Data scientists and Data Analysts are the two most highly demanded and high-paying jobs one can get. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2020, it is found that both of these career choices had a significant role and increased demand across the industries. Thanks to machine learning and AI, industry professionals have a boost, and the need is never-ending. One might be interested in data professionals, but there is always confusion between the job role of the two. Although both of them work with the data path, there is a job difference. Having a clear idea about both career choices will ensure you choose the right for yourself. If you are confused about data analysts and data scientists, the guide will provide you with the correct information.
Data Scientists and Data Analysts Job Role
- A significant difference between the data scientist and data analysis is the job role. However, it might seem that both professionals are involved in working with the data, but in reality, there is a big difference in their regular responsibilities and job. A data analyst typically has to work with structured data. In addition, he is responsible for solving real business problems using programming languages and multiple software—some of the everyday tasks that a data analyst has to perform.
- Collaborating with the leaders of the organization to identify informational needs.
- Collecting necessary data from the primary and secondary sources
- Clearing and reorganizing the data to analyze it better
- Checking and analyzing the data to identify the trends and patterns that can easily be converted into actionable insights
- Presenting the found information in an easy-to-understand format to help with data-driven decisions.
- A data scientist, on the other side, has to handle the unfound data. They make use of high-tech and advanced data techniques for predicting the future. In certain cases, they may even be able to automate machine learning techniques for predictive modeling processes that can help handle both unstructured and structured data. Further, the responsibility here is more significant and more critical. Here are some duties of a data scientist.
- Collecting, distributing, and processing raw data
- Developing predictive models and machine learning algorithms for big data sets
- Developing processes and tools for monitoring and analyzing the accuracy of the data
- Building dashboards, data visualization tools, and reports
- Writing the program for automating data processing and collection.
Data Scientist and Data Analysis – Similarities and Differences
You must have a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as computer science, regardless of whatever job route you pick, mathematics, and statistics. Besides, a data analyst might also spend more time on the routine analysis to provide the reports regularly. Moreover, the data scientist has to design the way the data is to be stored and analyzed. In simple words, a data analyst is responsible for making sense out of the present data. At the same time, the data scientists work on new ways to identify and analyze data to be used by the analyst.
When you have a great interest in statistics and numbers, then either of the paths can be a good career choice for you. The data analyst typically works to answer specific questions about the business organization. In contrast, data scientists work at the macro level to develop new ways of responding and asking essential questions.
Although both roles are majorly focused on analyzing the data to get better insights about the organization, there are some defined tools that both professionals have to use. First, it helps them to be more proficient with the database software. The data analyst uses statistical software and business intelligence programs. While on the other side the data scientists use Java, Python, machine learning, etc., to analyze the data well.
How are the Two Careers Different?
Besides computer science, some data scientist even chooses to use their skills in a specific area that interest them, like natural science and engineering. They take an online Master’s degree in the data science program to get a better job opportunity. The data scientist focuses on learning frameworks for analyzing, processing, modeling, and drawing conclusions from the data. A data scientist might even use the data to manage the unstructured data for analysis. On the other side, the data analyst might pursue knowledge to improve statics business intelligence and analytics technology skills. In addition to the technical skills, the data scientist and data analyst can also benefit from the soft skills as it will help to work with the team members and communicate the feelings better.
Career Growth
A data analyst generally has to start at the entry-level role wherein the primary responsibility is simply creating and reporting the dashboards. However, when he moves to the further stages, then there are more advanced analytic techniques required. For example, the data analyst who wants the managerial role will get the job of an analyst manager after working for over nine years. In some cases, the analyst continues their education to improve and sharpen the skills to become data scientists.
You must know someone currently working as a data scientist might choose to continue education and get a doctorate to become a more advanced professional.
As of now, there is a huge vacancy for professionals to fill them. Therefore, the companies are looking for career changers who have completed boot camps and their training program.
Conclusion
Although many people think that the job role and responsibility of data analyst and data scientist is the same, there is a difference between the two. Understanding things will help make the right career choice. But you knew that both of the jobs come with significant responsibilities and required skills sets. Therefore, please take professional classes to understand things better. Karthik Training is an online platform that you can trust for your learning and education. The website has been a valuable source for many for programming languages and other essentials to succeed. With the online classes and understanding, you will have a hassle-free and smooth experience to start your career in the industry.
