While Master Data Management (MDM) isn’t new, there are plenty of job seekers (even those with technical degrees) who aren’t familiar with the field. Yet as the demand for MDM continues to grow, more companies will need skilled consultants to help get the most from their data.

So, where’s a good place to start when thinking about a career in MDM? To answer that question, we sat down with Amplifi Solution Consultant, Quintin Norwood, to ask about his experience.

Today, we’ll share his insights, and provide answers to some of the top questions we get about starting a career in this promising field.

Quintin, you had a somewhat unique start to your MDM career. Can you share your story?

Before I started with Amplifi, I was actually working two jobs — one was loading trucks at UPS and the other was at a retail store. I had a degree in IT from Georgia Southern, but I wasn’t sure which direction to take after graduation. Then, one day in March 2018, I received a call from the leadership at Amplifi. They had seen my profile on LinkedIn and wanted to interview me for a Solutions Consultant role. The rest is history, and it’s been a very rewarding journey.

So, in your experience, what are the highlights of working as an MDM consultant?

We help a business uncover and establish all of the processes that it needs to succeed with MDM. For example, when a company works with Amplifi, we come in at the start of the project to understand, define, and improve the business processes surrounding their data.

Here are a few of the main ways we help:

  • We’ll clean up the quality of their data to make it usable in the MDM or PIM platform.
  • Data needs to be syndicated or sent to various parties (internal sources, partners, third parties, etc.), so we make sure the data can meet each unique channel requirement.
  • Determine the users within an organization who can access, create, and edit data records in the system, and assign those privileges.
  • We also help establish workflows to automate necessary steps in the data management journey.

Of course, this just covers the basics. As a Solution Consultant, I can tell you that every day is different, with new opportunities to problem-solve for our clients.

What background do you need to get hired as an MDM Solution Consultant?

In a previous blog, we highlighted some of the best degrees for MDM. Regarding my personal experience, I majored in IT. But really, any degree that focuses on technology should help you establish yourself in the MDM field.

If your major offers a mix of technology and business (like Management Information Systems, Business Management, Industrial and Systems Engineering, or Information Technology Management), that may provide an even better foundation.

Finally, while your degree is important, it really comes down to your innate abilities. And an expert company like Amplifi will know how to identify those traits.

So, what type of skills will help someone succeed as a Solution Consultant?

People who succeed in this role tend to be logical and process-oriented. Prioritizing solutions for data management issues involves analyzing how each step in the process affects the next — so you have to be able to think through those problems systematically. You also must be willing and able to learn on the fly to provide the best solutions to your clients.

What if my background is in a completely different field?

If you have a background in finance, engineering, or another field that doesn’t match up with MDM in an obvious way, don’t let that deter you. If you have the skills mentioned above — logical and process-oriented — you can still succeed in working with MDM. One avenue to help you get your foot in the door is to take a certification program in a related area of study, like user experience (UX). Bootcamps like this one can have you certified in less than six months.

If you already have real-world experience in a technical field, you can make the transition into the growing MDM field. Depending on your level of experience, you may even qualify for a mid-level or senior-level MDM role.

What else can help me break into MDM?

Besides getting an applicable certification, an internship can give you a significant advantage when searching for MDM positions like a Solution Consultant. For the most relevant experience, look for a role that will offer exposure to technology, data management, or business processes.

Do you have any last words of advice for people looking to start a career in MDM?

Apply for any positions that sound right for you (you can include search keywords like MDM, PIM, Data Management, etc.). Recruiters in the field search for candidates on LinkedIn, so update your profile with relevant experience. Highlight any internships, as well as technology experience or certifications. Also, keep in mind that some positions have a remote work option, so you don’t necessarily need to be limited by your location.

Finally, my main tip is to say YES to opportunities. The MDM field is expansive and constantly evolving. It offers so many amazing possibilities and ways to grow — if you’re ready and willing to dive in.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Starting a journey in the MDM field can lead to an exciting and lucrative career path — and an MDM Solution Consultant can be a fantastic first step.

If you’d like to see the current open positions at Amplifi, head to our careers page for more information.

Quinton Norwood - MDM Solution Consultant at Amplifi

Quintin Norwood
Solution Consultant