Careers in Data Science by Institute For Career Research

Author:Institute For Career Research [Institute for Career Research]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Institute For Career Research
Published: 2021-01-29T06:00:00+00:00

Personal Qualifications

Data scientists are highly educated and are fully versed in the technological tools needed to do the work, but good data science is much too nuanced for any software alone to arrive at meaningful conclusions. There are many unique characteristics that apply to data science. The most sought after data scientists possess a special combination of technical mastery, analytical skills, and business acumen. They have the ability to think critically without making premature assumptions as they transform massive amounts of raw intelligence into concise, actionable plans. Other valuable soft skills include curiosity, creativity, focus, and determination.

Critical thinking in data science is absolutely essential. Successful data scientists have many more questions about the data than the analytical tools can answer. They never dump raw data into software and accept what comes out. On the contrary, the primary aspect of critical thinking is the ability to question the data, remove misleading outliers, and make valid adjustments.

Communication skills are needed to clearly translate complex technical information for non-technical users, such as a marketing or sales team. Most users are not interested in the data or how you analyzed it. They only want to know how it can impact their business and help them meet their goals. Effective data scientists use “data storytelling” to make it easy for anyone to understand their findings.

Business acumen is a helpful trait. The point of data science is to help businesses improve their competitiveness and bottom line. Think like an entrepreneur. You will need a deep understanding of the industry you are in, how your company operates, and which problems most urgently need solutions. That knowledge can help you identify data points that the business can leverage in new ways.

Intellectual curiosity is the fuel that pushes data scientists to constantly pursue more knowledge. You are expected to have a head for math, but what are you going to do with all those numbers? When first looking at a mountain of data, it is impossible to make any sense of it. There are so many data points to consider! Data scientists spend 80 percent of their time in discovery mode, asking questions about the data that have not been asked before. It is inherent curiosity that drives them to sift through it all, uncover opportunities for insights, and realize the data’s full potential.

Collaboration is key. Data science is not a solo endeavor. Data scientists work with just about everyone in the organization, from company executives to customers. They collaborate with management to develop strategies, designers and work product managers to create new and better products, marketers to launch dynamic campaigns, and developers to improve tools and customer experiences.

Determination will get you past the many dead ends, wrong turns, and bumpy roads that define data science. Quick answers do not exist. Projects are usually long term and can be ongoing. It takes grit and patience and maybe even a bit of stubbornness to get past the frustration and arrive at the “Eureka!” moment.

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