If you like the challenge of finding meaning in the seemingly incomprehensible, you might find a career as a data scientist rewarding. In this career, you will be tasked with interpreting large amounts of data from a wide range of sources, presenting your findings so that action can be taken.
As a data analyst, you will be responsible for interpreting large volumes of data from a variety of sources. You will use many tools in your efforts, such as algorithmic, data mining, artificial intelligence, statistical, and machine learning tools. Once you have the desired information to show for your work, you will then be required to present that information in a clear and understandable way.
While any given data scientist role can be different, it is uncommon for this position to involve working outside of the typical Monday-to-Friday workweek. You will likely be working 37 to 40 hours a week, though larger projects often require longer hours in order to meet any special deadlines. Depending on the specifics of your role, some travel may be required, which can also affect your typical working schedule.
When you attend an interview for a data scientist position, you may be asked some questions that are specific to the job you are applying for. Nevertheless, you will very likely be asked some or all of the following regardless of who your potential employer is or what field they are in:
In your resume when applying for a data scientist role, you should include the following where applicable;
When writing your cover letter, remember that this is often the first impression your potential employer will have of you. Write professionally, and be sure to include the following elements:
The outlook for data scientists is very promising, as the demand for data scientists is on a decidedly upward trajectory. However, one caveat to this is that a data scientist who wants to remain in demand will need to keep themselves well-versed in all the latest developments from this field, and it is a constantly moving target. As long as you take the time to research and study new techniques, methods, laws, and other relevant aspects of the job, you will likely find the outlook for data scientists to be very promising indeed.
The average salary of a data scientist in Canada is around $95,000, with an hourly rate of $48 per hour. This is largely in the middle of the salary range for this role, with entry-level positions typically commanding a $77,000 salary and more experienced data scientists receiving as much as $136,000 per year. The importance of data analysis in the organization you work for will also affect your salary. An organization that does not expect many benefits will be reluctant to pay more, but this can be a great opportunity to prove your worth.
Top paying areas for data scientists in Canada include: Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
The specific responsibilities you will have as a data scientist will depend on what kind of data scientist you choose to become, but there are some duties that you should expect to have regardless.
For the most part, your time as a data scientist will be spent sitting at a desk working on a computer. This is an almost-entirely computer-based profession, so you will need to be comfortable with that. The exception to this is those times where you will be required to present your conclusions to colleagues or bosses. This may just require a report, but it could also mean giving a presentation to several members of staff.
As with your duties and responsibilities, the skills and competencies you need will vary slightly with the specific type of data scientist you choose to become. That being said, you should expect to need to be proficient in all of the following:
To break into a career as a data analyst, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, though a master's or doctorate will help give you an edge over a lot of the competition. Computer science and data science are, of course, two of the most related subjects for this occupation. That being said, there are other subjects that can be turned to a career as a data scientist, such as:
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about data scientist jobs.
To become a data scientist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in a related subject, such as computer science, data science, statistics, or something similar. There is likely to be a lot of competition for data scientist positions going forward, so it may be worth considering getting a master's or doctorate in your chosen subject in order to stand out from the crowd.
You can find job sites that will show you data scientist openings all over Canada, including Randstad's own job seeker page. Simply enter ‘data scientist’ into the search bar. Alternatively, you can just follow this link to go straight there.
Once you have found a data scientist opening you want to be considered for, simply sign up with Randstad, and you can apply easily. Create an account, sign in, and apply for the position of your choice.
One of the most effective ways to find out about new openings is to stay on top of the relevant social media accounts. You can also look for mentions of new jobs in your personal networks. Of course, Randstad often has new data scientist positions listed, and you can be among the first to find out about those by signing up for our newsletter.
Data scientists need to be able to problem-solve, spot patterns, and keep themselves motivated and focused while working to strict deadlines. The work can be high-pressure at times, either because of presentations to high-level executives, impending deadlines, or a range of other high-pressure events, so an ability to handle that pressure is essential. Good communication skills are also necessary, as any conclusions will need to be presented.
Compared to the national average, data scientists are paid quite well, with an average salary being around $95,000, and even an entry-level position earning around $77,000. An experienced data scientist can earn as much as $136,000 per year. This work typically takes place over standard office hours of 35-40 hours per week and equates to roughly $48 per hour for the average data scientist.