Data scientist
You'll uncover hidden patterns in raw data, turning them into powerful insights that solve problems and predict future trends. It's all about finding the story the data has to tell.
About the job
Career insights – Data scientist
What it's like
Data scientists are the masterminds behind smarter business decisions, using data analytics to unlock valuable insights. They help companies understand their customers better, spot product trends and even predict the future. For example, when airlines adjust flight prices, it's data science at work, analysing demand and timing to set the perfect price.
By gathering massive amounts of data from sources like surveys, website analytics and cookies, you dive deep to discover patterns using powerful tools such as AI, machine learning and algorithms. You'll turn those findings into actionable insights, driving smarter decisions and innovative solutions.
Your tasks might include:
identifying issues or opportunities to use data in an organisation
collecting and transforming raw data into a useable format
analysing data to identify patterns and trends
testing and selecting the best data mining models for the task
solving business problems using machine learning and statistical techniques
presenting findings and results to clients or stakeholders
You'll work with a range of programming languages, including SAS, R and Python to analyse data and build models.
You could work across diverse industries such as finance, fintech, academia, healthcare, retail, IT, government and ecommerce. Your opportunities depend on your interests and the available roles.
"Data science was seen as nerdy but now it's creative. Communication matters because you have to sell what you uncover and that means telling stories around data. The future belongs to people with soft skills just as much as to those who master hard data analysis."
Euan Davis
Data Scientist, Cognizant
Hours
You'll usually work Monday to Friday. You may need to work overtime depending on project deadlines.
Environment
You'll usually be working on a computer, either in an office, remote or hybrid.
Travel
Some travel may be required, depending on the role you're working in.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Construction and built environment Life sciences Financial and professional services Digital technologies Creative Chemical sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- data science
- machine learning
- exploratory data analysis
- valuation models
- linear model
- universal testing machines
- factor analysis
- probability distribution
- cognitive computing
- biosensors
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- written communication
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Computer Science
Statistical Data Science
Data Science
Mathematics and Operational Research
Statistics
Physics
Maths
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Data Science
Computing
Business with Data Analytics
Apprenticeship
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in Data Science
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Schemes
A lot of banks offer data-focused apprenticeship programs that include pathways relevant to data science.
Some of the banks offering these schemes include:
Not all employers list specific qualifications you need. They do ask for relevant experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills. This is usually work based.
It's also helpful to have experience in the use of the programming language 'Python'. Experience with database interrogation and analysis tools, such as 'Hadoop', 'SQL' and 'SAS' would also be useful.
You'll also need experience of computer programming and strong coding skills. An understanding of data collection and pattern recognition is also important.
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