Do Data Scientists Still Really Exist?
It’s a question that’s asked a lot lately, and the truth is, data scientists not only exist — one of them may become president someday. That is a bold statement, to be sure, especially in light of current debate: is the role of data scientist still relevant? One popular notion states that data scientists will soon be obsolete, since automated programs can now perform the analytical functions the role once provided.
But, nothing could be further from the truth.
With the acceleration of technologies and the data generated by them today, the smartest prognosticators believe the role of data scientist will not only continue to exist, but soon morph into an even more significant function within the most savvy of organizations.
The truth is, there is an increasing need for — and a shortage of — good data scientists today. They are almost mythical creatures, in that they must possess a highly unique combination of talents: sophisticated analytics skills, to be sure. Also perfect customer service, spokesperson, strategic and thought leadership skills. Therein lies the challenge: the ability to think analytically and strategically tend to be mutually exclusive. Finding one person capable doing both — and doing both very well — is a modern-day unicorn hunt of significant proportions.
More and more, businesses today are seeking data scientists who possess the training and passion necessary to not only make sense of all of the abundant data, but also glean important insights from it and then, develop an actionable plan based on it. We have yet to develop any automated features or programs that can deliver that kind of strategic thinking.
When you think about it, data science is becoming a part of almost anything we humans do, consume or produce. The recent leak of the Panama Papers exemplifies the importance of data scientists in the daily scheme of things. On April 15 of this year, 11.5 million documents, some dating back to the 1970s, were leaked and unleashed to the realm of public knowledge. The documents detailed financial and attorney–client information concerning more than 214,488 offshore entities. Prior to the advent of the data scientist, even a cross-country team of hundreds of journalists would take years to comb through this magnitude of information in order to unearth any scoops that lie within. Today, data scientists are helping journalists understand the information that’s contained in the documents, and map the relationships between various entities, so they can report on any significant issues and responsibly serve the public’s right to know.
Another similar example involves the auto industry.
