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How Do You Become a Data Scientist?

Data science is an emerging field full of possibilities. There is so much to learn, so much to discover, and so many possibilities when data is used to its fullest extent. That is what makes the field so exciting, because there are so many important contributions to the world that only data scientists can make.

The human brain is not capable of understanding what large, unorganized numbers mean. They are, and will remain numbers until they are organized. Even then, programs are necessary to help you extract meaning from data sets.

Data sets can range from the data produced by one person, to an entire customer base, to even the data produced by every person and business around the world. Big Data is still a relatively new concept, and yet it is one of the most important data sets for businesses and the world at large.

Big Data cannot currently be organized and measured by any one program, which is why the potential in data science has still yet to be reached. There has never been a better time to get involved in the field and to become a data scientist yourself. It is established enough for the job market to be booming and for millions of new positions to be posted, and yet new enough for you to make your mark both in the field and the world at large.

How do you become a data scientist? With this guide, you’ll be able to get started with this thriving career:

1. Start with a Computer Science Background

Data science combines computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Technically you can get started with data science if you have an undergraduate degree in any three of these topics, though you may need a few additional foundational courses to prepare you for a dedicated Master’s degree.

This background is an essential qualification, though if you do not have it it is always worthwhile to get in touch with the admissions team of the data science degree. If there is a foundational degree, certification, or other qualifications you can use it is important to know, so that you can plan out your future accordingly.

2. Teach Yourself Programming

Even if you have a computer science degree already, learning and furthering your experience in computer programming languages is a must. Every coder knows how critical a lifelong learning approach is when it comes to computer programming. Languages change and update, and it’s important

3. Get Work Experience

Many careers focussed masters require career experience. If you can, try to get a job either in analysis, in IT, or alternatively even with statistics. Starting your career in any of these fields will be so important later on, as you can apply to new job roles with relevant experience and a shiny new degree that proves your ability to work within data science.

4. Find and Apply to a Top MSc in Data Science Degree

You will want to find and apply to a top Master of Data Science online degree. A great degree is one that will teach you essentials from database management to data analysis. You will learn machine learning, data mining, statistical analysis, and how to use data-analysis software. The sheer range of topics means that you can easily customize your degree to the type of data science role you are interested in most.

Data science is, at its core, a multidisciplinary field, which means that the degree in question also requires a multidisciplinary approach. This will give you a rounded foundation that you can launch your career.

5. Use the Career Services from Your University

The careers services are an excellent place to brush up on your resume and benefit from your university’s connections. Several businesses advertise graduate-friendly positions directly to universities that they have partnerships with. Perhaps someone who works there used to work or does currently work as a lecturer, for example. When a business knows that what you learn is exactly what they need, they will be keen to hire.

Always go through your career service. Their services are included in your tuition and can help you get your foot in the door.

6. Grow Your Network

Your network should start with your fellow graduates and your alumni network. Most universities have alumni networks online, so you can connect with previous graduates, find a mentor, and be socially active in these circles so that you have access to unique opportunities to learn and grow your career.

7. Continue to Learn and Grow

Every successful person today continues to learn. If they didn’t have a lifelong approach to learning, they would fall to the wayside, and their business would become outdated and fail. The world is fast-paced, and data will only increase in volume as the years go on. Not only that but the best approach and even the programming languages that you use to sort and analyze data will update and change.

In the past, learning code was very simple. Today there are several computing languages, and more being created every year. Not only that, but these languages regularly update, meaning you will need to continually invest in learning and practicing with these languages to stay on top of your field.

Privacy laws are also something to keep in mind as a data scientist. The best scenario for you is if you have unfettered access to the data that you need, but this is far from the best-case scenario for anyone else. You need to know the data privacy laws, and you need to work with them rather than against them.

There are so many great careers that you can go for as a data scientist. You can earn a six-figure salary, enjoy interesting challenges, and in some roles even make significant contributions to society at large. The world has been quantified to data, and only a data scientist can make sense of it for a better world. So get started today, and know that your role will only increase in importance as the years go on.

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