Simply Hired Blog

Tips to Becoming a Data Scientist

By Michael Koploy

In the October 2010 edition of the Harvard Business Review, Thomas Davenport and D.J. Patil named “data scientist” as the "sexiest job of the 21 century." As Big Data shifts from big news to big priority within even small businesses, data scientists will be hired to mine data, derive actionable insight from the information and help businesses as they look to become more competitive and optimize operations.

If you’re interesting in becoming a data scientist, here are a few points to guide your career and make yourself stand out in a group of candidates.

Focus on Academics--Before and After School
Data scientists develop hypotheses, test scenarios and analyze their findings on a daily basis. Understanding a variety of mathematical theories, programming languages and advanced algorithms will aid individuals in their pursuit of becoming the next-great data scientist.

“The solution to a problem may be hidden in a particular machine learning algorithm or a traditional statistical model,” says Krishna Gopinathan, COO of Global Analytics Holdings. “Individuals experienced in various domains and working with different problems will be the ones who succeed.”

Tips:

1. Obtain advanced degrees in mathematics, physics, machine learning, computer science, economics, applied mathematics, or relevant disciplines.
2. Augment weaknesses in your knowledge of computer programming and statistics with relevant coursework. A well-rounded individuals in terms of academics has the greatest potential as a data scientist.
3. After exiting academia, keep up-to-date on relevant research and findings by subscribing to academic journals, such as the IEEE PAMI and the Journal of Machine Learning Research.

Learn the Language of Business
Data scientists are tasked with more than completing advanced reports and wading through data. These individuals will be asked to analyze databases that were once though too large and too incomplete to be managed. At the same time, data scientist have to ensure they don’t get swallowed-up by the data and keep the business’ objectives top-of-mind.

“Working in a commercial environment is just different than academia,” says Michael Griffin, founder and CTO of Adlucent. “You have to be able to produce something that makes a difference very quickly.”

Tips:

1. Learn how to collaborate with others. Project management is one of the most important skills for a successful data scientist, as you’ll commonly collaborate with a team of developers and programmers to accomplish projects. Read about how to effectively delegate tasks and lead teams to accomplish group goals.
2. Read as much about personal development and general business principles as you do about research. Thomas Davenport and Jeanne Harris’ “Competing on Analytics” is an excellent start to learning how businesses are using data to beat-out the competition.

Flex Your Data Muscles
Data scientists use a wide array of tools to expertly manipulate Big Data. Jeff Hammerbacher, the former chief data scientist at Facebook, recounted that his team members would utilize Python, R and Hadoop to complete everyday tasks.

“Becoming an effective data scientist is all about playing with the data cards you’re dealt. The more tools you’ve mastered, the stronger your play,” says Gopinathan.

Tips:

1. Utilize online resources to gain more experience using languages and applications that you're most unfamiliar with. The Big Data University website, for example, provides free resources to learn more about MapReduce, Hive, Pig and others.
2. Seek out open-source projects to collaborate with others on data projects and network with others within the community.
3. Participate in data competitions such as Kaggle to test your skills “in the wild.” Not only can this boost your resume, but winning these competitions often offer cash prizes.

Michael Koploy is an Analyst for www.softwareadvice.com/bi/. His research is focused on how business and individuals utilize retail, logistics and business intelligence technologies.

You got the networking meeting, now what?

By Lesley Mitler

Mission accomplished!  You got the networking meeting. A new sense of optimism prevails.  Is this person going to help you take that quantum leap from “applying on line” to being on the top of someone’s list?  Maybe, but that depends – on you.

When one of my clients gets a networking meeting, the first thing I ask is, “What is your plan?”  And many times I get the same response.  “I am going to ask the person I am meeting about their career and how they got to where they are today.”  Great plan if you want to flatter someone but what does that do for you?  That plan does nothing to help them learn about you.  After all, they can’t recommend you to anyone they know unless they get a sense for who you are, how you present yourself and if you will make a positive impression on others. 

Sounds like an interview, right?  In a very real sense, it is.  The difference is that you, not the person you are meeting, are responsible for having an agenda and conducting the meeting.  So, what should you do to maximize this opportunity?  You must be able to articulate your thoughts and offer a cohesive presentation. Here are some tips for preparing:

1. Know what type of company you are interested in.  It will help to be specific here.  For example, large vs. small?  What industry? Types of products or services?  Geographic preference?  You should be prepared to discuss why you are attracted to those types of organizations. You must demonstrate your interest through previous work experience, internships, community service, and coursework as well as an awareness of current economic or global issues that impact that sector.  Show your passion!
2. Be clear about the type of job you want.  So prior to any meeting, you should have a definite idea about the roles that interest you and why you are interested in those roles.  Search online for jobs. Know the common job titles and get a clear understanding of the way employers describe roles and responsibilities. Do your research!
3. Explain why you are qualified for the roles that interest you.  Since you understand the qualifications needed for the job, explain why you are a qualified candidate – based upon work experience/internships, academic background, and specific skills.  Your networking contact will have a much easier time presenting your background to others if they can speak about your relevant skills and experience.  Make it easy for your contact to see why you’re a good fit for the job!
4. Ask questions.  Yes, you do have to do a lot of talking about yourself. But don’t forget to engage your contact. This is your opportunity to learn more about the person you are meeting.  Draw them into the conversation.  Since you probably read about them online before the meeting, you might want to ask about what they consider to be some of their most significant career highlights and accomplishments.  You can also ask for advice.  Are there things that you could do that would position you to be a more serious candidate?  Are there other roles you should be considering?

