Data scientist jobs may be plentiful, but the requirements run steeper as demand increases. Many people enter this field with master’s degrees and a set of highly coveted skills. To be competitive in this growing career path, you need to know what employers expect and what the job entails.
Read on to learn about data scientist jobs, including the major skills you should refine to make yourself a competitive applicant. Before we get into those specifics, however, we need to get on the same page about what exactly a data scientist is.
Define “Data Scientist Jobs”
Data scientists operate in a complex field that combines several disciplines. Their duties cross from computer science to mathematics and statistics. This is because data scientists analyze and model data through processing methods that help them interpret the results. They work with data engineers to use the results to create plans for companies moving forward. Why is this in demand?
The modern world is one giant combination of social sciences and technology. It’s data and how the world perceives that data. Therefore, someone skilled at analyzing those huge blobs of information, processing, and interpreting it has a skill that companies and brands need to compete in the modern age.
Data scientists who excel at their work can show company trends in the data that will help them create marketing plans. They can understand the projected course of industries and challenge what less informed experts report. The right data analyst can send a company’s marketing and sales potential into the stratosphere. Here’s how they do it:
Data Scientist Skills
In order to apply successfully for this coveted job, you will need experience in these core skills. Consider further education or experience to plan ahead and make the most of your data scientist aspirations.
Programming
Obviously, programming plays a major role in data scientist jobs. Experience and education in common programming languages for statistics should be at the top of your resume. Then, prioritize similar experience in database queries like SQL.
Learning Methods
Machines learn through their own methods, methods which become integral to a data scientist’s job since those machines contain and process the data. With modern shortcuts, machine learning methods are not as high on the data scientist’s priority list. However, understanding how it works in general and having some experience in the relevant algorithms remains a necessary skill.
Math
Data scientists need math, especially if they plan on working for companies that focus on data. Working knowledge of linear algebra and advanced calculus puts your application in the game. Don’t be fooled by modern algorithms into thinking that you can get them to do the work for you. To be a successful analyst, you have to make your own applications eventually.
Statistics are part of the mathematics deal as well. Understanding the techniques will help you advise companies on the decisions that matter for their future.
The Takeaway
Data scientist jobs remain in high demand due to an increasing number of companies seeking data analysis as a planning tool. To stay competitive, they need data scientists experienced and educated in the above skills. Use this brief guide as an introduction to the career or to refine your resume to become a top candidate in a lucrative field.
