Data scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• a Civil Service training programme

University

You can begin your career in data science by studying for a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, such as:

• maths
• statistics
• data science
• computer science
• operational research

Subjects that include a lot of statistics, like physics, engineering or psychology may also be useful.

Graduates of other subjects can do a postgraduate master's conversion course to get into AI and data science.

Funding is also available to encourage people from under-represented groups to come into the profession.

Doing an internship or industry work placement as part of your course can give you an advantage when looking for jobs.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship, for example:

• Data Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
• Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Level 7 Professional Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to companies and organisations if you have the right skills and experience from working with data. You may be able to find roles with:

• the NHS
• financial and professional services firms
• IT companies
• retail and sales organisations
• government departments

OtherRoutes

You could register for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme to work in data. You'll need a degree, postgraduate award or have completed a degree apprenticeship to apply.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems and software packages like R or Python
• knowledge of maths and statistics
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• an understanding of how businesses are managed and operated
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to read English
• the ability to learn through your work
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of English language
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• administration skills

What you'll do:

Data scientists use software, artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and interpret large amounts of data.

As a data scientist, you could:

• gather data from different sources to create models and test ideas
• analyse data patterns to form insights and make policy recommendations
• set up automated data systems to transform business processes
• make sure information management meets data security and quality standards
• explain to different audiences how AI and data science can benefit their organisation

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a data scientist to be a green job, you could:

• develop systems to cut down on waste and help businesses operate more sustainably
• identify and store only relevant data to reduce the energy consumption of servers
• use AI and machine learning to process huge amounts of real-time data more efficiently, for example in climate modelling

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in an office or remotely.

Salary:

Starter : £32,000
Experienced : £82,500

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in:

• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• database management

You might also:

• move up to senior or principal data scientist
• become a departmental strategy manager
• go into academic research and university teaching
• work as a freelance data consultant