What does a data scientist do? - Tasks, training, career paths
Do you see numbers and data as more than just numbers in a table? Do you see them as information that helps you make decisions? Then a job as a data scientist is probably just right for you! We'll show you what's behind this exciting job, what tasks await you and how you can set the right course for your career!
What is a data scientist?
As a data scientist, you analyze and interpret data to discover patterns and gain insights that help companies make decisions. In your job, you will collect, cleanse and analyze data from various sources. You will develop models and algorithms to make predictions and provide well-founded recommendations. As a data scientist, you lay the foundation for technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Sounds exciting? Let's take a look behind the scenes of data science together!
What does a data scientist do?
The tasks of a data scientist could not be more diverse and vary from industry to industry. We can therefore only give you an insight into the fields of activity that await you as a data scientist. However, we are certain of one thing: as a data scientist at FIDA, you will definitely never be bored! But no matter where your career path takes you, one thing is clear: you better not be afraid of numbers!
In your role as a Data Scientist, you are the driving force behind the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data. Your goal is to transform enormous amounts of structured and unstructured data into strategically valuable information. You will recognize patterns, review them and derive key insights from them. At the same time, you will be responsible for tracking and monitoring these data sources in order to continuously provide meaningful information.
Your tasks as a data scientist at a glance:
Data collection and evaluation: You collect and analyze information from various relevant sources.
Validation and quality assurance: You check data for accuracy, relevance and traceability.
Data management: You analyze data descriptively, link it to databases such as data warehouses or data lakes and develop innovative analytical methods.
Artificial intelligence & machine learning: You create and validate AI solutions and machine learning models to optimize processes and gain new insights.
Use cases and idea presentation: You present creative approaches and successful application examples to exploit the full potential of big data.
Interface function: You are the point of contact for decision-makers and ensure the success of complex projects through your collaboration.
With your work as a data scientist, you support companies with precise forecasts and innovative solutions, for example by uncovering patterns and trends or developing early warning systems. Thanks to you, clear added value is created from data. As a data scientist, you play a decisive role in today's data-driven economy.
What are the tasks of a Junior Data Scientist?
As a Junior Data Scientist, you usually start with the basic tasks of a Data Scientist. This means collecting, cleansing and analyzing data and presenting the results. As a Junior Data Scientist, you will benefit in particular from collaborating with experienced colleagues and working with them on various projects.
What are the tasks of a Senior Data Scientist?
As a Senior Data Scientist, you are often responsible for the organization and strategic direction of projects. This means you will be responsible for tasks such as project management or team leadership. To be successful as a Senior Data Scientist, you should therefore be able to do much more than just deal with numbers!
What career opportunities are there for a data scientist?
Depending on your personal interests, the world of data science opens up numerous career prospects. These experts are often instrumental in the creation of new tools and models. Many of our data scientists at FIDA work in research and development, where they develop innovative algorithms and new products such as GPT4YOU, MsDAISIE or fraudify. They also lead exciting training courses and workshops at the FIDAcademy
For those who are looking for direct exchange with customers and consulting, Data Science Consulting may be of interest. As a Data Science Consultant, you will help companies to optimize their data-driven projects by developing and implementing tailor-made solutions. Your expertise will help to make the right decisions based on data and thus strengthen the corporate strategy. But there are also many career opportunities beyond the IT sector.
As a data scientist, you could be responsible for investment analysis, risk management and fraud detection or scoring models in finance or insurance. The automotive industry also offers exciting fields of activity with topics such as predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, sensor data analysis or the optimization of production processes. Are you more of a weatherman? No problem, there are also jobs for you as a data scientist in the energy and environmental sector! You could set up weather and climate models or sustainability analyses!
As you can see, the career opportunities for a data scientist are particularly diverse. Are you particularly interested in topics such as artificial intelligence or machine learning? Then a job as a data scientist at FIDA is just right for you! Take a look at our job vacancies!
What skills does a data scientist need?
Generally speaking, if you have a pronounced math phobia, a job as a data scientist is not for you! In addition to an excellent understanding of mathematics, you should also have a strong knowledge of statistics and programming skills. Programming languages such as Python and Java and the ability to work with SQL databases are particularly important for a career as a data scientist.
As you will rarely work alone and may later lead your own team as a Senior Data Scientist, you will also need a range of soft skills. In addition to a high level of self-motivation, creativity and analytical skills, you should be a team player, persuasive and stress-resistant.
How do I become a data scientist?
The entry opportunities are just as varied as the tasks of a data scientist. The profession of data scientist is one of the most sought-after career paths today. The strong demand for qualified specialists has meant that there are now a variety of ways to acquire the necessary knowledge - be it through a degree, further training or special certificate courses.
