The Most Valuable Skills an Aspiring Data Scientist Must Have
Table of Contents
- jaro education
- 20, November 2024
- 6:00 pm
The Indian job market is trying to bridge the tech gap with data scientist skills. Reports suggest that 73% of Indian organizations were hiring for a select few job roles including data scientists, analysts and engineers. The niche data analysis, interpretation and informed decision-making skills that data science experts bring to the table are in huge demand in India.Â
If you are interested in establishing a career and want to improve your data scientist skills, focus on education, training and continuous development opportunities. This can come in the form of master’s degrees, workshops, work opportunities or certification courses that can help you upskill. But first, what are the skills needed for the data science industry? Let’s dive deep into the skills required for data scientists to shine and how you can acquire them.
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Top 10 Skills Required for Data Scientists
Data scientist skills are not just limited to knowing technicalities. The skills needed for the data science industry are a combination of technical and non-technical skills. Each professional must be well-rounded to have an edge in the competitive data science job market.Â
Technical Skills Required for a Data Scientist
1. Programming
One of the most important skills needed for data scientists is proficiency in programming languages like Python and R. It is the very foundation of data science and offers versatile tools like Pandas and TensorFlow for data analysis, manipulation and interpretation. Machine Learning Algorithms are also a huge part of the programming process.Â
For example, python might be used by e-commerce platforms like Flipkart to analyze customer purchases and current trends. One of the skills needed for data scientists is to use the findings to suggest the right products to the customer based on their past shopping history.
Python and R are constantly evolving as well, so it is important to be up to date with these languages for the best shot at success.Â
2. Mathematics and Statistics
Data scientist skills involve a deep understanding of statistics and mathematical formulation. This includes knowledge of probability, hypothesis testing theories and linear algebraic equations. Data scientists use a lot of calculations to interpret data accurately. That’s the best way to make precise predictions.Â
For example, in a hospital, the skills needed for a data scientist like statistics, can be applied to understanding patient information, trends in illnesses and the effectiveness of each treatment method to make diagnosis and treatment more targeted and successful.
3. Machine Learning Algorithms
This is a key data scientist skill. Machine Learning is an integral part of teaching AI and computer applications how to read data and skilled professionals play a huge part in its accuracy. Algorithms like neural networks and decision trees are essential skills needed for data scientists for creating predictive analytics models. Moreover, data scientist skills go further from ML with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch. This adds significant value to your resume because you can deal with more complex data.Â
For example, Machine Learning algorithms could help a bank spot scam transaction patterns and reduce financial losses for the clients and the company.
4. Data Visualization and Handling
One of the top data scientist skills involves the process of data wrangling. This is the process where you understand raw data, clean it and structure it, ready for analysis. Data visualization comes after. You use these data analyzes to communicate meaning, trends and patterns accurately. Key technical tools you need expertise in involve:
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- Matplotlib
- Seaborn
- Tableau
5. Database Management Systems
Companies use large datasets for their organizational decisions. SQL, or Structured Query Language is essential for managing these datasets. Data scientist skills such as expertise in relational and non-relational databases can open doors for you to handle huge amounts of data.Â
For example, in a shipping company, SQL can be used to track each shipment across multiple warehouses, until it reaches the destination. This allows for more efficient deliveries.
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Qualitative Skills Needed for a Data Scientist
1. Critical Thinking
Technical data scientist skills are elevated with critical thinking abilities. Knowing how to read data and interpret it objectively for well-informed decision-making is key in any organization. For example, a company that specializes in skincare can use purchase data to understand customer wants and needs.Â
For example, if a particular product is not selling well, they can interpret data accurately- whether it’s the pricing, the ingredients or the results. While using programming languages is a key data scientist skill, knowing how to read the results and implement it in future decisions is one of the most important ones.
2. Problem-Solving
Large datasets usually bring lots of bugs and problems with them. One of the key skills needed for data science is to understand and solve them swiftly to ensure more accurate results. To look for problems, curiosity is a great trait. It is one that adds value across industries because you have the intention to dig deeper, learn more and explore hidden bugs and patterns. Curiosity accelerates personal and professional growth.
