From a Science PhD to Data Scientist #4!
Ever thought about leaving academia? Have you thought about becoming a data scientist? Two weeks ago we wrote about jobs in the data science field. Data science is a relatively new field and it is growing fast. Many companies from small startups such as ASOS or Framed Data to large companies such as Deutsche Bank and Google have begun recruiting PhD graduates to become data scientists.
They are looking for people with a very quantitative and logical mind to examine data and predict future trends and results, for which a PhD trains you well. Douglas Mason, Harvard Physics PhD, Insight Fellow, and Data Scientist at Twitter gives the following interview advice:
“Emphasize the parallels between your thesis work and potential professional projects. My data science career is hugely impacted by having written a thesis.
“Remember that as a PhD you’ve essentially conducted a five-year project that you were totally responsible for. You’re also constantly giving talks, presentations and summaries of your research, which is exactly what my job involves as a data scientist.
“Work projects are essentially like an entire thesis compressed into one or two quarters. Only now, you have a bunch of colleagues who will help you figure the problems out.” [ 1 ]
Similar to last time, we have found some examples of what is being offered right now if you want to have a quick look!
Our top picks for this week (28th March — 1st April):
Originally published at blog.sparrho.com.
