SSAT National Data Managers Award

[Ecclesbury]

I have no idea whether this is the best place to post this, but you never know!

 

Are there any data managers out there that have done the SSAT National Data Managers Award (NDMA?) If so would you recommend it? I'm always keen for CPPD opportunities (and they don't come along very often!) but don't want to jump into something if it's going to be a waste of time/money.

 

Cheers,

 

Jonny.

[tombry]

I realize this is of no help, but I was just handed documents on it from my SLT manager, and I'm finding myself wondering the same thing - is it a worthwhile endeavour or not?

 

I'd hate to pay for it, and find it to be pretty worthless.

 

I was a litigation support specialist previously, and took this thing that certified me as an EDD technician, but in the end nobody recognized the "award", and it was worthless.

[Lyns40]

Hi did you complete the MDMA and if so is it a worthwhile course? Are there any other courses out there for a Data Manager?!

[Ecclesbury]

I did complete this award in the end and found it a worthwhile experience for its own ends. It's a very self reflective course, so if nothing else it is an excuse to scrutinise the work that you do and even present suggestions for improvement to senior leaders. I did the self-study version so there was not much new information to learn (depending on how au fait you are with the DPA/FOIA) although there was some interesting systems analaysis stuff that was quite fresh to me at the time (systems development life cycle etc)

 

In terms of this award being "recognised" I think this a red herring really since the job is so niche (perhaps that is changing these days?) I wouldn't have thought a situation would be likely to arise where this award would make the difference between one candidate and another. Of course it is concrete evidence of a commitment to CPD which employers are often looking for. I think what I'm saying is that I would doubt that any school/MAT would dismiss the award as irrelevant.

 

To sum up, I would recommend doing the award for it's own sake but not as a means to an end.

Edited February 8, 2017 by Ecclesbury

[Lyns40]

Thanks for this info. Are you aware of any other courses that you think may benefit? I have been in the role for a couple of years but still have lots to learn!

[CAM]

I've been in the role nearly ten years and only done SIMS and Census courses as part of the SLA with our local authority. But a majority of what I learn (or stumble across) is on here, finding things on The-Artist-Formerly-Known-As-SupportNet or from the deputy head. And finding solutions when things break, can't forget that!

 

Personally, if you want career progression opportunities, learn SQL and get some certifications. Except you'd probably be moving out of education to ply your trade elsewhere when you do get those advanced skills.

[Lyns40]

Thanks, there is always something to learn in this job!!

 

[Ecclesbury]

I'd agree with @CAM I'm not aware of any general data manger role type training. The most useful training that I would recommend is specific technical stuff like SQL quering and VBA. Although since we can't (shouldn't) really do any direct SQL querying of the SIMS database I've never actually done any significant SQL learning since I don't have a regular practical application...which pains me.

 

Without a doubt the training that I've applied the most in my role is an Introduction to Excel VBA course. Just knowing the basics opens up a Pandora's box of possibilities for creating custom excel templates for SIMS reports. I've been able to then learn a lot through practical examples.

[Lyns40]

Thank you, I will look into an Excel VBA course as this maybe useful.