As businesses move online, they accumulate large quantities of data that need to be evaluated and turned into meaningful insights to benefit business. Data scientists are trained programmers and statisticians in data manipulation and using data visualisation tools.
Data science is growing exponentially to help meet the needs of small businesses and large corporations. The interpretations provided by data scientists can be used to improve marketing, adjust pricing, or improve product features.
In this article, we will understand what data science is, how to become a data scientist, and how a career in data science can be beneficial.
Table of Contents
What is Data Science?
Data science is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates mathematics, statistics, and computer programming to aid in strategic decision-making. Data scientists collect and analyse data to help uncover trends, pinpoint inefficiencies, and curtail loss-making areas in a business. It is important to learn how to become a data scientist to gain entry into this field.
Over the years, data science has made significant strides and is now used in product development, marketing, and targeted customer experience. These scientists help to co-relate different sets of data to determine interlinked trends.
Data science is a vast field, and its usage spans industries. Therefore, a career in data science offers diverse opportunities. Data scientists can work as analysts, data visualisers, AI scientists, and machine learning engineers.
How to Become a Data Scientist?
Data science is an exciting and in-demand field that is constantly changing. This means that there is always something new to learn and grow professionally. Data scientists form a core team whose expertise helps to drive decisions in sports, finance, and healthcare.
Due to the importance and critical nature of data science job profiles, this role requires individuals to understand mathematics, statistics, and computer programming.
Let us take an overview of how to become a data scientist.
- Understand the Role: This is the first step in the journey to becoming a data scientist, and it is essential to check if the role’s requirements match your interests. Data Scientists gather data from multiple sources and evaluate it for trends and insights. They employ algorithms and various modelling software to visualise data and present it to relevant parties.
- Educational Path: Since the role of data science is based on programming and mathematical fluency, students should complete a relevant undergraduate degree. This could be data science, computer science, mathematics, or statistics. This can be followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, such as the one offered by the School of Technology at Regenesys. Students can also enrol in bootcamps to improve their practical skill set.
- Develop Key Skills: Data scientists should be adept in key programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL. in addition to this they should have an affinity for numbers and be able to operate tools such as Tableau, ApacheSpark, and Matplotlib.
- Gain Experience: The best way to build skills and become an efficient data scientist is by practice. Students can do this by enrolling in bootcamps, working on personal projects, freelancing, or interning. This also helps them to build a credible portfolio.
- Stay Updated: The world of data science is continuously evolving. Therefore, data scientists need to stay updated on trends by joining online communities or reading relevant papers. They should also constantly upskill with short courses to keep they skills up to mark. This is the final step in how to become a data scientist.
What are the Career Pathways in Data Science?
While data science is a technical field, due to the high demand for data scientists, many individuals choose to do a short course to enter the field. These could be fresh graduates with a degree in another field or professionals with a few years of industry experience in another field. New data scientists will always start with entry-level roles, irrespective of their experience.
Data science is a promising career path that is not just for new graduates. It is more than mining through gigabytes of data and formulating insights into consumer behaviour. We have previously covered how to become a data scientist, let us now examine some data science roles.
Entry-Level Roles
- Junior Data Analyst: This is a junior-level role in which the employee is responsible for generating reports, analysing data, and discovering trends. Upper management then uses these to set strategic targets.
- Junior Data Modeler: In this entry-level role, employees are responsible for maintaining the company database. They help generate reports and tables and identify interlinked relationships.
Mid-Level Roles
- Machine Learning Engineer: These roles usually require a computer science degree and strong programming skills. These experienced engineers are responsible for designing prediction models and algorithms that can be implemented for better results.
- Business Intelligence Specialists: They work across industries and serve as liaisons between IT and upper management. They use data visualisation and mining tools to help improve operations and identify any loss-making avenues.
Advanced Roles
- Senior Data Scientist: They help to define long-term business objectives by reviewing data analysis reports. Senior data scientists also help to guide machine learning projects to target more useful data recovery points.
- AI Research Scientist: These are highly trained scientists who help to advance the benefits of AI. These scientists research and develop algorithms that can benefit a company in a particular sector by tweaking data points.
Why Study Data Science at Regenesys?
If you are wondering how to become a data scientist in South Africa, the Regenesys School of Technology offers a one-year online Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science. This makes it possible for working professionals to earn an additional qualification and expertise in a high-demand career.
The diploma programme offers an interactive learning environment where students have access to multimedia resources that can foster practice and skill development.
To be eligible for admission, students must have completed a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent NQF level 7 qualification. They are also expected to have relevant work experience.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential skills, including Python, data visualisation, and Power BI.
- Industry-Relevant Projects: The curriculum includes two projects that allow students to implement their theoretical knowledge.
- Expert Faculty: The programme is taught by industry experts who make time for one-on-one interactions to clear doubts.
- Flexible Learning: The programme is taught online and offers a flexible learning environment.
What are the Benefits of a Data Science Career?
Over the past several years, careers in Information Technology (IT) and related fields have been in high demand. This is due to technological advancements and the shift in businesses to move their operations online.
This has allowed companies to be more aware of consumer behaviour and trends and to develop targeted and more effective responses. We have covered how to become a data scientist; let us now examine some of these core benefits.
- High Demand: Data science job profiles are in high demand in South Africa, and various sectors, including retail, finance, and mining, have open roles. With continuous advancements, data scientists can upskill to move across roles.
- Lucrative Salaries: A data scientist’s job is crucial to strategic growth and long-term profits, so they take home above-average salaries. The average salary of a data scientist in South Africa, according to Indeed, is R841,381 as of November 2024.
- Impactful Work: These skilled scientists use real-world data to predict and analyse markets and consumer behaviour. This allows companies to adjust their marketing plans and annual targets to be more attuned to market movements.
Conclusion
Data science is a rapidly growing field that plays a critical role in helping businesses transform raw data into actionable insights. As more businesses move online, it has increased the need for skilled data scientists to interpret large quantities of data and optimise decision-making processes.
By leveraging mathematics, statistics, and computer programming, data scientists provide valuable contributions across various industries, from product development to marketing.
With continuous advancements in technology and data analytics tools, the field promises both professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact. For those wondering how to become a data scientist, staying updated, building practical experience, and pursuing the right educational path are critical steps to success.
Individuals interested in a career in data science should check out the curriculum details of the Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science offered by the School of Technology at Regenesys.
How to Become a Data Scientist – FAQs
What is data science?
Data science is about using data to provide insights that can be used to solve real-world problems and guide the executive decision-making process.
How to become a data scientist from scratch?
Students must complete an accredited computer science or related degree, which helps develop key skills required for this role. They should also participate in projects, workshops, and internships that will help them gain practical experience and build a portfolio.
How long does it take to become a data scientist?
Students need to complete an undergraduate degree, which usually takes three years.
Why should I study data science at Regenesys?
Regenesys offers a flexible, online Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, which teaches essential skills such as Python and data visualisation. The program is an an ideal option for working professionals looking to upskill.
How much do data scientists earn in South Africa?
As of November 2024, the average salary for a data scientist in South Africa is around R841,381. Salaries vary based on experience, role, and industry, but data science roles generally offer competitive pay.
Can I become a data scientist without a degree in computer science?
Many people transition into data science from other fields, such as business, engineering, or physics, by learning programming languages and taking specialised courses or enrolling in bootcamps.