The traditional path: studying data science
So far, there is no traditional training as a data scientist in Germany. A degree course is therefore the most common entry point to jobs in data science. In Germany, numerous universities and colleges offer Bachelor's or Master's degree courses in the field of data science. Subjects such as computer science, physics, statistics or other STEM subjects also provide an excellent basis for developing the theoretical and practical know-how needed to work as a data scientist.
Examples of universities and colleges where you can study a data science course include
Data Science - Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen Campus - Master of Science
Data Science - Chemnitz University of Technology - Master of Science
Data Science - Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) - Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
You can find even more Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in Data Science here. If you choose a degree course that is not specifically specialized in the field of data science, you should make sure that you acquire knowledge in the following areas:
Data Management: organization and structuring of large amounts of data.
IT and programming: Basis for the development of algorithms and models.
Data Analytics: Interpretation and analysis of complex data.
Information Design & Communication: To visualize data in an understandable way.
Entrepreneurship: Innovative strength in data-driven projects.
Further training as a data scientist
Are you already working in an IT environment, a mathematician, physicist or juggling numbers in another profession? Then further training to become a data scientist could be just the thing for you. There are also numerous further training courses on offer for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the subject after their studies.
Do you think you might be interested in this type of further training? Then take a look at the FIDAcademy. We offer a whole range of data science courses. From basic courses for beginners to advanced courses for real professionals. You will learn everything you need to work as a data scientist on different learning paths. You will also receive one of our coveted certificates with all our training courses.
Lateral entry into data science
15 years ago, probably only very few people had heard of terms such as business intelligence, artificial intelligence or machine learning. Data science is therefore a comparatively young business field, which is why career changers also have excellent opportunities. Many successful data scientists originally come from other disciplines such as economics, engineering or computer science. With a degree as a basis and additional further training in the field of data science, you can acquire the skills you need to make a start in this exciting industry, even if you are already in the middle of your career.
Certificate courses and online courses
There are a variety of online courses that provide knowledge about data analysis, machine learning or big data to get started or specialize in the field of data science. These courses are ideal for anyone who wants to learn flexibly - either while working or as a supplement to their studies. We founded the FIDAcademy precisely for these cases. Here we offer you a wide range of training courses that will equip you with the right know-how to become a successful data scientist.
In total, we offer 13 different data science training courses that combine to create different learning paths. With the Machine Learning Engineer learning path, you will learn everything about machine learning with Python and Sklearn from the ground up and find out how you can use these technologies in real business scenarios. With our courses on Natural Language Processing, you will become an NLP text expert and discover the secrets of text analysis and processing. We are sure that you will find the right training course for you!
Is the job of a data scientist future-proof?
Does data science have a future? The question of the future security of jobs probably arises for everyone when choosing a career. Today, the application of data science is more diverse than ever before, and the demand for talented data scientists is constantly increasing. We at FIDA are also regularly looking for new data scientists. Whether in research, application or consulting - the opportunities to make a career as a data scientist are almost unlimited.
As described in the previous paragraph, data scientists are in demand in many different sectors and you have the chance to play a key role in solving the complex challenges of tomorrow. The immense value that data represents in a highly digitized world cannot be overstated. Handling this information intelligently is crucial for companies to gain valuable insights and use them efficiently.
With a wide range of applications and the opportunity to actively shape the future of many industries, the data science industry is not only future-proof, but also one of the most exciting and dynamic out there today.
Ready to shape the future of data science? Join us, grow with FIDA and seize your chance to revolutionize the future with data-driven solutions!
Conclusion: Is a job as a data scientist right for me?
Data science is a career field of growing importance. Companies are looking for experts who can use data to develop intelligent solutions for future challenges. Do you have a strong passion for numbers and love solving complex problems? Then a job as a data scientist is just right for you. Here you will be confronted with exciting new problems every day and create real added value. Whether you decide to study, do further training or make a career change depends on your personal circumstances. We wish you every success in your career!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the job as a data scientist
A data scientist collects and cleanses data from various sources, analyses large amounts of data using statistical methods and machine learning models, visualizes results and derives findings that support strategic decisions.
Key skills include a strong understanding of mathematics and statistics, programming skills (e.g. Python, R, SQL), experience with databases and data pipelines, and strong communication skills to present results in an understandable way to specialist and business units.
There is no one classic training path to becoming a data scientist. Many paths lead to a degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics or data science in particular. At the same time, further training, boot camps or certificate courses are important building blocks - especially for career changers.
