We will take a look at what it takes to be employed in one of the most exciting and dynamic technology sectors:
What is a big data scientist?
“A big data scientist is a rare blend of scientist, developer and data monkey.�? says Robert Chin, Data Scientist at Big Data Partnership. “It is our job to be able to gain insights into the data that a company has at hand. Utilising machine learning algorithms, and statistical modelling to determine relationships in the data for advantageous use to help the business is also key. A typical relationship a data scientist would like to find are counter-intuitive, where we use the data to drive the insight rather our preconceived intuition to drive insights into the data.�?
Education/Qualifications
A degree in mathematics/physics or a science-related subject with heavy statistics is a typical entry route for a Data Scientist. A first degree is usually sufficient, but many top candidates progress to attain a postgraduate qualification such a PhD before entering the field.
Converting academic excellence in statistics or science to a successful career as a data scientist is very possible and a range of big data training programmes have been launched to support this transition.
Career Path
“One can become a junior data scientist with a first degree as outlined above, but in most cases you can enter as a data scientist as long as you have the desire to learn, and learn quick. Once you have entered in as a data scientist you can progress to lead data scientist and then chief data scientist/architect.�? says Chin.
“As this is a growing field, it is only a relative few companies that have such a hierarchy to progress but that will change over time.�?
Data Scientist Resources
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