As a young professional or recent graduate, finding your niche within an industry or field can be challenging. However, having a background in data sciences is one of the most sought-after skills in a variety of professional fields. Depending on your professional aspirations and goals, you may be able to utilize your skillsets in settings and roles that you have not considered before. Taking a bionic approach to digital transformation can lead to successful business outcomes. Learn more about BCG’s digital transformation consulting services.
Data Scientists
An individual with a background in data sciences will know how to perform statistical analyses, utilize program coding, and create visual representations of data in a meaningful way. Typically, a data scientist’s responsibilities include gathering data, analyzing data, and presenting data in a digestible way to the entirety of an organization. Usually, a data scientist seeks to identify trends and problems by using data.
Data scientists work in different roles and sectors. Data scientists can be found working for local government, universities, businesses, marketing agencies, and software publishing companies.
Consulting Roles
Data skills are also incredibly useful in consulting roles. Consulting firms such as Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP seek to improve the efficiency of specific functions within a business. Consultants advise their clients on ways they can improve day-by-day strategies. Typically, consultants are problem solvers that offer advice to their clients. Usually, clients will seek guidance on how to manage budgets, increase profitability, or improve other organizational areas where they may feel like they lack.
Consulting vs Data Science
While data sciences complement consulting roles effectively, there are many differences between the two fields. For example, data science careers are not as focused as consulting careers. The data sciences can be applied across industries, whereas consulting roles are more defined and have a clearer goal in mind. Additionally, data science skills are more in demand than consulting skills. Learning how to manage and collect data is an invaluable skill that can be applied almost anywhere.
More so, consulting roles tend to involve more interpersonal and intrapersonal communication with clients and coworkers. Consultants must learn how to communicate a problem and how to work with others to find solutions. On the other hand, data scientists tend to deal more with data. However, the amount of time a data scientist spends communicating with co-workers usually depends on their employer.
Lastly, consulting roles tend to be more demanding than data science services. Consultants tend to have a more difficult time managing their work and life balance while data scientists tend to have more flexibility and lenient schedules.
Combining the Consulting Roles and Data Sciences
Although data scientists and consulting roles have many differences, both roles involve skill sets that complement each other well. Knowing how to manipulate data is valuable for a consultant as data may help individuals identify trends, problems, and organizational areas that need to be improved.
While data scientists are key players in identifying problems and trends within data, consultants are key players in problem-solving. Learning how to combine both areas will give you an edge while searching for jobs and make you more marketable.
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