Data Science exists everywhere, to be honest, every exchange and interaction on any technological domain includes a certain set of data, be it Amazon purchases, Facebook/Instagram feed,Paytm, Netflix suggestions or even finger and facial recognition facility provided by phones.
Today in 2021, most companies are adopting a data science strategy to make more revenue by automating different scenarios and replacing dozens of IT people with a single data scientist who can automate the task of those IT people using various automating tools like BluePrism, UI Path, Python and machine learning algorithms.
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ToggleFUTURE WITH DATA SCIENCE
Example:
Amazon is a key example of how data influences all our lives and shoppers particularly. Its data sets store every buyerās data; what you have bought, the amount paid and your search history is all remembered in Amazonās system by virtue of data collection.
This greatly enables Amazon to personalize and customize its homepage according to your preferences and shopping history.Data Science encompasses many breakthrough tech concepts like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Deep Learning to name a few. With its progress and technological developments, data scienceās impact has increased drastically.
We are constantly being faced with unpredictable situations ā like the Covid pandemic ā which has called for businesses to do what they can to minimize human-to-human contact. Data science and rapidly changing technology have helped drive these changes and prove that a bright future exists. This will, however, depend on the quality and the extent of data that organizations can acquire.
IDEAL DATA SCIENTIST
āIf you look at the next five years, AI is coming up in a big way across multiple industries. An ideal candidate should know the algorithms, mathematics, code and technical skills. Surely, these are a must. But, in addition to this, candidates should work on their problem-solving skills, develop innovative solutions, and out-of-the-box thinking,ā said Sambasivam
RAY OF HOPE FOR DATA SCIENTIST
Will, there be a shortage of jobs or will there be fewer hiring?
Well, things become easier when we think differently.It is true that companies will keep focusing on the automated workflow of machine learning.
But, remember, no company wants to depend on another company for their work. Each company aims to build their product so that instead of depending on others, they can build their automated system and then sell them in the market to earn more revenue.
So, yes, there will be a need for data scientists who can help industries build automation systems
that can automate the task of machine learning and deep learning.
Why Data Science Will Continue To Be the Most Desirable Job ?
Data science talent shortage
The demand for skilled professionals in the field of data science has grown remarkably owing to the urgent need for strategic decision-making tailored for specific regions.
Data has become the backbone of business decision making.
Data science has proven to be a powerful tool to extract meaningful insights from this large chunk of data. These insights help organizations in determining any prominent changes that are to be made basis the changing consumer behavior, shortcomings of previous solutions, forthcoming challenges and competition analysis.
Shortage of Talented Pool:
While the demand for professionals adept in data science skills is at an all-time high, there is a major demand-supply gap due to the non-availability of skilled talent.
Highly lucrative career
According to Michael Pageās 2021 India Talent Trends report, professionals with 3-10 years of experience receive an annual salary ranging between INR 25-65 lakh and those with more experience can command packages upwards of INR 1 crore.
A large selection of roles within the field
One may choose to opt for a job role based on their interest as well as experience level. Some of the job roles that are high in demand include data scientist, data architect, BI engineer, business analyst, data engineer, database administrator, data, and analytics manager.
Is there really a shortage of data scientists?
Despite an large numbers of people or things arriving suddenlyof junior level candidates, high pay data science skills are still in shortage. The highest-paid Data Scientists have highly specialized skills that set them apart from others in their field. These roles are in high demand but cannot be filled by undergraduates with no experience.
Impact of data sceince on 5G Technology
Low latency and its high speed will immensely benefit data analytics. These features make it possible for analysts to collect, clean, and analyse large volumes of data quickly. This will spur new analytics technologies soon. For example, autonomous cars ā earlier autonomous car production was limited and a pipedream because data analytics was restricted by the high latency offered by 2G, 3G, and even 4G. But now, 5G offers low latency, better information processing, and does it in real-time.
One of the most significant opportunities 5G offers analytics is real-time data exchange or insights.
AI AND DATA SCIENCE
On one hand, Data science centers around data representation and a superior show, while AI zeros in additional on the taking in calculations and gaining from ongoing information and experience.
Continuously recollect ā data is the primary concentration for data science and learning is the fundamental concentration for AI and that is the place where the distinction lies.
To see the value in this distinction more, let us take a utilization case and perceive how the two data science and AI can be utilized to accomplish the outcomes we need ā
Allow us to say you need to buy a telephone on xyz.com. This is whenever you first are visiting xyz.com and you are perusing telephones, all things considered. You utilize different channels to limit your inclinations and out of the outcomes you get, you pick 4-5 of the telephones and think about those. When you select a telephone model, you will see a proposal beneath the item ā for a comparable item in a lesser cost or with more elements, or related adornments for the telephone you have picked, etc. How does the site suggest you these things? It has no set of experiences about you!
