Let’s just put it out there: a master’s in data science is hard work; it requires a commitment to learning and development, an analytical mind, and the passion for big data that will drive you to success. So, could you do it?
Why Data Science?
The world of computers and technology is chatting at an astounding rate. Never before has the word seen development at such a fast pace and, for data scientists, this is the tip of the iceberg into a world that is filled with daily new innovations.
For anyone who loves data and technology, this is a dream come true. However, data science isn’t all about technology. In fact, technology is more of an aid to the wider picture. The big picture thinking in data science is how to interpret the data you have and how to make recommendations based on those interpretations that will affect outcomes at all levels, both locally and nationally.
Students on the Merrimack College Data Science Degree learn to use big data in a way that benefits others and to organize data so that the most important information can become clearer. It is important that it is in a way that can be understood and acted upon quickly.
The Skills Of a Data Scientist
If you’ve been sitting there thinking data scientists are introverted nerds hiding in a dark office behind piles of charts and statistics… you’d only be half right! You don’t need to be a technical nerd to love data science, but you do need to possess a very keen eye for detail and a passion for numbers to carry you through.
Communication
If you thought it was all basement-dwelling, though, you definitely thought wrong. One of the key aspects of a data scientist’s role is the ability to communicate findings at all levels. After all, it’s fairly pointless being able to spot trends and answers to questions if you have no idea how to communicate that to others.
Interpretation
A data scientist’s best skill, aside from knowing how to interpret information, is knowing how to distribute it and help others see the same thing, especially others who might not be quite as data-minded as you are. Develop this skill well, and you should find more success in your career.
Risk Analysis
Another key skill that data management students need to develop is the art of risk assessment, and in some cases, it really is an art. It’s all very well being able to see an upcoming trend and trajectory, but if you can’t assess whether or not the risk is worth taking, you’re only doing half the job. Of course, not all risks are worth it, and the art is in understanding when to jump and when to hesitate.
Research
Research plays a key role in data analysis, and it; forms the backbone of some of the very lucrative careers that graduates from a data science degree program will undertake.
Being able to understand the context of your data through good research is like being able to understand the language the book in front of you is written in.