Path to Data Science

There was one question I heard most in the past ten years, and it came from students, job applicants, and colleagues. They wanted to know what my path to Data Science was, because they wanted to be Data Scientists, too. I don’t hear it much anymore, probably because my title changed as I worked my way up the ladder. But also because every possible answer exists online now. I doubt aspiring Data Scientists aren’t aware of the path these days. However, it’s worth highlighting how things have evolved, which is perhaps a better topic anyway.

THE OLD DAYS

There were always analysts in the workplace. My first job out of college in the mid-1990s was as a Forecast Analyst. I built a linear regression model to predict first year sales from potential new store locations. A graduate student helped me build it as his capstone project. No, really. When Data Scientist became a job title, Big Data was everywhere, and a new toolset was required to manage it. R worked well, as those exiting academia knew. Python worked well, too, and they were both free! The path to Data Science was to get an advanced degree, to know math and stats, to learn R or Python, and to understand the application of data for improving business outcomes.

THE EVOLUTION

All of those components are also true today to more easily become a Data Scientist. One difference is in the University degrees available. Data Science programs eventually replaced the education void that bootcamps had filled. Another notable difference is in the specialization of Data professions. Hiring managers have a better understanding of the skills that distinguish Data Scientists from Data Engineers, for example. Applicants recognize their field of choice, too. The job description has narrowed, and the path is less winding. Key in differentiating the Data Scientist is in business problem solving, with the engineering competencies secondary. That leads me back to the analysts, who answer questions from stakeholders daily. Things have evolved in reaching the Data Science profession, but in my opinion the Analyst will always have a path.