We surveyed 2,661 data scientists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical data scientist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a data scientist?
Low
High
Working as a data scientist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that data scientists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a data scientist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a data scientist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a data scientist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a data scientist.
Do data scientists work full-time or part-time?
84% of data scientists work in full-time roles while 16% work part-time.
Is being a data scientist stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst data scientists, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a data scientist?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a data scientist.
How competitive is the workplace for data scientists?
Low
High
Data scientists tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a data scientist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for data scientists.
Are data scientists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Data scientists are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.
Do data scientists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally data scientists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a data scientist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a data scientists is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are data scientists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Data scientists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a data scientist require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for data scientists.
Does being a good data scientist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a data scientist.