Data modeling is an essential prerequisite to proper database design, as it clearly establishes the structures, relationships, and flows of data through an organization. This diagramming is important because it ensures the integrity of a company’s data and its interrelationships in the database management system (DBMS) so that it can be relied on for accurate analysis.

Data modeling has become more challenging in the big data era, as vast flows of unstructured, real-time data are not easily classified. However, there are also new tools available for data management professionals. Neo4j, one type of NoSQL database, can help with data modeling by filtering large datasets with graph analytics. And, with Apache Impala’s ability to analyze big data in the cloud, data modelers can create flexible system protocols that can evolve with data growth.

Data modeling is a complex process that demands the ability to precisely understand and diagram business operations, data flows, and data management systems. Database administrators especially rely on data modeling to design and manage an organization’s databases to ensure security, integrity, and freedom from error.

Data engineers also use data modeling skills to efficiently design and build an organization’s data infrastructure. They are responsible for creating the data pipelines, data warehouses, and data lakes used for business operations, exploratory data analysis, and predictive business intelligence. According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a data engineer in the United States is $102,864 per year.

Yes! Coursera offers a wide variety of online courses and Specializations in data modeling, as well as related topics like data warehousing, business intelligence, and big data. You can take courses from top-ranked institutions like the University of California San Diego and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, so you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education for the opportunity to learn online.

Coursera also offers the opportunity to pursue a full Master of Science in Data Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder. Whether you’re a data science beginner or adding new skills to your resume, data modeling will give you an essential perspective into the structure of an organization’s data operations.