Remember, you requested the meeting so you must be fully prepared to take charge.  You must be ready with a response to the question, “Why you are here and what guidance are you looking for?”  By conducting an effective meeting, you will give your contact the confidence to make further introductions without concern of embarrassment.  After all, an introduction is their endorsement and reflects their credibility with others. 

One closing thought.  We all appreciate the generosity of others to make introductions and advocate for us.  I hope all of us can reciprocate when we are in a position to do the same.

Lesley Mitler is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs. An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Smart Money and dozens of other publications.

BUSTED: Top 5 Career Change Myths

By Annie Favreau

Considering a career change? Then you’ve already busted one of the biggest myths in the book: I will only have one career.

During your lifetime, your values, strengths, and interests shift—and so does the job market. In fact, the average person will change jobs eleven times. So if you’re looking for something new, you’re in good company.

Check out this myth-busting list to uncover the facts (and fictions) of changing your career.

MYTH #1: I just haven’t found my one perfect job yet.

REALITY: You can achieve success on many different career paths. When you let go of the Cinderella-slipper Career (that fantasy of a perfect job match), you can begin to see your career change as a wide-open opportunity, rather than worrying you’re going to get it “wrong.”

MYTH #2: I need to follow my passion to have a satisfying career.

REALITY: The core idea of “follow your passion”—that job satisfaction comes from figuring out what you love and finding a career path to fit—is great, but flawed. In reality, you’ve also got to know what people are willing to pay for. Aligning your interests and skills with job market needs is the winning combo.

MYTH #3: If I change careers, my skills will be wasted.

REALITY: In many job situations, you can transfer your skills from one job to the next. This is especially true of “soft skills,” like communication, leadership, and judgment. Regardless, you are the sum total of your experiences—even if you’re in a new situation, what you’ve learned in the past isn’t useless.

That being said, change and adaptation are now an inevitable part of the job landscape. If you can identify your core work values and prepare yourself to expect shifts, you’ll be able to seize new opportunities when they come along.

MYTH #4: Other people really like this job, so I probably will too.

REALITY: Just because a friend likes their job doesn’t mean you will. You’re an individual with particular values, interests, and strengths—look for a career that matches who you are.

Remember, learning about the career paths of your friends and family members can be a great place to start looking for ideas. But don’t stop there. Take time to do your research, explore options, and expand your knowledge of what’s possible.

MYTH #5: Going back to school is a waste of time and money.

REALITY: A carefully chosen retraining path can turbo-charge your career opportunities. Lifelong learning is no longer a buzz-phase you can ignore: the world of work is changing constantly and educating yourself is part of keeping up.

Don’t rush into a costly investment if you don’t have a good plan for how to use your education. But recognize that calculated investment in your education—whether you’re taking a single class, earning a certificate, or going after a new degree—can have a big pay-off for your career.

What career-change myth would you add to the list?

Annie Favreau works for Inside Jobs, a career exploration site that helps people discover careers and find the right education to make it happen. Explore your career options at Inside Jobs.

Amid Stubborn Unemployment Rates Job Seekers Must Know Their Rights

By Nick Branch

In tough times it is the job seekers who are hurt the hardest. Not a day goes by when we don’t hear a story of someone we know, or someone in the news for the hardship they are enduring whilst unemployed. Being unemployed makes job seekers vulnerable, and it is at these times that a sound knowledge of employment law can be most valuable.

Get help with employment law

Our labor laws have a fine and distinguished heritage. To the uninitiated however they can appear as a confusing mixture of federal and state law which govern workers rights but also afford rights to job seekers as well. Job seekers in America are some of the most protected in the world when it comes to discrimination. For example federal statutes include:

• The Civil Rights Act 1964,
• the Pregnancy Discrimination Act 1978,
• the Equal Pay Act 1963, and
• the Age Discrimination Act 1967

All of the above statutes outlaw discrimination for employees and job seekers on the basis of:

• age
• race
• color
• ethnicity
• religion
• origin
• pregnancy status
• gender

All too often job seekers forget that they too are protected by US labor laws and may simply need help with employment law to enforce their rights. Remember, these laws cover you in the job interview, so be aware of them next time you are called up.