That is through the data from a large number of other who might have attempted to buy a similar telephone, and looked/purchased different adornments along. This makes the framework naturally prescribe something similar to you.
The whole course of assortment of information from the clients, clearing and sifting through the necessary data for assessment, assessment of the separated information for building designs, tracking down comparative patterns and building a model for a proposal of exactly the same thing to different clients lastly the streamlining ā is information science.
Where is AI in this? Indeed, how would you construct a model? Through AI calculations. In view of the information gathered and drifts produced, the machine comprehends that these are the extras that are typically purchased by different clients with a specific telephone. Henceforth, it recommends you exactly the same thing dependent on what it has ‘encountered’ previously.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Data Scientist
Develop the Right Data Skill
You can still become a Data Scientist if you have no prior expertise with data, but you will need to build the necessary background to pursue a data science profession. Data Scientist is a high-level employment, therefore you’ll want to establish a broad base of knowledge in a related field before advancing to that level of specialisation. Mathematics, engineering, statistics, data analysis, programming, or IT are all possibilities; some Data Scientists have even worked in banking and baseball scouting.
However, whatever subject you choose to start with, you should learn the essentials of Python, SQL, and Excel. Working with and organising raw data will necessitate these abilities. It also helps to be familiar with Tableau, a programme you’ll use frequently to build data visualisations.
Skills for data scientist
There is a massive shortage of skilled data scientists! Yes, thatās right! Even though the jobs in the field of data science are seeing growth, there remains a scarcity of data scientists with the right skills.
Fundamentals of Data Science.
The first and foremost important skill you require is to understand the fundamentals of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence as a whole.
Statistics and Probability
statistics is an essential concept before you can produce high-quality models. Machine Learning starts out as statistics and then advances. Even the concept of linear regression is an age-old statistical analysis concept.Ā
The knowledge of the concept of descriptive statistics like mean, median, mode, variance, the standard deviation is a must. Then come the various probability distributions, sample and population, CLT, skewness and kurtosis, inferential statistics ā hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and so on.
Statistics is a MUST concept to become a data scientist.
Analytics and Modeling
Data is only as good as the people performing the analytics and modeling on it, so a skilled Data Scientist is expected to have high proficiency in this area. Based on a foundation of both critical thinking and communication, a Data Scientist should be able to analyze data, run tests, and create models to gather new insights and predict possible outcomes.
Ā Data Visualization
Data visualization is an art.Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data.
Deep Learning
Deep learning is the most hyped branch of machine learning that uses complex algorithms of deep neural networks that are inspired by the way the human brain works. DL models can draw accurate results from large volumes of input data without being told which data characteristics to look atIn a nutshell, data science represents the entire process of finding meaning in data. Machine learning algorithms are often used to assist in this search because they are capable of learning from data. Deep learning is a sub-field of machine learning but has improved capabilities.
Data Wrangling
Data wrangling is the process of cleaning and unifying messy and complex data sets for easy access and analysis.
Intellectual Curiosity
At the heart of the data science role is a deep curiosity to solve problems and find solutions ā especially ones that require some out of the box thinking. Data on its own doesnāt mean a whole lot, so a great Data Scientist is fueled by a desire to understand more about what the data is telling them, and how that information can be used on a broader scale.Ā
Create visualisations and practise presenting them to others.
Practice creating your own visualisations from start using programmes like Tableau, PowerBI, Bokeh, Plotly, or Infogram, and find the best method to let the data speak for itself. Although the underlying assumption of spreadsheets is clear ā creating calculations or graphs by correlating the information in their columns – Excel comes into play even during this step.
However, developing attractive visualisations is only the first step. You’ll also need to be able to use these visualisations to convey your findings to a live audience as a Data Scientist. These communication skills may come naturally to you, but if they don’t, know that with practise, everyone can improve. If necessary, start small, giving presentations to a single buddy or even your pet before progressing to a group environment.
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Create a portfolio to demonstrate your data science abilities.
Consider showing your work on GitHub in addition to (or instead of) your own website when applying for a Data Scientist post. GitHub allows you to effortlessly display your method, work, and results while also raising your profile on a public network. Don’t stop there, though. Your portfolio is your opportunity to display your communication abilities as well as your ability to do more than simply crunch numbers. Because data science is such a large field, it’s beneficial to demonstrate a number of strategies. There are numerous ways to tackle an issue, and you can bring a variety of ideas to the table.
