent manner and is accessible to other departments. In practice, this entails collaborating with database administrators to create a storage and reporting system that is accessible to end users. Within a company, data stewards also set the standards for data models and data dictionaries.
Aside from gathering data, the data steward’s role also includes extrapolating conclusions from collected facts and statistics. These findings, along with the steward’s plans and recommendations, are then presented to company management. Website traffic data and activity patterns, for example, collected by a website administrator, may be presented to other departments, with the data steward explaining trends and improvement plans.
The data steward is also responsible for data integrity. They supervise the movement of data from one system to another during equipment and software upgrades, working alongside system administrators. Before data systems are released to users, stewards coordinate and supervise testing and troubleshooting.
Data stewards can manage data backup, duplication, and secure storage standards. They also collaborate with network security experts to safeguard collected data from malicious outside interference. Data stewards who also serve as data custodians are responsible for auditing data collection and internal data usage. Stewards also consult with database administrators to ensure that all database systems run at peak performance. Databases power websites, internal software programs, and company email.
After working as a database administrator, software developer, or network systems specialist in the information technology field, a person can become a data steward. To get a job, you may need a lot of experience in the field or within a company. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is also required. As a data steward, you’ll need organizational skills and problem-solving abilities. Because data stewards manage others and present collected data, leadership and public speaking skills are also important.