Core Concepts
Aspiring data scientists can leverage their existing data analytics skills to transition into a data science role, as data scientists encompass a broader skillset including machine learning and decision science.
Abstract
The author, Khouloud El Alami, a data scientist at Spotify, addresses the common question of how to switch from being a data analyst to a data scientist.
The key points are:
Data scientists are also data analysts, so data analysts already possess important foundational skills.
Data scientists have a more expansive skillset, including not only data analytics but also decision science and machine learning.
Many companies prefer to hire a single data science professional who can handle the full range of tasks, rather than hiring multiple specialists for each area.
This means data analysts are competing with data science-trained professionals for data science roles, as companies seek candidates with the comprehensive skillset.
The author suggests that data analysts can leverage their existing skills and knowledge to transition into data science, as the two roles have significant overlap. However, data analysts will need to acquire additional skills in areas like machine learning and decision science to be competitive for data science positions.