So that the employer understands your worth, accompany your data with a compelling narrative and demonstrate the problems you’re working to solve. GitHub is a platform that allows you to collaborate with others
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Difference Between Data Science and Data Engineering
Data Science and Data Engineering are two crucial fields within the broader domain of data analytics. While they often work closely together, each discipline has its own focus, responsibilities, and skill sets. Understanding these differences can help organizations effectively leverage their data assets.
What is Data Science?
Data Science is the discipline that involves extracting insights and knowledge from structured and unstructured data. Data scientists analyze complex data sets to identify patterns, trends, and correlations, often using statistical and machine learning techniques. The main responsibilities of a data scientist include:
- Data Analysis: Analyzing data to derive actionable insights and support decision-making.
- Statistical Modeling: Building and validating predictive models using statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
- Data Visualization: Presenting findings through visualizations to communicate results effectively to stakeholders.
- Research and Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test hypotheses and refine models.
Data scientists typically have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, programming (especially in Python or R), and domain knowledge relevant to the industry they work in.
What is Data Engineering?
Data Engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of systems and infrastructure that enable the collection, storage, and processing of data. Data engineers ensure that data pipelines are efficient, reliable, and scalable. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Data Pipeline Development: Creating and maintaining the architecture that allows data to flow from various sources into storage systems.
- Database Management: Designing and managing databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility.
- Data Transformation: Implementing processes to clean and transform raw data into a usable format for analysis.
- Collaboration with Data Scientists: Working closely with data scientists to ensure that data is readily available and in the right format for analysis.
Data engineers generally possess strong programming skills (often in Python, Java, or Scala), knowledge of database systems (SQL and NoSQL), and expertise in big data technologies (such as Hadoop, Spark, and data warehousing solutions).
Key Differences
Aspect | Data Science | Data Engineering |
---|---|---|
Focus | Extracting insights and knowledge from data | Building and maintaining data infrastructure |
Main Responsibilities | Data analysis, statistical modeling, data visualization | Data pipeline development, database management, data transformation |
Key Skills | Statistics, machine learning, programming, data visualization | Programming, database management, big data technologies |
Typical Tools | Pandas, R, Matplotlib, TensorFlow | SQL, Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, ETL tools |
Conclusion
In summary, while both data scientists and data engineers play vital roles in the data ecosystem, their focus and responsibilities differ significantly. Data scientists concentrate on analyzing and interpreting data to generate insights, whereas data engineers focus on building the infrastructure and systems that make data accessible and usable. Understanding these distinctions can help organizations better align their data strategies and resources for optimal results.
A Data Science Life Cycle
The Data Science Life Cycle is a systematic process that data scientists follow to extract meaningful insights from data. It encompasses several stages, each critical to the success of a data science project. Understanding this life cycle helps ensure that projects are structured, efficient, and results-oriented.
1. Problem Definition
The first step in the data science life cycle is to clearly define the problem you want to solve. This involves understanding the business objectives and determining how data science can contribute to achieving those goals. Key activities include:
- Identifying the stakeholders and their requirements.
- Formulating specific questions that need to be answered.
- Defining success metrics to evaluate the project’s effectiveness.
2. Data Collection
Once the problem is defined, the next step is to collect relevant data. This data can come from various sources, such as databases, APIs, web scraping, or sensor data. Key considerations include:
- Identifying data sources that align with the problem statement.
- Ensuring data quality and relevance.
- Collecting data in sufficient quantity for analysis.
3. Data Preparation
Data preparation, or data wrangling, involves cleaning and transforming raw data into a format suitable for analysis. This stage is critical for ensuring the quality of the data. Key activities include:
- Handling missing values and outliers.
- Normalizing and standardizing data.
- Encoding categorical variables and selecting features.
4. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
Exploratory Data Analysis is the stage where data scientists analyze the data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships. This involves using statistical techniques and visualization tools to better understand the dataset. Key aspects include:
- Visualizing data distributions and relationships.
- Identifying potential correlations and causations.
- Formulating hypotheses based on observations.
5. Model Building
In this stage, data scientists build and train predictive models using machine learning algorithms. The choice of algorithm depends on the nature of the problem (classification, regression, clustering, etc.). Key activities include:
- Selecting appropriate machine learning models.
- Splitting the data into training and testing sets.
- Training the model and tuning hyperparameters for optimal performance.
