Take advantage of the growing demand for skills in data science

Photo Curtis MacNewton on Unsplash

Julia Gunst

On Wednesday 21 February 2018 13:40

UPDATE
On Wednesday 21 February 2018 13:40

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Businesses and organizations, the field of insurance up to the health, collecting data twenty-four hours on twenty-four, seven days a week.

The result? The collection of large volumes of data often referred to as mégadonnées.

The professionals with technical skills in data management and business expertise are sought after on the labour market, because they know how to develop an approach and policy measures to manage these massive data bases. You can reinvent your career by acquiring knowledge in data science and business communication.

Choose your specialty

The first step is to determine the industry in which you would like to work. “You have to love the industry in which you work and adapt your skills accordingly,” recommends Sonia Basili, vice-president of talent management for the montreal company Stradigi.

Keep in mind that it is sometimes necessary to develop specialized skills if you want to work in a sector that is specific. He must know how to adapt — the scientific data must learn constantly to keep up to date. “I want people to be curious and open to new ideas”, says mrs. Basili.

You do not intend to become scientific data, but you have strong management skills or business? Respond to the request and become a manager or a business professional expert in data by strengthening your analytical skills that apply to enterprises that are heavily dependent of the data.

“There is a great demand for people who understand the technical processes as well as the perspective of the customer — the translators, who refer the information to scientific data, to customers or shareholders,” says mrs. Basili.

Photo Jantine Doornbos on Unsplash

Have a range of skills

In general, professional development is active and diverse skills give a competitive advantage. In the field of skills development, data management, it is possible to take a step ahead by following a professional program in data science, as one of those now offered by the School of continuing education of McGill.

“During the development of these programs that provide essential skills in data science currently in high demand, we have worked closely with scientists and data experts from the industry to bridge the gap between the incredible research that is done in university laboratories and the practical needs of business professionals,” says Inna Popova, director of the unit of Development of career and professional development (non-matched units) of the School.

The data preparation is largely the task of the scientific data, but more and more professionals will have to work on their sides, or again, to translate the results into actions. Communication skills are crucial since the mutual understanding that enhances the collaboration and lead to better results in business. Whether you’re a programmer of experience, or a business professional, do not be afraid to learn something new.

To browse through all our chronicles, join us on the website of theSchool of continuing education of McGill University or on LinkedIn.