Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Max Darby, Musgrave Graduate Programme
Max shares how the Musgrave Graduate Programme has supported him in progressing his career ambitions to become a Data Scientist in Musgrave. Having started as an intern, Max won the 2021 gradireland Graduate of the Year award for his contributions to the business.
Videos on the Web
- Data Scientist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Data scientists mainly looking at estimating the unknown, for example, building statistical models that help with making decisions based on data. A data scientist is an evolution of the business or data analyst role. Their formal training is similar. They have a solid foundation typically in the areas of computer science and applications, modeling, statistics, analytics and maths.
What sets the data scientist apart is strong business acumen, coupled with the ability to communicate findings to both business and IT leaders in a way that can influence how an organisation approaches a business challenge.
Good data scientists will not just address business problems, they will pick the right problems that have the most value to the organisation. The data scientist role has been described as “part analyst, part artist.”
Anjul Bhambhri, vice president of big data products at IBM, says, “A data scientist is somebody who is inquisitive, who can stare at data and spot trends. It's almost like a Renaissance individual who really wants to learn and bring change to an organisation."
Whereas a traditional data analyst may look only at data from a single source – a CRM system, for example – a data scientist will most likely explore and examine data from multiple, disparate sources. The data scientist will sift through all incoming data with the goal of discovering a previously hidden insight, which in turn can provide a competitive advantage or address a pressing business problem.
A data scientist does not simply collect and report on data, but also looks at it from many angles, determines what it means, then recommends ways to apply the data.
Data scientists are inquisitive: exploring, asking questions, doing “what if” analysis, questioning existing assumptions and processes. Armed with data and analytical results, a top-tier data scientist will then communicate informed conclusions and recommendations across an organisation’s leadership structure.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Analyse, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
- Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.
- Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
- Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
- Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
- Create graphs, charts, or other visualisations to convey the results of data analysis using specialised software.
- Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Design surveys, opinion polls, or other instruments to collect data.
- Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
- Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.
Interests - Data Scientist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Data Scientist
There are many pathways towards a career in data analytics. A Level 7 Degree in Computer Science is a typical starting point to a career in this sector. Experience of Six Sigma and knowledge of statistics would be beneficial, together with an understanding and experience of business functions.
Training for Data media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternatives in Skillnet, higher education, Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, media, production.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: creative digital media, data analytics, software development, digital marketing, sales, media studies, marketing.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: ICT Software Developer.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: media, communication, data science, digital marketing with analytics, data science and analytics, computing, big data, business analytics.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: computer science, data analytics, business analytics, data science, analytics, digital marketing, analytics, art design, media, research, communication, research.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Irish Analytics Institute
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Data Scientist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €110k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
III / Brightwater / CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Azon/ Brightwater/ Osborne/ Clark/ Archer
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Data Scientist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants; Business analysts; Business and financial project management professionals.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average growth for this occupation was strong; this is in part related to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment levels have also been increasing annually since then. Over 700 new employment permits were issued in 2021 for roles including risk/business analysts and project managers.
The ICT sector accounted for over a third of permits issued, although the numbers employed in this occupation in the ICT sector are small. The number of advertised vacancies in the OVATE data increased by 39%, albeit from a small base. While no shortages are evident, the skills in demand as highlighted by the Spotlight on Skills data in the introduction above (e.g. relationship management, critical thinking etc) would be of relevance for these occupations.
Useful Contacts - Data Scientist
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The Association of Data Protection Officers
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Centre for Applied Data Analytics Research (CeADAR)
- CeADAR University College Dublin NexusUCD Belfield Office Park, Unit 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4
- (01) 716 5713
- melina.ziegel@ucd (CeADAR Project Manager)
- Click Here
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The Analytics Institute of Ireland
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Wind Energy Ireland
- Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
- 045 899341
- [email protected]
- Click Here
