Data Scientist, also your cup of tea?
Data, what is that exactly? What types can we distinguish? Oh, and what about the different functions that can be attributed to data? Quite a story... but don't worry, Imalink will explain it to you in a nutshell. The fact is that with 20 years of experience in IT consultancy we have already completed quite a few data related IT projects. We can therefore say with our hands on our hearts that every client who is looking for a Functional Analyst, a Data Developer, a Data Scientist and so on, is knocking on Imalink's door. But you wanted to know what the actual situation is with all that data and the related jobs or vacancies, and more specifically, the Data Scientist job? Brace yourself for a brief clarification! Data Scientist is your dream too.
Data who?
A data scientist is someone who processes large amounts of data from different sources (= big data). He then converts this data into useful information for management. We can say that the job content of a data scientist is similar to that of a data analyst. But where is the difference between the two jobs? A data analyst deals with the processing of historical data into information. The data scientist is more concerned with making predictions by deriving data and building models on it. At Imalink, we insist that a data scientist has a good knowledge of IT, the specific program skills and technologies.
Data what?
As we mentioned above, data scientists capture valuable insights from a large amount of structured or unstructured data. The data scientist does this by using special tools and software and writing so-called algorithms to access, structure and analyse specific data. Within some of the functions offered by Imalink, a data scientist can also be involved in thoroughly analysing the business in order to identify the needs of the company (= the customer). The job responsibilities of a data scientist at Imalink will include the following:
- Search for opportunities and possibilities in a significant amount of data
- Filtering and processing of raw data into usable data
- Analyse collaboration of different types of data and make it work
- Detecting irregularities in data
- Identifying questions from within the business
- Recognise patterns in Big Data in order to develop a predictive algorithm for this purpose
- Analyse and select the best statistical methodology (e.g., regression, cluster analysis, decision trees) for solving questions from the business
- Deploying predictive algorithms for decision-making purposes
- Describe and visualise discovered insights and predictions
- Report and share insights and knowledge generated with management and other stakeholders
- Investigate and develop opportunities to get even more out of existing data
- Manage and optimise data flows and data analytics
- Set up, lead and/or train a data science team
Data where?
At Imalink, data scientists are engaged as consultants to both large corporations and SMEs. Our IT consultants help these companies create insights and predictions. These companies have the need to understand a large amount of data and use it to make predictions within the company. They are mostly banks, publishing companies, or industrial multinationals.
Data how?
In addition to extensive work experience in the field of data, we also expect our IT Consultants to have a specific background. They acquire this background on the basis of, among other things, the following typical training courses:
- Computer Science (Bachelor or Master)
- Mathematics (Bachelor or Master)
- Applied Mathematics (Bachelor)
- Physics (Bachelor or Master)
Not only work experience and a solid education at a college or university will be the deciding factor. To get started at Imalink as a Data Scientist, Functional Analyst Data or Data Developer, we expect IT Consultants to have knowledge of the following specific skills:
- Data tools: R, SQL , SAS, MatLab
- Programming languages (mostly Python)
- Databases and/or data models (Hadoop, Spark, SQL)
- Simulations, scenario analysis, and algorithms
Can you find yourself back in this "data" world?
Should you be convinced after reading this blog to work at Imalink as a data scientist? Then be sure to click here and find a suitable vacancy there.
Or why not apply for our latest vacancy right away: Data Scientist
Lotte