Data Scientist
Data scientists use software, artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and interpret large amounts of data. On a day to day basis a data scientist may use data to identify, manage and solve business problems, gather and manage data from different sources to create models and test hypotheses, manipulate, analyse and visualise data using statistical software, produce recommendations and explain them to different audiences, build complex mathematical and analytical models using algorithms and machine learning techniques and much more.
HOW TO BECOME A DATA SCIENTIST
The main routes to get into this role are:
University course- you could undertake various different degrees for this role.
An apprenticeship- you could do a degree apprenticeship to gain this role.
Working towards- you could work your way up in this role by gaining an entry level job.
A graduate training scheme- aata scientists work in lots of different sectors and often you can transfer the skills you develop between these sectors. You may be able to find trainee roles or graduate schemes with the government.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
You will usually need 2-3 a levels to gain a degree for this role. With a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, you can apply for graduate training schemes in AI and data science. Particularly relevant subjects include:
Maths
Statistics
Computer science
Data science
Operational research
Subjects that teach high-level statistics, like physics, engineering or psychology may also be useful. Graduates of other subjects may still be able to enter AI and data science, for example, by doing a master's conversion course. People from backgrounds that are under-represented in the profession, may be able to get financial support through a scholarship to do this. Work experience through internships and year in industry placements will give you an advantage when looking for jobs.
Try to get experience of relevant coding, analysis and data manipulation software packages like:
R
SQL
Python
Power BI
Excel
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
You may be able to get into this job through a degree apprenticeship.
Relevant apprenticeships include:
Data scientist integrated degree apprenticeship
Artificial intelligence (AI) data specialist higher apprenticeship
Digital and technology solutions specialist degree apprenticeship
This is dependent on the company and area, you will also usually need to go through an interview process when applying for a degree apprenticeship in data science
