Data Science specialists have an increasingly important role in companies, providing essential data to different teams.

Companies have recently started to invest in Data Science, integrating the potential of this area into their business strategies, whether related to finance, health or engineering, for example. This area constitutes one of the main career options in Big Data.

What are the duties of a Data Science specialist?

In general, a Data Science specialist collects, analyzes and organizes large amounts of structured or unstructured data (Big Data) through different scientific and technical methods, and then communicates the most important information obtained to the highest positions of his company, presenting conclusions and solutions.

In this sense, using advanced technological tools, the Data Scientist creates models based on the data they analyze, while filtering out data and other unwanted information.

To do this, this specialist must have skills in data analytics and advanced knowledge in computer technologies, programming, mathematics and statistics. They must also have excellent communication skills, as they are in constant contact with the company they work for.

Related article: Big Data: How to work in the field

What can you do as a Data Scientist?

Data Scientists have been increasingly relevant to the performance of companies, helping them to make more effective decisions that will bring beneficial results to organizations. These specialists can, for example:

• Predict patterns and behaviors, contributing, if necessary, to the adjustment of strategies, and recommending specific actions;
• Reduce company costs and increase profitability;
• Promote a good image of the company itself.
  
  

Training in Data Science

To pursue a career as a Data Scientist, you should ensure you have a high level of knowledge in mathematics and data analysis and invest in trainings related to different software and programming languages.

This is a recent profession, so Data Scientists began their careers as mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists or data analysts, studying essential subjects for the field, such as mathematics and statistics.

However, this profession has been growing increasingly and today there are already several courses specialized in Big Data and, more specifically, in Data Science. If you already have a degree in an area that involves data analysis, it is a good option to invest in a master's degree in Data Science, offered by several educational institutions.

Related article: What is the difference between a postgraduate degree and a master's degree?

From a master's degree in this field, professionals can specialize in different branches, such as:

• Data engineering;
• Database management and architecture;
• Marketing data analysis;
• Artificial Intelligence;
• Machine learning;
• Business Analytics;
• Research in the area of Data Science.

For example, NOVA IMS offers master's degrees in this area, ranging from Geographic Information Science and Systems to Enterprise Data Science and Advanced Analytics.

The latter is aimed at people with analytical skills who want to meet the challenges of modern technology, solve new and challenging problems, who enjoy turning data into knowledge and who want to develop a career in this constantly growing area.

In a short, people who invest in a master's degree in Data Science specialize in problem solving, optimization and computational intelligence, becoming able to approach Big Data technically and obtaining very important technical skills in this area.

About NOVA IMS

With 30 years of existence, NOVA IMS is the school of Information Management and Data Science of the Nova University of Lisbon. This institute was created as a response to the shortage of senior staff specialized in information management, and the growing need to use information technologies. Currently, it offers high-level education to more than 3600 students, including undergraduate, postgraduate and master's degrees.