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Number-crunching may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who get excited whenever they see a sheet with lots of data, big data and data science is the career line to follow. Such data enthusiasts would, for instance, be fascinated by knowing how many times people use their smartphones in a day and on what apps, or, further, how businesses use their mountains of data to make their operational decisions.
It is true that being a data scientist appears to be one of the most sought-after positions in the world of data; it is equally true, though, that it is not the only possible position. Read on below to know possible career choices for someone who swears by data.
Data Scientist
Becoming a data science professional is, clearly, a very attractive career choice:
- By 2020, demand for data scientists is predicted to grow by 28%, suggests IBM
- Salaries are touching new highs – they are already in six figures, and are getting bumped ever higher
A data scientist attempts to solve a problem and help a company make a strategic decision by harnessing large amounts of data. The problems could be many –
- Understanding what a customer wants
- Projecting the direction in which the market is headed
- Saving funds by streamlining operations
The typical process followed by a data science professional is:
- Collect the relevant data
- Clean and structure the data
- Extract answers through deep learning, statistical models, or algorithms
- Communicate the results
Picking up a data science certification is often a good way to start your career as a data scientist, as this attests your competence with the necessary skills and can help you grow your role in the company.
Database Administrator
Big Data has shown that data is among the most valuable resources in the world; storing it safely and securely thus is important, and this task falls to database administrators. Their responsibilities encompass:
- Setting up databases
- Ensuring these work efficiently and consistently
- Maintenance and problem-solving
- Setting up the required security measures
Computer Scientist
A computer, by definition, runs on data. Working with machines behind the scenes is thus a great option for those who love data. The field is so vast that there is great diversity in the roles one can choose: computer forensics, video game development, and many more. Tech jobs tend to have annual salaries upwards of $100,000, and demand for security experts and software developers is always high.
Statistician
This could be a relatively uninteresting career choice if you are not fond of numbers or other extensive data; it, though, could well be the best choice if you like working with numbers and pulling out insights. Important questions could be answered, trends could be extracted, and some of the biggest problems of the world could be solved when statisticians work with agencies and scientists to collect and analyze data. The steps of the process are the following:
- Determine and design the process by which data will be collected
- Collect the required data
- Analyze the data and extract trends
Accountant
Possibly not at the top of the list of dream careers, it can nevertheless be a lucrative choice if you are good with data. The role is key to the viability of the operations of a company, as it monitors the allocation of funds to different tasks and ensures all legal requirements in this regard are complied with.
Accountants do many things:
- Maintain the books of the enterprise
- Monitor the financial health of the business
- Maximize savings and minimize tax deductions
Accounting can be a great choice if data tickles your fancy, as numbers certainly can tell the story of an individual or a company.
