Want to be part of the countrys hottest new field? Big data is helping businesses all over the world work smarter, not harder, and a lot of people are looking to get in on the action. If youre one of them, then youre probably wondering what kinds of skills and training youll need to land your dream job. Data scientists arent the only players in the big data field, but the position is very appealing for its high salary and interesting description. Is data scientist on your list? Theres a shortage of talent right now, so its a great time to jump inbut not everyones the right fit. Here are some of the most essential skills and traits youll need before starting the job hunt.
An Advanced Degree
Not all, but most, data scientists have degrees beyond a Bachelors. Most have at least a Masters, and often, a PhD. This is due to the complex skills required to be successful in the role. Data scientists majors vary, but the most common are Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science, and Engineering.
Algorithm & General Mathematics Knowledge
Big data is built on algorithms, and data scientists not only need to understand algorithms, theyll need to be able to create and manipulate them as well.
Statistics
Data scientists dont have to be experts in statistics, but a good grasp of the basic concepts is a must for hopeful big data workers. Knowing the basics and being able to use those skills to make decisions and predictions is necessary for any big data job.
Python & Java Coding
Python and Java are the most-used programming languages in big data jobs. Data scientists dont just analyze data, theyre often called upon to code in order to collect, sort, and use data effectively.
SQL
Listed in more than half of the job listings analyzed by CrowdFlower, SQL is a query language often used on big data platforms. There are other query languages of course, but at the moment, SQL reigns. Its the most common requirement for big data employers, and learning SQL is a great way to start for people who are interested in the field.
Hadoop
One of the most common big data platforms, Hadoop knowledge is often a requirement for data analytics positions.
Machine Learning
Knowing the techniques of machine learning, even without in-depth knowledge of how to execute the necessary algorithm, is key for many big data jobs.
Curiosity
Big data spurs some of the most meaningful changes within businesses, but these changes start with the questions asked by curious data scientists. Its the data scientists job to ask why, to explore problems or limitations within the company, and try to solve those problems with big data. Natural curiosity is what draws many people into the big data industry to begin with it, and its a key trait for data scientists.
Communication
Its true, data scientists spend much of their time asking questions, then answering those questions by wading through lots of messy data. Once the questions have been answered, however, communication becomes a very important skill for any data scientist. Communicating the implications of the data analysis to executives, marketing, or sales takes people skills and a certain amount of comfort with public speaking, as its crucial to implementation of new ideas discovered through data analysis.
An In-Depth Field
Data is valuablejust look at how many data breaches have come to light recently. Being a successful data scientist is a demanding jobrequiring complex problem-solving and both big picture and small picture thinking. While not all of the skills and abilities described will be required in every data scientist role, theyre a good baseline for industry standards. Dont have everything you need just yet? Fortunately, there are resources available for learning programming and other basicsfor other skills, you may need to go back to school. If youre dedicated to becoming a data scientist, however, you can carve out a lucrative and satisfying career thats only going to become more important as our world is overwhelmed by data.
