Data Scientist: The Definitive Guide to Becoming a Data Scientist

Learn what a data scientist is and how to become one.

As our society transforms into a data-driven one, the role of the Data Scientist is becoming more and more important. If you want to be on the leading edge of what is sure to become a major profession in the not-too-distant future, this book can show you how.

Each chapter is filled with practical information that will help you reap the fruits of big data and become a successful Data Scientist:

• Learn what big data is and how it differs from traditional data through its main characteristics: volume, variety, velocity, and veracity.
• Explore the different types of Data Scientists and the skillset each one has.
• Dig into what the role of the Data Scientist requires in terms of the relevant mindset, technical skills, experience, and how the Data Scientist connects with other people.
• Be a Data Scientist for a day, examining the problems you may encounter and how you tackle them, what programs you use, and how you expand your knowledge and know-how.
• See how you can become a Data Scientist, based on where you are starting from: a programming, machine learning, or data-related background.
• Follow step-by-step through the process of landing a Data Scientist job: where you need to look, how you would present yourself to a potential employer, and what it takes to follow a freelancer path.
• Read the case studies of experienced, senior-level Data Scientists, in an attempt to get a better perspective of what this role is, in practice.

At the end of the book, there is a glossary of the most important terms that have been introduced, as well as three appendices - a list of useful sites, some relevant articles on the web, and a list of offline resources for further reading.