what is a data scientist?
More than ever, companies, governments, and other institutions use data as the basis for many of their decisions. The data used can map everything from traffic flows and weather changes to consumer behavior in stores or online. But raw data itself does not help decision-makers make decisions—it requires someone to process and analyze the data before it can be fully utilized. This is exactly what falls under a data scientist's role and responsibility. A data scientist is an expert in analysis with deep knowledge in technology and statistics.
Data scientists combine this analytical skill with an understanding and knowledge of the subject they are going to analyse to create models based on the data they have studied. With the help of these models, data scientists can then try to understand past and present events or situations, and attempt to predict what the future will look like.
what does a data scientist do?
Just like all researchers or analysts, a data scientist does not conduct analyses just for their own sake. As a data scientist, you present what you discover and conclude to other relevant people, companies, or institutions. This may involve having a dialogue with company management, with the government, or with the entire population. Regardless of the context, a data scientist must provide clear and useful information.
Would the above description of the data scientist role interest you? Then read on to learn about the tasks a data scientist performs and what skills and qualifications are required to succeed in the data scientist role.
average salary as data scientist.
Lonely Unionen's market salary In 2022, the salary for a data scientist ranges between 42,000 and 70,000 kronor per month.
The need for a data scientist exists in many different industries and sectors, where your specialist knowledge is highly sought after. However, there are various factors that can affect your salary, including the complexity of the tasks and projects, your area of responsibility, as well as education and specialization, which are also factors that can have an impact. Of course, the number of years you have worked also plays an important role. The more experience you have, the better your ability to make well-informed decisions.
different roles of data scientists.
The science within data is broad and constantly growing. this means that the job as data scientist can have varying roles, not least depending on what you have specialized in.
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data engineer
A data engineer builds and maintains the frameworks used for analysis by consolidating, cleaning, and structuring collected data from a variety of different sources.
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data management and architecture
One step up from the job as a data engineer are roles within data science that involve a larger area of responsibility, where you are responsible for designing the entire digital framework used within a specific organization.
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operational data analyst
As a data analyst on the more operational side, you work in a less technical role, but you use statistical software to evaluate and solve various problems that are specific to the company or organization you work for.
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data analyst on the marketing side
With the help of analytical tools, a data analyst working in marketing should try to measure and improve the effectiveness of various PR campaigns. This may involve measuring ROI (Return on Investment) and considering different trends that are relevant for the marketing department to be aware of.
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machine learning
A field that is growing rapidly within computer science is the one related to machine learning, where many who work as data scientists learn to create algorithms that can operate independently and do not require human intervention to function. The advantage of these automated systems is that they can work significantly faster than humans, making them efficient when, for example, sorting or analyzing large amounts of data.
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artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a specialized field within computer science. it is similar to machine learning, but artificial intelligence (AI) has its own methods and principles. As a data scientist, it is not uncommon to specialize either in machine learning or AI.
working as a data scientist.
Here you can learn more about the daily tasks, the most common working hours, and the typical work environment for a data scientist.
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work tasks
As a data scientist, you use your knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and analytical methods to understand a large amount of data and gain insights from it. Among other things, this means that you work with:
- identify patterns in the data to find matching patterns in reality
- building models and algorithms that can use data to help predict future scenarios
- formulate research and investigation questions that can be answered using data
- sort and refine datasets using machine learning and other tools
- communicate your findings to company management, political leaders, or the public
- To be able to carry out these tasks, you must always continue learning. Your ongoing education means you should always stay updated on the latest discoveries, methods, and advances in computer science. It also means you should keep up with the latest developments in software development.
In everything from data analysis to data presentation, data science uses digital tools. Having solid skills and knowledge of such tools is a fundamental part of your knowledge base as a data scientist.
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work environment
The most common situation is that a data scientist works in a typical office environment. Much of the analysis work is done using computers and other IT technology.
Working and being physically present at the office all the time is not a must; nowadays, it is common for you to also be able to work remotely from home. Working from home can be convenient and creates calm for you as a data scientist, since you spend most of your workday focused in front of the computer. However, it is up to each employer to decide where the work should be performed, and working from home is not something you can take for granted.
Your job may include some business trips to meetings and conferences, but regular travel as a data scientist is quite uncommon.
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your colleagues
Your colleagues depend on which employer you work for and in which industry you are active. This means that your colleagues can be anything from different engineers to accountants and managers. It's also not impossible that you work with programmers web developer, and database administrators.
