problem-solving

As a data scientist, it’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of your job: crunching numbers, building models, and analyzing data. However, there’s one aspect of your job that is just as important, if not more so: soft skills. 

Soft skills are the personal attributes and abilities that allow you to effectively communicate and collaborate with others. They include things like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and critical thinking. While these skills may not be directly related to data science, they are essential for data scientists to be successful in their roles. 

Data science success: Top 10 soft skills you need to master

The human aspect is crucial in data science, not just the technical side represented by algorithms and models. In this blog, you will learn about the top 10 essential interpersonal skills needed for professional success in the field of data science.

1. Communication 

The ability to effectively communicate with clients, stakeholders, and team members is essential for data science professionals working in professional services. This includes the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts, present data findings in a way that is easy to understand and to respond to client questions and concerns. 

One of the biggest reasons why soft skills are important for data scientists is that they allow you to effectively communicate with non-technical stakeholders. Many data scientists tend to speak in technical jargon and use complex mathematical concepts, which can be difficult for non-technical people to understand. Having strong communication skills allows you to explain your findings and recommendations in a way that is easy for others to understand. 

2. Problem-solving 

Data science professionals are often called upon to solve complex problems that require critical thinking and creativity. The ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems is essential for success in professional services. 

Problem-solving skills in data scientist are crucial as it allows data scientists to analyze and interpret data, identify patterns and trends, and make informed decisions. Data scientists are often faced with complex problems that require creative solutions, and strong problem-solving skills are essential for coming up with effective solutions. 

3. Time management 

Data science projects can be complex and time-consuming, and professionals working in professional services need to be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines. This includes the ability to prioritize tasks and to work independently. 

4. Project management 

5. Collaboration 

Next up on the soft skills list is collaboration. Data science professionals working in professional services often work in teams and need to be able to collaborate effectively with others. This includes the ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds, to share ideas and knowledge, and to provide constructive feedback. 

6. Adaptability 

Data science professionals working in professional services need to be able to adapt to changing client needs and project requirements. This includes the ability to be flexible and to adapt to new technologies and methodologies. 

Moreover, adaptability is an important skill for data scientists because the field is constantly evolving, and techniques are being developed all the time. Being able to adapt to these changes and learn new tools and methods is crucial for staying current in the field and being able to tackle new challenges. Additionally, data science projects often have unique and changing requirements, so being able to adapt and find new approaches to problems is essential for success. 

7. Leadership 

Data science professionals working in professional services often need to take on leadership roles within their teams. This includes the ability to inspire and motivate others, to make decisions, and to lead by example. 

Leadership is an important skill for data scientists because they often work on teams and may need to coordinate and lead other team members. Additionally, data science projects often have a significant impact on an organization, and data scientists may need to be able to effectively communicate their findings and recommendations to stakeholders, including senior management.

Leadership skills can also be useful in guiding a team towards a shared goal, making sure all members understand and support the project’s objectives, and making sure that the team is working effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, Data Scientists are often responsible for not only analyzing the data but also communicating the insights and results to different stakeholders, which is a leadership skill. 

8. Presentation skills 

Data science professionals working in professional services need to be able to present their findings and insights to clients and stakeholders in a clear and engaging way. This includes the ability to create compelling visualizations and to deliver effective presentations. 

9. Cultural awareness 

Data science professionals working in professional services may work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. The ability to understand and respect cultural differences is essential for building strong relationships with clients. 

10. Emotional intelligence 

Data science professionals working in professional services need to be able to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. This includes the ability to manage stress and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. 

Bottom line 

In conclusion, data science professionals working in professional services need to have a combination of technical and soft skills to be successful. The ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, manage time and projects, collaborate with others, adapt to change and emotional intelligence are all key soft skills that are necessary for success in the field.

By developing and honing these skills, data science professionals can provide valuable insights and contribute to the success of their organizations.  

One can (correctly) argue that essentially, all jobs require the worker in question to accomplish one basic or vital goal: solve (a) problem(s). Indeed, one can earnestly argue that the three interdisciplinary fields of this series (software development, project management, and data science) are iconic vis-a-vis their problem-solving characteristics. 

Advanced problem-solving tools for a (post-) modern world

One of the paradoxes of our (post-)modern era is this fact: our lives have become so much easier, safer, and much more enjoyable, thanks to digital technology. And yet simultaneously, our lives have gotten so complicated, with an overwhelming glut of technological tools at our disposal. 

And I suppose one can view this as a “rich person-problem,” akin to a kid in a candy store, indeed. In any case, here is the good news: “As luck would have it,” we can utilize a simple (set of) tool(s), with which we can both solve problems expansively and/or simplify our lives as needed. 

To the rescue (!): Google, checklists, algorithms and data structures, and project management

Incidentally, a Google search using search terms related to the topic at hand suggests a consensus vis-a-vis best practices for solving problems, and/or simplifying our lives.

Ultimately, we can use two or three vital tools: 1) [either] a simple checklist, 2) [or,] the interdisciplinary field of project management, and 3) algorithms and data structures.

Here’s a fun question for you, dear reader: can you think of a tool that can simplify both simple and complex tasks such as i) grocery shopping, ii) surgery, and iii) safely flying an airplane? If you answered, “a checklist,” you’re correct. 

But for more complicated problems, the interdisciplinary field of project management might be useful–i.e., via the 12 (project-management) elements introduced in last week’s post. To recap, those twelve elements (e.g. as defined by Belinda Goodrich, 2021) are: 

• Project life cycle, 
• Integration, 
• Scope, 
• Schedule, 
• Cost, 
• Quality, 
• Resources, 
• Communications, 
• Risk, 
• Procurement, 
• Stakeholders, and 
• Professional responsibility/ethics. 

In addition to the mindful use of the above twelve elements, our Google search might reveal that various authors suggest some vital algorithms for data science. For instance, in the table below, we juxtapose four authors’ professional opinions with DS-Dojo’s curriculum.

What problem-solving tools next digital age have to offer 

Thanks to Moore’s law (e.g., as described via the relevant Wikipedia article about Moore’s law and other factors, the digital age will keep producing hardware and software tools that are both wondrous and/or overwhelming (e.g., IoT, Web 3.0, metaverse, quantum-computing, etc.).

In this blog post, DS-Dojo provides a potential remedy to our readers vis-a-vis finding easier solutions to our world’s problems, and the avoidance of that “spoilt for choice” dilemma.

By using checklists and tools derived from the three interdisciplinary fields of this blog series, we can solve our world’s ever-growing/evolving problems, and/or simplify our lives as needed.