what is a data scientist?
More than ever, companies, governments, and other institutions rely on data to make their decisions. This data can track everything from traffic flows to consumer purchasing habits to weather patterns. But raw data doesn't help decision-makers choose the best options; someone has to process and analyse it. This task falls to data scientists, who are expert analysts with deep knowledge of technology and statistics.
Data scientists combine these analytical skills with knowledge of the topic they're analysing to create models based on the data they study. Using these models, data scientists attempt to understand past and present situations and even predict future behaviour.
what do data scientists do?
Like all scientists, data scientists not only carry out their analysis but also present their findings to others. Whether that means communicating with corporate management, the government or the public, a data scientist must provide clear, useful information. This means that communication skills are a vital part of a data scientist's job.
Would working in tech and IT industry as a data scientist suit your analytical mind and knowledge of statistics? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a data scientist role.
average salary of a data scientist
As a data scientist, you are a highly-skilled professional, and your compensation reflects that fact. The National Careers Service reports that a starting data scientist typically earns around £30,000 per year, while a more experienced data scientist can earn £70,000. Because data scientists work in a wide range of different institutions, salaries can vary depending on the employer. For instance, starting data scientists in a corporate environment may earn more than their counterparts in academia but lack opportunities to do their own research.
types of data scientist
Within the world of data science, you can pursue a number of different specialisations. These might include:
- data engineering: a data engineer builds and maintains the frameworks used for analysis by consolidating, cleansing and structuring data collected from multiple sources.
- database management and architecture: a step up from a data engineer, this type of specialist is responsible for actually designing the digital framework of a specific organisation.
- operations data analysis: less technical than other data scientists, an operations data analyst uses statistical software to evaluate and solve business-specific problems.
- marketing data analysis: using analytic tools, a marketing data analyst is specifically concerned with measuring and improving the effectiveness of a marketing campaign, particularly in terms of ROI and with consideration of marketing trends.
- machine learning: a growing field within data science, data scientists who specialise in machine learning create algorithms that work without direct human participation. These automated systems can work many times faster than humans, making them ideal for dealing with large data sets.
- artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is another specialist area within data science. Although related to machine learning, AI has its own methods and principles, and many data scientists specialise in one or the other.
working as a data scientist
If you're interested in finding out what a job as a data scientist involves, read on. You'll find out about the daily work of a data scientist, as well as your work environment and prospects.
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data scientist job description
As a data scientist, you use your knowledge of maths, statistics and analytical methods to understand data sets. Your work includes:
- identifying patterns within data to spot corresponding patterns in the real world
- building models and algorithms that can use data to help predict future outcomes
- formulating research questions to be answered using data
- refining data sets using machine learning and other tools
- communicating your findings to corporate management, political leaders, or the public
In order to accomplish these tasks, you are always learning. Your ongoing education includes keeping up with the latest advances in the field of data science. It also means staying abreast of new developments in software. From data analysis to data visualisation, data science uses digital tools. Mastery of these tools is a vital part of your skillset.
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work environment
As a data scientist, you typically work in an office environment. Most of your analysis is done using computers and other information technology. Your job may involve some travel to meetings or conferences, but regular travel is uncommon. You may not even work in a traditional office. Increasingly, many data scientists work remotely, either going into an office occasionally or working entirely online.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include engineers, economists and civil servants. You might also be working in close proximity to computer programmers and database administrators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, research scientists, market research executives and technical writers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a data scientist is relatively predictable. Most of the time, you work standard office hours on weekdays; late hours or weekend work are rare. Some flexibility in working hours is an expected part of the job, however. Delivering reports or similar publications is an important part of many data scientists' jobs. When a deadline approaches on one of these documents, late hours may be needed. In general, you can expect to work between 37 and 39 hours a week on average.
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job outlook
Your career as a data scientist offers excellent prospects for advancement. In addition to going deeper into data science through experience and postgraduate study, you can move into other fields. You could specialise in an area of data science such as artificial intelligence or machine learning. If you enjoy working with large teams of data scientists, consider moving into a management or project management role. If you're more focused on the science side of your work, consider a move into academia as a researcher or lecturer.
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advantages of finding a data scientist job through randstad
Finding your data scientist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a data scientist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Most data scientists enter the field by studying it at university. Subjects that lead into careers in data science include maths, statistics, and computer science. Some universities even offer degrees specifically in data science. In addition, some data scientists enter the field after doing undergraduate degrees in fields that involve significant data analysis work. These subjects include STEM fields like physics or engineering but also other statistics-heavy areas such as psychology or economics. Graduates in other fields can also transfer to data science by doing a conversion course. This type of master's degree is intended to bring graduates in other subjects up to speed in a new field quickly.
Although a degree in a related subject is the most common way to begin a career in data science, it isn't the only one. An apprenticeship, combining classroom learning with workplace training, can also lead to a job in the field. This will be a degree apprenticeship, which culminates in a qualification equivalent to a university degree.
skills and competencies
A data scientist's skill set includes both quantitative and communication skills. The core of the work is data analysis and interpretation. So:
- your most important asset is an analytical mindset and a drive to solve problems using data.
- you should have experience with databases and database analysis tools.
- your knowledge of software packages and programming languages is an important factor; you will work to expand and update this knowledge throughout your career.
However, there's more to being a data scientist than simply analysing data and constructing models based on it. In order for your findings to be useful, you have to be able to communicate them:
- this could mean verbal communication in meetings or lectures.
- alternatively, you could communicate your work in written form, writing reports, articles or even books.
- your ability to explain your work, especially to people who lack your background in data, is crucial to your success.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a data scientist
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is data scientist an easy job?
Data scientists use their expert knowledge of data analysis and modelling to help corporate or government leaders make important decisions. It's a rewarding career, but it requires work to build the necessary expertise.
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is data scientist a good career?
If you have an analytical mind and enjoy using detailed knowledge to solve tricky problems, being a data scientist is a great career. It also offers opportunities for advancement and the potential for high pay.
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do data scientists get paid well?
Data scientists have valuable skills, and their pay reflects that fact. At the beginning of your career in data science, you could earn around £30,000, moving up to £70,000 or even more with greater experience.
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what skills are needed to be a data scientist?
A data scientist needs a strong background in maths and data analysis. Familiarity with a range of different software and programming languages is also useful.
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is data scientist a good job for the future?
Data-driven decision-making is important in business, government, academia and more. In an increasingly data-driven world, the need for data scientists is set to grow.
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how do I apply for a data scientist vacancy?
Applying for a data scientist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