Worker rights

As and when the wait for a job is over, workers must enter employment with their eyes open. In a hard labor market employers may attempt any number of moves to pull one over on their new employees. Knowing your rights, and getting help with employment law if you don’t, is vital:

1. The first thing you will consider with any new job is the pay and benefits on offer. Both state and federal laws set out the minimum wage every worker is entitled to receive.
2. Many businesses make mistakes when paying their employees, either by not paying overtime, by paying a lower rate or by making too many deductions.
3. In terms of benefits, most state and federal laws say that certain key benefits should be provided, these include leave for family and medical reasons.
4. Other benefits that you may have heard of, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance and employee pensions are extras that employers may choose to include but they are not required to by law.

Safety in the workplace

We have a strong history here in the USA of protecting employees in the workplace from danger and hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1970 (OSHA) is the leading law in this area, providing millions of workers with the right to work in a safe environment.

Under the OSHA workers are entitled to review copies of standards, rules and regulations, which the employer should provide. They should also have access to relevant employee information and medical records. The law also protects a worker’s identity if they choose to lodge a complaint with the OSHA over an aspect of safety in the workplace.

Employment termination

In troubled economic times the rights of employees in termination situations become of paramount importance, and getting help with employment law can make a real difference:

• Employees in America have few innate rights not to be terminated if they are employed ‘at will’, that is without a contract.
• This does not however give an employer free reign to fire someone for a discriminatory reason, but if an employee is fired for any other reason they are likely not to have a legal case against their employer.
• If an employee is employed under a contract, or has been given some employment security, either expressly or by implication then they can only be fired for a justified reason such as neglect of duty, dishonesty, unfaithfulness or theft.
• If your employer cannot give you a good reason you may have a case for unfair dismissal, and should seek help with employment law from an experienced attorney.

Nick Branch received his LLB from the University of the West of England in 2004, he then went on to work as a director of two property-related businesses. Nick is now studying to become a doctor on the fast-track graduate entry medicine course at King's College London and is a regular writer for Contact Law on law topics.

Should You Go Back To School?

By Robin Fisher Roffer

My 13-year-old daughter is studying to become a Bat Mitzvah.  Helping her reach this milestone has been incredibly rewarding. The experience has made me think about the joy of learning and it has inspired me to talk to you about the virtues of becoming an adult student.  This subject is critical because if you’re feeling that your profession may not be relevant in five years or you are hankering to do something completely different, then you are probably among the 60% of Americans who are considering going back to school.  

Maybe you just need to brush up your skills in a certain area or you want to learn what sales, marketing and customer engagement means now. If so, I invite you to sharpen your saw.  Becoming stale, complacent, stagnant—these options are unworthy of you. So what you are going to do to stay in step with the ever-changing business environment?  My advice and that of Jim Maxwell at Bellevue University is to find a classroom near you.   

Recently, Bellevue completed a study revealing that adults 25 – 54 are struggling the most in this economy.  In fact, 23% of working adults are unhappy in their jobs.  They report wanting to change the type of work they do in favor of something they actually enjoy.  Sound familiar?

Then there are the millions of Americans who are out of work – who have been displaced across industries that are in decline.  If you count yourself among these folks, you need to deal with the changes, and take action now, so you can secure a job in an industry that is growing.  That action most definitely will involve going back to school.

Here’s Jim’s advice to adult learners:

1. Don’t just get “a degree.”  Find something that fuels your passion and is relevant to the market – a degree that employers will respect and value. 
2. Look for a program that’s flexible so that you can continue to work.  That may mean online courses or finding a classroom with adult learners.
3. You’ll want to make sure that whatever program you get into isn’t just about theory, but it gives you a chance to put theory into practice.
4. Find a school that can help you make connections so that you graduate with more than a degree, but real world experience and a job. 

I know you’ll be tempted to go for an MBA, but before you do, dig deep to find a degree that matches your strengths, not just one that looks good on a resume.  You’ll also want to explore which degrees will be in demand in 2018 and beyond. You can check out this study to learn more.

Whether you go to grad school or not, you need to be ready, not rusty for what’s next. Change is everywhere and you can’t predict what’s around the corner.  That’s why it’s so important to keep learning, make connections through volunteering, join a team sport, attend conferences or teach a class.  Or, like my daughter, learn a language and open yourself up to new ways of thinking.   

It’s time to think of the actions you can take to reach your next peak and resist that doubting voice.  When you stop being afraid of change, and you get in step with the ever-changing business environment, the landscape of what’s foreign to you shrinks—and so does the distance between you, others and your career destiny.

Robin Fisher Roffer, founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, is America's leading personal brand strategist for executive level career professionals. She's the best selling author of 3 books including The Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You're The Only One Like You. Discover Robin's secret formula for igniting your career with a personal brand at 8 Steps To Igniting Your Personal Brand.