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.

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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.

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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.

Close up - Smiling male looking away.
Close up - Smiling male looking away.
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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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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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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.

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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.

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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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