6. Model Evaluation
Once the model is built, it is essential to evaluate its performance using various metrics to ensure it meets the defined success criteria. Common evaluation metrics include:
- Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1-Score for classification models.
- Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) for regression models.
- Cross-validation techniques to assess model stability.
7. Deployment
After successful evaluation, the model is deployed into a production environment where it can make predictions on new data. This stage involves:
- Integrating the model into existing systems.
- Monitoring the model’s performance and retraining as necessary.
- Ensuring scalability and maintaining data security.
8. Monitoring and Maintenance
The final stage involves continuously monitoring the model’s performance over time. This ensures that it remains effective and relevant as new data becomes available. Key activities include:
- Tracking model performance metrics regularly.
- Updating the model with new data to maintain accuracy.
- Conducting regular reviews and adjustments based on changes in data patterns.
Conclusion
The Data Science Life Cycle provides a structured approach to solving complex problems using data. By following these stagesāproblem definition, data collection, preparation, exploratory analysis, model building, evaluation, deployment, and monitoringādata scientists can ensure that their projects yield valuable insights and drive data-informed decision-making.
Difference Between Data Science and Machine Learning
Data Science and Machine Learning are two closely related fields that often intersect, yet they have distinct characteristics and roles within the data ecosystem. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for anyone interested in the world of data analytics and artificial intelligence.
What is Data Science?
Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that involves the extraction of knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. It combines various techniques from statistics, data analysis, and computer science to interpret and analyze complex data sets. Key aspects of data science include:
- Data Collection: Gathering data from various sources, including databases, web scraping, and APIs.
- Data Cleaning and Preparation: Transforming raw data into a clean, usable format by handling missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies.
- Data Analysis: Applying statistical methods and visualizations to explore data and derive insights.
- Communication: Presenting findings to stakeholders through reports and visualizations to inform decision-making.
What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to perform tasks without explicit instructions. ML algorithms learn from data to make predictions or decisions. Key aspects of machine learning include:
- Supervised Learning: Algorithms learn from labeled training data to make predictions (e.g., classification and regression).
- Unsupervised Learning: Algorithms identify patterns and groupings in unlabeled data (e.g., clustering and association).
- Reinforcement Learning: Algorithms learn by interacting with an environment to maximize cumulative reward through trial and error.
- Model Evaluation: Assessing the performance of ML models using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.
Key Differences
Aspect | Data Science | Machine Learning |
---|---|---|
Definition | A multidisciplinary field focused on extracting insights from data. | A subset of AI that enables systems to learn from data and make predictions. |
Scope | Encompasses data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization. | Focuses specifically on algorithms that learn from and make predictions based on data. |
Tools and Techniques | Utilizes statistical analysis, data visualization tools, and programming languages (Python, R). | Employs machine learning libraries and frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch). |
Outcome | Generates insights and recommendations for decision-making. | Creates predictive models and automated systems. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Data Science and Machine Learning are interrelated, they serve different purposes within the data landscape. Data Science focuses on extracting insights and informing decision-making through a comprehensive analysis of data, whereas Machine Learning specializes in developing algorithms that enable systems to learn from data and make predictions. Understanding these differences is essential for professionals looking to navigate the data-driven world effectively.
Job Titles of Data Scientists
Data Science is a rapidly evolving field with a wide array of job titles and roles that cater to different aspects of data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. Here are some common job titles associated with Data Scientists, each reflecting specific responsibilities and skill sets:
1. Data Scientist
The primary role of a Data Scientist involves analyzing complex data sets to derive actionable insights. They utilize statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to solve business problems.
2. Data Analyst
Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to provide insights and support decision-making. They often work with SQL, spreadsheets, and visualization tools to analyze trends and patterns.
3. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers design and implement machine learning models and algorithms. They focus on the technical aspects of deploying models and optimizing their performance.
4. Data Engineer
Data Engineers are responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure and architecture that allows data to be collected, stored, and accessed. They focus on data pipeline construction and database management.
5. Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
BI Analysts use data analytics and visualization tools to help organizations make strategic decisions. They focus on transforming data into actionable insights for business improvement.
6. Data Architect
Data Architects design and structure data systems to ensure data is stored, organized, and accessed efficiently. They focus on the overall data strategy and framework of an organization.
7. Research Scientist
Research Scientists in data science focus on conducting advanced research in statistics, machine learning, and algorithms to innovate and develop new data-driven methods and technologies.
8. Statistician
Statisticians specialize in applying statistical methods and techniques to analyze data and solve problems across various fields. They are often involved in experimental design and hypothesis testing.