For example, data comes with a lot of security threats. Data scientist skills involve:
– Consistent efforts to understand patterns
– Applying different ML models and hypotheses
– Determining the root cause of the security threat
– Eliminating them efficiently
3. Communication
This is not just a data scientist skill, but a key skill in any industry. Understanding the data is just the first step. Data scientists need to present it and communicate it in business-related terms to non-tech people, with insights that can solve problems and grow organizations. Being articulate, knowing how best to communicate insights (verbal/visual/audio-visual presentations) and clarifying any questions are all skills required for a data scientist.Â
For example, a data scientist in a marketing agency could study the impact of ad spends on the clicks, views and ultimately, purchases of a product. If they notice that a particular demographic responds well to the ads, they can communicate to the client that they should invest their ad spends in that area with sales proof, without all the technical jargon.Â
4. Commitment
A commitment to not just the job role, but to learning the industry, is a great skill required for data scientists. This is an extension of curiosity, because it involves consistently committing yourself to understanding the industry, the business you work for and the global trends that impact it. Data science needs to be molded from one industry to the next. Having industry-specific knowledge comes from committing to learning.
For example, if you are a data analyst in finance and move to a healthcare data analyst job, your understanding of medical tools, diagnostic patterns and industry trends is key to reading and interpreting data effectively.
5. Adaptability
Data science is a rapidly evolving field, with new tools, algorithms, and methodologies emerging constantly. Data scientist skills involve being open to new environments and having the zest to adapt and learn as you go. This helps in staying competitive and committed to future goals.
For example, data scientist skills can be upgraded with a certification course. By seeking out these courses, enrolling and learning as you work, you showcase commitment and ensure you adapt to newer tools and applications.Â
| Data Scientist Skill Type | Skills Needed for Data Science |
|---|---|
| Technical skills | 1. Programming languages like Python and R Statistics and mathematics 2. ML Algorithms 3. Data Visualization and Handling 4. Database Management |
| Qualitative skills | 1. Critical Thinking 2. Problem-Solving 3. Communication 4. Commitment 5. Adaptability |
How to Gain Data Scientist Skills
There are many avenues where you can pick up the skills required for data scientists. A blend of different avenues can give you a broader perspective of the industry and equip you with the niche skills you might need for a specific industry that needs data analytics for its operations. Let’s take a look!
| Area to Explore | Acquiring Data Scientist Skills | How it Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Formal education methods | Bachelor’s/Master’s education in computer science, engineering or statistics | Coursework covers skills required for data scientists such as ML algorithms, programming languages and Artificial Intelligence |
| Extracurriculars | Workshops, hackathons, intercollege events | Exposure to competitive data scientists’ skills, practical experience with data handling and problem-solving, teamwork. |
| Work experience | Internships, projects, career paths | Hands-on experience, learning and implementing simultaneously, exposure to complex datasets and mentorship opportunities within the organization. A chance to make a real impact with your data scientist skills. |
| Upskilling strategies | Long and short-term certifications | Data scientist skills can be polished and upgraded through continuous learning in areas like ML, big data and data analysis. |
Upskill with Jaro Education
It is interesting to note that the educational enrollments for data science-related courses have gone up by 46% this year in India. This showcases how lucrative the job market is for it.Â
If you are wondering where to start with skills needed for data science, look no further. Jaro Education offers the bridge you need to access the best tech schools in the country. You could choose one of the stellar master’s programs offered through Jaro Education’s platform and unlock additional services offered by Jaro Education if you go through our website.Â
We provide help throughout the application process with 1:1 mentorship sessions with education experts. Here’s how:
- We work with you to gain a thorough understanding of your educational background and career goals
- We connect you to the best courses that match your needsÂ
- We provide career guidance and counseling
Moreover, we work with universities to offer exclusive certification courses through our website.Â
Here are some certification programs for you to upgrade your data scientist skills:
| University | Course |
|---|---|
| IITM Pravartak | Advanced Certificate Programme in Machine Learning, GenAI & LLMs for Business Applications |
| IIM Kozhikode | Professional Certificate Programme in Data Science for Business Decisions |
| IIM Nagpur | PG Certificate Programme in Cybersecurity Management and Data Science |
Final Thoughts
Data scientist skills are crucial and need to be upgraded constantly for professionals and aspiring data scientists to make a mark in the industry. We have highlighted 10 essential skills required for data scientists, but it depends on you to pursue it with passion, dedication and adaptability.
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