Becoming a Data Scientist: The Skills You Need to Succeed

1. Becoming a Data Scientist: The Skills You Need to Succeed The data science discipline has of late become one of the hottest and most desired jobs around the world. The demand for Data scientists surged with organizations understanding the importance and value of data. In today's technologically-reliant era, data science takes the front seat and aids businesses to run efficiently as they grapple to make the best use of data. A Master of Science in data science has thus significantly become the ideal career path for those who wish to build a career in data science. Data Science experts are dominating in most areas as organizations are dependent on their expertise to make informed and intelligent decisions for organizational efficiency and growth. The surge in demand is accompanied by competitive salary packages, making it the top sought-after career in today's times. Pursuing an MS in Data Science is therefore an excellent option to accomplish your goal of becoming a data scientist. In this post today, let us delve into the must-have data scientist skills that you must attain before you start your career. Core Data Scientist Skills

2. Programming Languages and Database To perform as a data scientist a candidate must develop mastery of programming languages and databases for manipulating and extracting information along with the application of sets of algorithms while carrying out their tasks. Among various programming languages, certain languages are considered better and preferred by programmers as well as employers. R, Python, SQL, and Scala are some of the examples of the more popular languages. The more popular and preferred databases among data scientists are MongoDB and MySQL Mathematics This is another core data scientist skill that candidates must develop a strong foundation and command over. Statistics and mathematics are essential in executing tasks and the following areas of mathematics are core to Data science: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Linear Algebra Matrix Statistics Geometry Calculus Probability Distribution Regression Dimensionality Reduction Vector Models Data Analysis and Visualization Knowledge of data analysis and visualization is essential to a data scientist for analyzing, organizing and representing data or displaying charts and graphs in the most understandable manner. A Data scientist must have the skill to create charts and graphs and, essentially must have strong visualization skills. This skill is required to translate business insights into the most compelling storytelling. These skills are well imparted in the master of science in data science program. Mastery of handling the following tools is also key to the data scientist role: ● ● ● Tableau Microsoft Excel PowerBI

3. Machine Learning with AI, Deep Learning with NLP Another core and unavoidable data scientist skill is that of ML and AI. Data Scientist needs knowledge of AI and ML to apply tools and techniques in various decision trees, logic, etc. These skill sets are crucial for solving complex problems, particularly in the areas that are developed for making predictions and decisions on future goals. A Data scientist will leverage these skills to work on various algorithms and models based on data. They will be equipped to handle large sets of data such as data cleansing that includes removing redundancies. Big Data Technologies This is again another indispensable data scientist skill that aspirants must learn and master. Data generation occurs daily in a hefty amount and these enormous data are essential for working with extensive information. Big data comes in handy in capturing, storing, extracting, processing and analysing valuable information from varied data sets. Data scientists are thus required to have a deep understanding of how big data functions. Storing and handling these enormous datasets requires special tools and algorithms. Hadoop, Spark, KNIME, Integgrate.io, RapidMiner, etc. are some of the most popular tools that data scientists must be adept at. Ideally, a Master of Science in Data Science offers extensive training in all these tools and methods, hence, enrolling in such degree programs is essential for building a successful career in Data science. Problem-Solving Skill The potential to handle complexity and issues is one of the key data scientist skills that will take them forward in their careers. A competent data scientist is expected to be able to identify and develop effective and creative solutions as and when required. The primary step to building a robust and successful career is to ensure you have the qualities, data scientist skills and potential it takes to be a data scientist. Enrol in an MS in data science, attain all the requisite skills and commit to continuous learning for a successful career.