9. Data Visualization Specialist
Data Visualization Specialists focus on creating visual representations of data to communicate insights effectively. They use tools like Tableau, Power BI, and D3.js to design interactive dashboards.
10. AI Engineer
AI Engineers develop and implement artificial intelligence systems, including natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. They often work closely with data scientists to integrate machine learning models into applications.
11. Data Quality Analyst
Data Quality Analysts ensure the accuracy and integrity of data by identifying errors, discrepancies, and inconsistencies. They work to improve data collection processes and implement quality standards.
12. Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts, often found in finance, use mathematical models and statistical techniques to analyze financial data and inform trading strategies and risk management.
Conclusion
The field of Data Science offers a diverse range of job titles, each with unique responsibilities and skill requirements. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled professionals in these roles continues to grow. Understanding the various job titles can help aspiring data professionals navigate their career paths and find roles that align with their interests and expertise.
A Data Science Life Cycle
The Data Science Life Cycle is a systematic process that data scientists follow to extract meaningful insights from data. It encompasses several stages, each critical to the success of a data science project. Understanding this life cycle helps ensure that projects are structured, efficient, and results-oriented.
1. Problem Definition
The first step in the data science life cycle is to clearly define the problem you want to solve. This involves understanding the business objectives and determining how data science can contribute to achieving those goals. Key activities include:
- Identifying the stakeholders and their requirements.
- Formulating specific questions that need to be answered.
- Defining success metrics to evaluate the project’s effectiveness.
2. Data Collection
Once the problem is defined, the next step is to collect relevant data. This data can come from various sources, such as databases, APIs, web scraping, or sensor data. Key considerations include:
- Identifying data sources that align with the problem statement.
- Ensuring data quality and relevance.
- Collecting data in sufficient quantity for analysis.
3. Data Preparation
Data preparation, or data wrangling, involves cleaning and transforming raw data into a format suitable for analysis. This stage is critical for ensuring the quality of the data. Key activities include:
- Handling missing values and outliers.
- Normalizing and standardizing data.
- Encoding categorical variables and selecting features.
4. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
Exploratory Data Analysis is the stage where data scientists analyze the data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships. This involves using statistical techniques and visualization tools to better understand the dataset. Key aspects include:
- Visualizing data distributions and relationships.
- Identifying potential correlations and causations.
- Formulating hypotheses based on observations.
5. Model Building
In this stage, data scientists build and train predictive models using machine learning algorithms. The choice of algorithm depends on the nature of the problem (classification, regression, clustering, etc.). Key activities include:
- Selecting appropriate machine learning models.
- Splitting the data into training and testing sets.
- Training the model and tuning hyperparameters for optimal performance.
6. Model Evaluation
Once the model is built, it is essential to evaluate its performance using various metrics to ensure it meets the defined success criteria. Common evaluation metrics include:
- Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1-Score for classification models.
- Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE) for regression models.
- Cross-validation techniques to assess model stability.
7. Deployment
After successful evaluation, the model is deployed into a production environment where it can make predictions on new data. This stage involves:
- Integrating the model into existing systems.
- Monitoring the model’s performance and retraining as necessary.
- Ensuring scalability and maintaining data security.
8. Monitoring and Maintenance
The final stage involves continuously monitoring the model’s performance over time. This ensures that it remains effective and relevant as new data becomes available. Key activities include:
- Tracking model performance metrics regularly.
- Updating the model with new data to maintain accuracy.
- Conducting regular reviews and adjustments based on changes in data patterns.
Conclusion
The Data Science Life Cycle provides a structured approach to solving complex problems using data. By following these stagesāproblem definition, data collection, preparation, exploratory analysis, model building, evaluation, deployment, and monitoringādata scientists can ensure that their projects yield valuable insights and drive data-informed decision-making.
conclusion
Data Science is changing the world in each and every aspect. It is now a fact that āData is the new oilā from the end of the last decade. From manufacturing, communication, Insurance, heavy engineering, defense to healthcare, artificial intelligence is driving the business and Innovation.
Ā Learning never stops in this field. You master the tool one day and it gets run over by an advanced tool the next day. A data scientist needs to be curious and always learning.
We have seen how there will be a lack of data science jobs in the next five years because companies will be adopting the automated pipelines of data science. But, there will also be high demands for data scientists who can automate data science pipelines.
As per my thought to automate those pipelines, we first need to understand machine learning algorithms to build a better-automated system, which will eventually lead to more jobs.