The role of a data scientist

What does a data scientist do?

In recent years, the Harvard Business Review has dubbed data science as “the sexiest job of the 21st century.” This has led to a surge in demand for these roles, with businesses ranging from agile start-ups to well-established Fortune 500 companies scrambling to secure the services of the best and the brightest in the field. But what is the role of a data scientist?

Data scientists are the backbone of any organization that relies on data. They help companies interpret, manage, and leverage data to solve complex problems using their expertise in a variety of data niches. Their skill set generally includes a solid foundation in computer science, modeling, statistics, analytics, and math. This technical prowess is often coupled with a strong business sense, allowing them to translate complex data into actionable business insights. It’s this unique combination of esoteric intelligence and practical knowledge that makes the data scientist role so invaluable to a company.

In the current digital age, start-ups are producing vast amounts of data at an unprecedented rate. This has led to a dramatic increase in hiring, with salaries on the rise for data scientists who can work closely with developers to provide value to end users.

As Neil Wittensleger, Manager, Technical Recruitment at Robert Walters New York, points out, the demand for data scientists is higher than ever.

The role of big data in modern business cannot be overstated. The role of a data scientist is becoming more pivotal, even to traditional organizations that didn’t previously allocate much of their budgets to technology positions. Big data is revolutionizing the way old-school organizations conduct business and manage marketing, and the data scientist is at the heart of this transformation.

Thanks to a plethora of new software across the spectrum of business management - from marketing to HR, from financial projections to R&D - accessing and deciphering big data has never been easier. This makes hiring those who can do the accessing and deciphering a strategic move for organizations looking to stay competitive in the data-driven market.

When it comes to core data science skills, data scientists are often experts in technologies such as Hadoop, Pig, Python, and Java. Their roles can focus on various aspects of data management, analytics modeling, and business analysis. Because they tend to specialize in a narrow niche of data science, data scientists often work in teams within a company, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

In terms of credentials, it’s not uncommon for a data scientist candidate to have a PhD. However, beyond academic qualifications, they are expected to demonstrate a range of professional skills such as communication, leadership, collaboration, creativity, discipline, and a driving passion for truth in information.

Data scientists can be real change-makers within an organization, offering insights that can illuminate the company’s trajectory toward its ultimate business goals. They play a crucial role in supporting both leaders and developers in creating better products and paradigms. As their role in big business becomes more and more important, they are in increasingly short supply, making them a hot commodity in the job market.

If you’re searching for roles in data science within San Francisco or New York, we invite you to get in touch with us at getintouch@robertwalters.com. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fit in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

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