Data science

[manishboy]

Anyone tried working in data "science?" It seems to be about:

-Hadoop
-Statistical analysis
-Visualization
-Policy analysis

I'm wondering if it would be a good INTP career because it involves a blend of technology, math, and wild conjecture.

Any opinions or experiences to share?

 

[Architect]

Sure, yeah it's fun. Go for it.

 

[manishboy]

What makes it fun for you?

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

Today's data scientist use to be yesterday's statistician.

 

[edward]

I've recently enrolled in a Computer Science bachelor, majoring in Data Science. The university professors seem to think it's the newfangled thing which will lead to great success after graduation. I'm hoping it's not the case that they're merely echoing the words of the university's marketing department.

I chose the Data Science major over other majors in CS because I thought it fit my INTP personality best, (over-and-above things like network engineering). In saying this, I am finding some of the math to be a slog and statistics is quite foreign to my sensibilities.

 

[Architect]

What makes it fun for you?

Analysing, problem solving, thinking*. Having lots of data makes you feel powerful, like you've got a treasure chest that just needs to be unlocked. I like to collect data, and collect seemingly useless data just for the heck of it. Such as a science grade weather station at my house storing minute by minute results. I've got this data going back years, with the idea that someday I'll see if I can detect any variability with say, solar data with regards to Global Warming (this station collects UV and total emission).

* Not much different from working with computers in other ways.

 

[Afgn]

Yes, I am just getting started in a career in data science / analytics and it is quite fun and engrossing.

Some perks:

• Constantly learn new methods to pick apart data.
• Uncover hidden information, or create tools to automate work that people would otherwise do manually (or would be impossible all together)
• Practice presenting and communicating
• Earning a reputation as someone with know-how
• A good balance between self-directed work and interaction with people to gather / present information