What is a Data Scientist?

What is a Data Scientist?

Math & Statistics

  • Machine learning, statistical modeling, experimental design
  • Bayesian inference, supervised and unsupervised learning techniques

Programming & Database

  • Computer science fundamentals, scripting languages like Python
  • Statistical computing packages, databases (SQL & NoSQL)
  • Big data technologies like MapReduce, Hadoop, Hive/Pig

Domain Knowledge & Soft Skills

  • Business passion, curiosity about data, hacker mindset
  • Problem-solving, strategic, creative, and collaborative abilities

Communication & Visualization

  • Engaging with management, storytelling skills
  • Translating data-driven insights into decisions
  • Expertise in visual art design and various visualization tools

The Evolving Role of a Data Scientist in 2024

Advanced Machine Learning & AI

  • Advanced machine learning techniques, deep learning, AI integration
    • TensorFlow, PyTorch for deep learning
    • GPT-4 for natural language processing

Big Data & Cloud Computing

  • Expertise in cloud computing platforms and big data technologies
    • AWS, Azure for cloud computing platforms
    • Apache Spark, Kafka for big data processing

Interdisciplinary Expertise

  • Domain-specific expertise and soft skills
    • Python with SciPy and NumPy: Widely used for general-purpose scientific computing.
    • R: Especially popular in statistics and bioinformatics.
    • Julia: Known for high-performance numerical analysis and computational science.
    • SAS: Commonly used in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for data analysis.
    • Ethical AI frameworks and GDPR compliance tools

Data Visualization & Communication

  • Advanced data visualization tools and techniques
    • Tableau, PowerBI for advanced data visualization
    • D3.js for interactive data visualizations
    • Plotly: Particularly popular for creating interactive and complex visualizations in Python and R.
    • Looker: Part of the Google Cloud Platform, focuses on business intelligence and data visualization.
    • Google Data Studio: Integrates well with other Google services for visualization of web analytics and marketing data.

Data Ethics & Privacy

  • Increasing concerns on data privacy
    • Privacy-enhancing technologies like homomorphic encryption
    • Compliance software for CCPA, GDPR

Document Date: October 12, 2018
Updated: January 2024