What do Data Scientists do?

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We are all searching for knowledge. Data provides sense and valuable information. This is why it’s seen as one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Collecting and analyzing data is key for businesses. This goes for tons of industries. Data carries important information and helps extract meaning. It’s no wonder data scientist is such a popular job today.

 

It sounds complex when we put it like this, right? Who are those data scientists, and what exactly do they do? Let’s learn about it.

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Table of Contents

What is Data Science?

Let’s begin by explaining what data science is. Also, let’s learn why it’s so important today.

Simply put, data science is the study of data. First, the data is chaotic and messy. Data science processes develop meaning from that data. The field combines different principles from disciplines like:

– mathematics
– statistics
artificial intelligence
– computer engineering

 

There are many sources of data. We collect and store it. This happens every second of every day.

This stored-but-messy data would only have a little use if it weren’t for data science. Here’s the good news. Data science chooses and changes raw data into facts. Then, businesses can use it to make good decisions.

Data science is currently applied in every industry you can think of. That includes marketing, economy, law, health, IT, and many more.

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Codes on Tilt Shift Lens, Credit: pexels.com/Markus Spiske

What Do Data Scientists Do?

Data scientists are the people in charge of the processes we’ve just described. They are analytical data professionals. They have a number of different tasks and duties.

 

Their primary assignments include:
– deciding what questions need to be answered
– choosing which data to analyze
– converting and adjusting that data
– analyzing it

 

Data scientists first finish the analysis. Then, they need to interpret the result. The result will answer the initial question. Finally, this will help them reach a solid conclusion.

 

Based on the analysis they carry out, data scientists then get to:
– give ideas and tips to different teams in a company
– create predictions and suggest the best business models
– decide how to improve a product or service
– notice potential problems

 

Data scientists are vital for every business. It doesn’t matter how big it is or what industry it’s in.

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Where Do Data Scientists Work?

In 2022, Glassdoor ranked Data Scientist as the 3rd best job in the U.S. This is because of a combination of factors. Mainly, those include:

– high demand and many job openings
– great salary
– high job satisfaction rate

 

This shows that data scientists are needed across the country. They have the chance to find a job easily. But where do data scientists typically work?

 

Most commonly, you’ll see data scientists working in:
– startup and tech companies
– research organizations
– retail companies
– marketing and advertising
– finance
– healthcare

 

They help businesses to:
– get to know their customers
– decide which business ideas will work best
– choose the best marketing strategies
– improve their sales

 

Also, data scientists can recognize the best solution for a problem. This helps minimize risks, losses, and damages in a business.

Examples of Data Scientist’s Responsibilities

Let’s try and paint a picture. What are some of the duties of a typical workday of a data scientist?

 

Here are some examples.

– Data Scientist in Marketing

A data scientist gathers information about the latest social media campaign. Their client is professional translation service The Word Point. They analyze the data. They want to see how many people saw the ad and clicked it. The company learns about the type of people who like it the most. They analyze their age, sex, education, location, native languages, etc. They give these facts to marketing experts. Furthermore, they use it to make the next campaign even better.

 

– Data Scientist in Healthcare
A data scientist gathers and analyzes information about the patients of a health institution. They analyze their diagnosis, treatments, and reactions. They develop patterns that help doctors predict and prevent health risks.

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How to Become a Data Scientist?

Becoming a data scientist means first having the right education. Most employers will require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree. A master’s or Ph.D. is even better. The following fields are welcome:
– computer science
– data science
– engineering
– mathematics

 

To proceed on your educational journey, you should look up universities with data analytics degrees. Consider your options. Don’t worry if your bachelor’s isn’t in one of the fields listed above. You can switch later on and earn a suitable master’s degree.

 

Data scientists need more than just official education. They also need to develop certain skills and expertise. For example, they need to know how to work in the programming languages, such as JavaScript, Phyton, or Scala.

 

They can also complete various courses and learn how to apply their skills. You may need professional essay help. A site like this can help write a great CV or motivational letter to use in an application to these courses. The admissions officers at the schools will want to hear about your motivation, previous education, and best skills.

Final Thoughts

Data science is one of the most important applications of science today. It helps gather powerful insight. Without it, businesses across the globe would be blind to the potential they have. Thus, they’d miss out on a lot of opportunities.

 

Data scientists know how to get information from tons of raw data. Their skills are highly valued. Their importance will keep on growing.

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Summary

Data scientists are in charge of turning tons of meaningless data into valuable information. We need them in every industry and for almost every business out here. This article explains what exactly they do and how to become a data scientist.

Glossary

Data – Information such as numbers or facts.

 

Artificial Intelligence – Using machines to simulate human intelligence processes.

 

Programming language – An artificial language used to manage the behavior of a machine, especially a computer.

 

Official education – Formal education such as high school and college.

 

Motivational Letter – A document you send with your CV when applying for a job or a college

Author

  • William Fontes

    William Fontes is a mathematician and a blogger. He blogs about the potential career paths for people in STEM and the wide application of STEM skills across businesses today. His goal is to inspire and educate.

Copyright @smorescience. All rights reserved. Do not copy, cite, publish, or distribute this content without permission.


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