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work schedule
For a full-time data scientist, the workweek is usually 40 hours per week. Much of the working time takes place during regular office hours, but many employers offer flexible working hours where the employee can help decide what the schedule will look like. Working during inconvenient hours such as weekends and evenings is uncommon in a data scientist role, unless you have actively chosen to work then.
As a data scientist, you get used to meeting deadlines and delivering various things on request, such as reports and data summaries. In some cases, this can mean an increased workload for shorter periods, and therefore also work outside regular working hours.
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future prospects
Data scientist is a profession that is becoming increasingly sought after, which means that many different companies are now hiring analysts.
The role of data scientist provides good opportunities for a continued career in the IT field. With further education, skills development, and long experience, you will pave the way for other roles as well, including roles with more responsibility. It is also possible to specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning.
For those who appreciate working in a larger team with other data scientists, it may be an opportunity to take on a more responsible role and become a supervisor or manager.
If you want to focus more on the analytical part of the work, you can instead pursue a more academic career as a researcher or university lecturer.
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benefits of finding a job as a data scientist via randstad
There are many advantages for those who want to find a job as a data scientist through Randstad:
- various development and career opportunities
- an experienced contact person who can help you when needed
- many job vacancies within your area
- full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment
Do you want a job as a data scientist? A temporary assignment as a data scientist is often a good first step towards a permanent position. Every year, several people get a permanent job with employers, thanks to a temporary job that has gone through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
education and qualifications as a data scientist.
A data scientist may have studied many different programs, but a university education is often a good start to the career. There are programs specifically focused on computer science at both bachelor's and master's level. You can also start your career as a data scientist with a university education in mathematics, statistics, or engineering physics.
Many people who work as data scientist often start by studying a related subject, which also provides experience in data analysis, allowing them to take on jobs as data analyst. Such programs can include statistics, psychology, and economics.
Some companies also offer shorter courses and internal training, which allow you to learn the job step by step. However, those who study a master's level program focused on computer science will learn most parts of the job already during their studies.
Studying to become a data scientist or a related field that also focuses on data is the most common path to becoming a data analyst. Internships and apprenticeships, or combined education programs, can also lead to jobs as a data scientist. There are companies that offer these types of combined programs for new employees, specifically to teach data analysis and find talented staff who may initially lack qualifications.
knowledge and skills.
As a data scientist, there is a lot you need to master. You need to have both quantitative skills and strong communication abilities. The very foundation of the job as an analyst is data analysis and interpretation of data.
- your most important asset is an analytical way of thinking and a drive to find solutions to problems using data
- you should have experience with databases and analytics tools
- your knowledge of software packages and programming languages is an important factor, and you will continuously work on building this knowledge throughout your career
That said, a job as a data scientist involves more than just analyzing data and building data-based models. For your discoveries to be useful, you also need to present them.
- it may involve presentations at various meetings or through lectures
- it can also involve communication in written form, for example reports, articles or books
An ability to explain your work, especially to people who do not have the same technical knowledge and familiarity with data or data analysis, is important for you to succeed in the role as data scientist.
frequently asked questions about the data scientist role.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a data scientist.
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is data scientist an easy job?
Data scientists use their expertise in data analysis and model building to help business leaders and policymakers make important decisions. It is a career that can be rewarding, but it requires you to build up your necessary expertise over time. To succeed as a data scientist, you need to have an analytical mindset and a drive for problem-solving using data.
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is data scientist a good career?
If you have a talent for analytical thinking and enjoy using detailed knowledge and expertise to solve advanced problems, then data scientist is a good career choice for you. It is a career that offers good opportunities to advance to other roles with more responsibility and potentially higher salary.
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is data scientist the same as data analyst?
It is not uncommon to use English job titles in the Swedish labour market. The title data scientist is frequently used at many Swedish companies, but you can also have data analyst as your job title.
Keep in mind that the job as a data analyst or data scientist can look very different depending on the employer and the industry you work in. It is much more important to find a role that suits you well than what the title is.
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what skills are needed to become a data analyst?
To work as a data scientist, you need strong knowledge in mathematics and data analysis. In your daily work, it is useful if you are comfortable with many different types of software and programming languages. Data scientist is also a job where you constantly need to build on your knowledge and be attentive to new discoveries in computer science.
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is data scientist a good job for the future?
Data is used today to a much greater extent in decision-making in companies, politics, and academia than was the case before. In a world that has become increasingly data-driven over time, data scientists will be in demand in the job market for a long time to come.
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how do I apply for a job as data scientist?
It's easy to apply for a job as a data scientist via Randstad. Search among our open positions in your area. Then submit your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn. If you need help with your job application, you can read all our job tips here!
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