In recent times, data science is emerging as a game changer for companies in various industries.
The organizations that adopt data science to analyze business data and gain insights are better placed to compete in the competitive market.
This presents exciting opportunities for data scientists and aspiring data scientists, who can benefit from the growth of this field.
Ronald Van Loon, a well-known figure in the world of data and analytics, delved into the growing field of data science and its numerous career prospects in his recent webinar “Your Future in Data Science: Career Outlook 2020”.
He explored the latest trends, future predictions and ways to secure a job as a data scientist.
In this article, we present a summarized version of Van Loon’s webinar.
He highlights how to tackle the job market for data scientists, how businesses will utilize data science in the future and the most effective strategies to establish a successful career in this dynamic field.
Who’s Ronald Van Loon?
Ronald Van Loon is a leading expert in the field of data science and analytics. He has extensive experience in the industry and has been recognized for his contributions to the field.
He has been instrumental in helping companies understand the importance of data and how it can be used to make smarter business decisions.
He is also a highly sought after speaker, having presented at numerous conferences and webinars on the topic of data science and its role in the future of business.
Ronald is known for his ability to simplify complex data concepts and make them accessible to a wider audience. He has written several books on the subject and is a regular contributor to industry publications.
His expertise has made him a sought after consultant, helping companies develop and implement data-driven strategies.
In his webinar “Your Future in Data Science: Career Outlook 2020,” Ronald discussed the current trends and future predictions in the field of data science.
He talked about the many career opportunities available for data scientists, and provided insight into how to approach the job market, what businesses will be looking for in the future, and the best strategies for starting and growing a successful career in data science.
Ronald’s expertise and passion for data science have made him a leading voice in the industry, helping organizations and individuals understand the importance of data and how it can be leveraged for success.
What is Data Science and What Does It Do?
Think of a chef who wants to create a delicious fruit dish using various types of fruits from different countries.
The chef needs to examine each fruit and determine its nutritional value, compatible flavors, and ideal ingredients to enhance the dish. The chef also considers the effect this dish will have on the restaurant’s menu.
Similarly, a data scientist has to handle vast amounts of data from various sources and turn it into meaningful insights that can drive a company’s decision making.
The data scientist must have the ability to collect, store, process, distribute, and maintain data while keeping the big picture in mind.
They must view all the information as separate stars in the night sky and be able to connect the dots to form a constellation, similar to the chef creating a harmonious fruit dish.
How does data science differ from business intelligence?
Data science and business intelligence (BI) are often considered similar, but there are distinct differences between the two.
BI focuses on analyzing data using specific strategies and technologies to provide insight into a business’s daily operations, including past, present, and future views.
It mainly uses structured information and relies heavily on analytics, with a focus on visualization tools and dashboard reports.
In contrast, data science uses both structured and unstructured data, and is more rooted in science and mathematics. It employs advanced statistical and predictive analysis, including machine learning and AI, to analyze both past and present data to make future predictions.
What is the current state of demand for data scientists?
The demand for data scientists far exceeds the supply, as it requires a unique combination of technical and soft skills. This shortage is prevalent not only in the US, where more than 150,000 data scientists are needed, but also in Europe and Asia.
For companies in need of expertise in this field, finding a qualified data scientist can be challenging due to the complexity of data and specific company practices.
A successful data scientist must have a strong technical background and be able to effectively communicate their insights to the business.
The job prospects for data scientists are excellent, with 94% of data scientists and graduates finding employment since 2011.
This shows that a career in data science is not only reliable now, but also in the future, as it continues to grow alongside the rapidly changing technological landscape.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2026, there will be 11.5 million jobs in data science and analytics, making it a lucrative and evolving career path.
The growth in data science is also closely tied to the increasing amount of data generated from sources like the Internet of Things and social data.
How varied are data science roles? Is this field becoming more specialized?
Companies require specific skills to drive innovation, lacking which can hinder their progress. As we move forward, data science calls for increasingly specialized skills.
Hence, data scientists need to choose their area of expertise, whether it’s AI, data labeling, machine learning, or parallel computing. The trend towards highly specialized job titles to match this need is evident.
Businesses now prioritize relevant skills and talents in data scientists, recognizing it as a crucial factor in their success. The growing significance of data analytics is leading organizations to redefine their approach towards data talent roles.
What developments will drive the need for more data scientists in the future?
Gemalto’s 2018 Data Security Confidence Index revealed that 65% of businesses surveyed struggle to analyze and categorize all the data they have.
This is a common challenge, and as data grows, companies will find it harder to manage. This will drive the demand for data scientists, especially as more companies adopt AI and machine learning.
Thus, AI-specific skills are becoming increasingly crucial across all industries.