How to Become a Data Scientist

What Is Data Science?

Data science is a high-tech career path that focuses on managing data and databases.  In the modern information age, data is everything–lots of individual pieces of information drive the systems we rely on today.  

Data science figures out what to do with all of this information, how to store it, how to interpret it, and convert it from raw data into usable information.

To accomplish these tasks, data scientists use databases and other tools to organize and interpret data.  Databases are like digital filing cabinets, complete with sorting systems and other vital features. Databases are used for everything from keeping tabs on inventory at a lumber yard to helping you find relevant information when you search for something on Google.  

Data mining and other tasks are also a common element of data science, as companies constantly look for ways to improve advertising and products.  Data is the main driver of many parts of the technology industry, and it’s hugely important to the modern economy. Data science is the profession that manages all of these things, and constantly improves and creates new ways to work with data more efficiently.

What do Data Scientists Do?

Data scientists create and manage databases.  Additionally, these highly trained professionals use coding languages such as Python to create software programs.  Data scientists also manipulate large swaths of otherwise impossibly mundane and (seemingly) useless data into useful information, which companies and agencies can use to improve their products or analyze trends.  

Data interpretation is an important part of a data scientist’s job.  Companies often hire data scientists to help them streamline their databases, or transition from other forms of data storage.  Additionally, machine learning and artificial intelligence are a growing responsibility for data scientists, especially in high-tech fields.

Data Science Job Description

Due to the complexity and variety found in the field, data scientists do not always have a clear job description. For example, data scientists often perform the work of data analysts, in addition to other duties–but they aren’t data analysts. 

As you can see, the job responsibilities for data scientists vary widely between companies and industries.  Data scientist responsibilities can vary within a company as well. Data science is a highly specialized career path, and vitally important to scores of industries.

Now, let’s take a look at the different types of careers found under data science:

A data analyst is close to a data scientist, but they don’t handle big data. This may seem like a small distinction, but it’s like the difference between an auto engineer and an aeronautical engineer. They use a lot of the same methods and ideas, but not all of those methods and ideas translate between the two fields. A data analyst requires less education and experience over a data scientist. 

A data engineer is like an evolved data scientist. They typically need considerable experience as a data scientist, and they develop the code, software, tools, and infrastructure that data analysts and data scientists use every day. They need to be talented programmers especially, with good knowledge of and ability with APIs.

Data Science Coding Languages

When considering how to become a data scientist, it’s important to understand the programming language skills required by the position. Coding is a big part of data science jobs, and it’s absolutely necessary when advancing in the field. Here, we’ll go over the most popular (and important to learn) data science coding languages and tools.

How Can You Become a Data Scientist?

If managing databases, coding with SQL, and interporating large data sets sounds like a career you’d like to pursue, continue reading. Data science jobs are everywhere, and there’s a notable shortage of qualified candidates. That means now is a great time to get into the industry.  

However, data scientists typically must have some sort of formal education–not as a requirement of all these positions, but to learn the complex job. Here are the most popular data science education options.

Data Science Learning Paths