Data Scientist job description – What do they really do?

Here are some things data scientists don’t do. 

They don’t use test tubes. 

They don’t create chemical reactions. 

They are not hackers. 

It will not take decades to conduct research. 

Now that we have cleared that up, let’s delve into what data science is truly all about. This unique profession has taken the corporate world by storm. It is defined as one of the hottest careers of the 21st century. Some experts even call it — ‘the new oil’. With over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data generated daily, data scientists are in a powerful position to manipulate and monetise this meaningful information. 

Data is a massive and complicated collection of facts and figures that need methodical systems for better comprehension. Data scientists understand this. They work closely with data engineers and analysts to create unique solutions for complex, real-world problems. These professionals have a very specific set of skills and training. 

Data scientists create structures that help decode data. They lay pipelines and build a foundation to ensure all data is accurately processed. They also investigate and analyse data. If this line of work interests you, stay on the page. We are going to take a closer look at the data scientist job description. 

Also Read – Everything You Need to Know About Data Science Jobs

Understanding data science

There is a lot of hype around data science. It is a revolutionary commodity that has taken the business world by storm. Companies are using data management to elevate their productivity, increase their profits and predict the future of the business. How do they do this? They call in the experts. Data scientists, analysts and engineers are hired to help achieve these goals. These three distinct types of professionals work together to solve a problem. They are each given specific data science roles to carry out. 

• A data engineer’s responsibilities include creating the infrastructure and enabling the technical execution of systems that helps with data analysis. 
• A data analyst’s job is to create insights out of data using various tools such as statistics, data visualisation, dashboards and software systems.
• A data scientist’s roles and responsibilities are to create stories and data analysis by using scientific processes, algorithms, models and programming.

The data scientist job description requires a combination of technical prowess and analytical foresight. You should be good at maths and statistics while possessing a strong set of problem-solving skills. 

Become a certified data scientist with IMS Proschool

What does a data scientist do all day?

Data science is roughly 30 years old. Hard to believe, isn’t it? It’s only become a buzzword in the last decade. Suddenly, it is all corporates are talking about. Recruitment firms and online job portals are swamped with demands for data scientist roles. Higher education institutions are launching new courses every day. 

But what is a data scientist’s job description? What are all the big companies hoping for when they hire a data professional? Let’s dig a little deeper. 

Also Read – How Much Do Data Scientists Earn in India, North America, and Europe?

Data scientist roles and responsibilities

Your average data scientist wakes up, drinks a hot beverage and heads off to work. They are not very different from other office workers at this point. The similarities end when they step foot in the company. Unlike the sales, accounts or HR department, the world of the data scientist starts and ends with the digital sphere. They build data-centric products that perform various functions. They meet with clients or companies who are facing setbacks or have specific objectives in mind. After that, the data scientist uses skills and training to arrive at a logical and effective solution. They use predictive models and algorithms to find the data that would suit the client’s needs. 

To get a better sense of what the data science job description entails, here are some of the tasks carried out in the day of the life of a data scientist. 

• Start by figuring out what the problem is. 
• Work with the data engineer and analyst to understand the challenge at hand.
• Once you have identified the issue, the real work begins. 
• Obtain the data through research. 
• Use tools such as machine learning or deep learning to look for patterns that emerge from the data.
• Create programming codes and advanced algorithms that are able to extract valuable insights from the data. 
• Collate and analyse your findings.
• Spend some time debugging, which means looking for mistakes or oversights in the programs. 
• Repeat the process all over again to address another problem. 

Also Read – Top 5 challenges faced by Data Scientists and how to overcome them

Three levels of the data scientist job description

Skills and training are a big part of the data scientist job description

You don’t get to jump out of bed and announce you are a data scientist. You need to learn the ropes and acquire a certification first. A typical data science job description will include knowledge of programming languages, database systems and industry knowledge. So what do you need in your resume before a top company hires you? 

• In-depth knowledge of machine learning and data mining 
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R, MatLab and Python
• Expertise in statistics, database management and MS Excel
• Good communication skills 
• Problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking 
• An aptitude for research 
• A data science certification from a reputed institution

Proschool’s data science course 

Spend six months with Proschool, and you’ll earn yourself a lifetime of success. The data science course is a gateway to some of the highly coveted data scientist roles in the industry. As one of India’s top coaching institutions, IMS Proschool is well known for empowering students with the latest technology and skills. The faculty has highly experienced data science professionals on board, who offer students a world-class education. They also incorporate active learning methods and innovative training techniques that help students master data science effectively. It is a highly competitive career as a data scientist, the roles and responsibilities can be very extensive.

You need the support and guidance of a professional training team to help you achieve your goal. Here are some additional features of doing a course with Proschool.

• Coaching centres are available in major cities across India. 
• Online classes are an option for working professionals or college students.
• Proschool offers mock exams, practice papers and other extra learning resources.
• All important concepts, programming languages and essential data-handling systems are covered in the syllabus. 
• There is also a placement portal that helps students apply for entry-level jobs. 

In conclusion 

Make no mistake. Data science is here to stay. As technology evolves, so will a data scientist’s roles and responsibilities. To be on the cutting edge, you should update your skills, stay ahead of new trends and keep learning. The data science job description offers up many challenging yet exciting opportunities. With true determination, commitment and the right certification, you will go far in this business.