The Work

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.

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.

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 & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Business & Office Admin, Customer service, Media & production in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Creative digital media, Data Analytics, Software Development & Data Analytics, Digital Marketing & Sales, Media studies, Marketing at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: ICT software developer NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Media & Communication, Communications, Data Science, Digital Marketing with Analytics, Data Science and Analytics, Computing - Data Analytics and Big Data, Business Analytics NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Computer Science - Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Data Science & Analytics, Digital Marketing & Analytics, Art Design & Media - Research, Media & Communication - Research NFQ level 9

Professional Development 

Training for Data media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternaitves in Skillnets, Higher education, Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.  
 
Irish Analytics Inst

Springboardcourses

Last Updated: October, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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.

• The Association of Data Protection Officers

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 23 777 88
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• 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

• The Analytics Institute of Ireland

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here