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Data Scientist

The role of data scientist has evolved and expanded from that of data analyst. As with an analyst, they organise and analyse data collected by an organisation, such as sales figures, market research, sensor and environmental data etc. The difference is that a data scientist will use their strong business and analytical senses along with an ability to communicate findings to both business and IT leaders or organisations in a way that can influence how an organisation approaches a challenge or concern etc.

Data scientists may have different functions depending on which industry/sector they are involved in, for example a data scientist working for Facebook might analyse the types of pages users ‘like’, and then use this information to decide what type of advertisements the user will see when using their Facebook account. They combine practical skills like coding and maths with the ability to analyse statistics.

The main programming languages often used within analytics, data mining and data science are R, SAS, Python and SQL, while knowledge of Java, C/C++, Perl and Ruby. A major trend has recently surfaced called “Big Data” and as a result data scientists are in demand worldwide. Big data refers to the collection and analysis of massive amounts of data.

If you are interested in a career as a data scientist, visit Qualifax (www.qualifax.ie) to search for relevant courses at all levels and entry points.

Some alternative job titles for this role: 

  • Data analyst
  • Informatics analyst
  • Analytics officer
  • Digital analytics manager 

What the job involves

  • Use strong business knowledge, and ability to communicate findings to analyse vast amounts of data for useful insights
  • Use these insights to influence how an organisation approaches business challenges
  • Use a combined knowledge of computer science and applications, modelling, statistics, analytics and maths to solve problems
  • Extract data from multiple sources
  • Review and analyse the data from multiple angles, looking for trends that highlight problems or opportunities
  • Communicate important information and insights to business and IT leaders
  • Make recommendations to adapt existing business strategies

How your career can develop

With many of the world’s top tech companies such as Google and Facebook with a significant presence in Ireland, data analysts are in big demand. From there, experience and further study to MA and PhD level can mean progression to data scientist level.

Why it matters?

Earlier this year, the White House hired it’s first-ever chief data scientist to help the government harness the power of big data, highlighting the growing importance of this role in our daily lives from weather apps to healthcare data.

Skills

  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Investigative skills
  • Interest in statistics
  • Interest in predicting trends and identifying patterns
  • Innovative/Outside-the-box thinking
  • Observation skills
  • Critical thinking

Typical employers

  • Universities and third-level research institutions
  • Wide range of companies from State agencies and departments to manufacturers and service providers such as banks, airlines, large retailers etc.
  • Big data companies such as Google and Facebook

Typical salary

  • Graduate/Starting               €35,000
  • Senior/Potential                  €75,000+ after 10 years

Typical qualifications

Entry level can be gained through courses in computer science, data management, statistics, and specific software applications. However, a four year degree course is recommended for this career path. These are usually in the area of statistics, maths, business administration, or computer science. Job candidates frequently complete master's degrees to gain a competitive edge.

Alternative routes to a bachelor’s degree in this area may apply to students that have a PLC qualification in a related course. For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following a PLC qualification, students should visit the CAO course search at Careersportal.ie.

Further information