Data scientists are experts at drawing conclusions from data. According to Indeed, these professionals “analyze and synthesize raw data into easily understood results for technical and non-technical individuals” and use that data to articulate crucial insights for business operations and decision-making. In other words, data scientists use their expertise to solve problems and communicate their findings to others, helping them to make data-informed decisions.
For business professionals interested in this kind of work, programs like the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Analytics program provide a perfect opportunity to gain familiarity with essential data analytics tools and skills. Whether students want to apply data skills in a career with a social media company or government agency, USC Aiken’s program equips them with a clear understanding of how complex data can lead to specific action items. Students also learn how to improve the efficiency of their organization by applying analytics expertise to critical areas like strategic thinking and leadership.
What Is Data Science?
Any future data scientist needs to have a thorough understanding of their field, and that includes answering the question, “What is data science?” One answer, per IBM, is that data science is a combination of mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, specialized programming and machine learning.
This combination allows a data scientist to determine actionable insights based on an organization’s data. “The accelerating volume of data sources, and subsequently data, has made data science one of the fastest growing fields across every industry,” IBM states. “Organizations are increasingly reliant on [data scientists] to interpret data and provide actionable recommendations to improve business outcomes.”
How to Become a Data Scientist
According to Indeed, employers often expect data scientists to have a mix of education, training, professional certification and technical skills. As part of that education, USC Aiken’s online MBA in Business Analytics, with its focus on implementing analytics, is beneficial, particularly when paired with a bachelor’s degree in fields like computer science or statistics. But what does a data scientist actually do on the job?
Writing for Built In, Brennan Whitfield states that “a data scientist is responsible for drawing insights and making informed predictions about industry trends and the company’s growth through detailed data analysis.” In other words, data scientists handle and organize raw data in a way that benefits their business or institution. According to Indeed, data scientists “determine what they can learn from the data and create algorithms that organize and manage the information. They collaborate with computer scientists and information technology (IT) employees to collect large amounts of data, solve complex problems and identify business trends.”
Why You Should Consider an Online Business Analytics MBA From USC Aiken
In today’s networked, increasingly data-driven world, few professionals are more valuable than experts who can efficiently parse vast amounts of data. This is doubly true in business, where insights gathered from data can have an enormous impact on a firm’s bottom line. As a result, data scientists are in high demand, and according to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for data scientists are projected to grow by 36% by 2033.
In other words, this is a perfect time for business professionals to gain an edge by harnessing the potential of data analytics. The online MBA in Business Analytics program offered by USC Aiken provides the right combination of business insight and data skills to take a company’s performance to the next level.
Learn more about USC Aiken’s online MBA in Business Analytics program.
