Five Traits You Share With A Data Scientist

If you’ve considered a career in the wonderful world of data science, you may find this field to be difficult. Maybe you’re intimidated at the thought of not having studied programming in college. However, do not lose hope, as you may have had the tools to become a data scientist all along. You might find that the interests you’re naturally drawn to are the perfect springboard into this career.

1. Becoming A Data Scientist: New Experiences Don’t Intimidate You

It can be scary trying new things. From tasting new food as a child to water-skiing as an adult, these activities were probably nerve-wracking at first. But what happens when you work up the courage to attempt something new and end up falling in love with it? This sensation happens to everyone at some point in their life. The new activity, as scary as you once thought it was, turns out to be exciting. Once your fear becomes excitement, you realize that trying new things is a worthy endeavor. After all, what would have happened if you hadn’t said hi to the love of your life or even your best friend? You must take risks.

Hesitation can lead to lost opportunities and everything worth trying will challenge you in the beginning. Statistical languages are no cakewalk. But the thrill of mastering complex topics can leave you feeling fulfilled and proud of yourself, so much so that all the effort you put in is worth it. For this reason, chase your dream to become a data scientist! The fact that you are not afraid to try something new will make you the perfect candidate.

2. Becoming A Data Scientist: You Use Graphs And Charts Every Day

Another aspect that makes you a true data scientist at heart, is how naturally you gravitate towards statistics, graphs and charts. Maybe you love numbers so much that you solve or even make your own puzzles. If you love words instead of numbers, don’t worry.

Your difference in preference doesn’t change just how much math has impacted your life — take a look around you, graphs and statistics are everywhere. For example, If you love sports, you probably track your favorite teams’ stats. When you go in for your annual physical, your health chart is recorded. You may even use a graph to note weather patterns or upcoming sales. You see? In your daily life, you already have some sort of  knowledge in statistics that will give you a head start in data science.

3. Becoming A Data Scientist: You Can Already Learn Languages

Think back to your childhood, when you first began learning to read. At first, you started with small words. You then formed sentence structures out of these small words. Since you were a beginner, you learned at your own pace and  didn’t start with overly complicated words. Learning the art of music is quite similar in how you learn the notes and structures of songs first. Learning statistical programming languages such as R and Python work in much the same way. Once you feel confident in the fundamental structures, you can keep learning until you can creatively express yourself.

Coding languages such as JavaScript can open your world to building websites and applications. Don’t limit yourself. The more you know, the more you can create. Data science does not usually get much credit for enabling creative minds, but it really can. It all goes back to the little kid learning how to read for the first time. You have always had the capability to learn new languages.

4. Becoming A Data Scientist: You Are An Excellent Problem Solver

Would your friends describe you as someone they can count on? When everything goes wrong, do you have what it takes to resolve the problem? Even though things won’t go wrong every single day when you work as a data scientist, it certainly helps to have the strength to endure times when you don’t know what to do.

As a problem solver, you know that sometimes you won’t grasp a programming concept right away. Coding is challenging,  but these setbacks have nothing on you. You have what it takes to solve any data science problem, and will become stronger for it.

5. Becoming A Data Scientist: Things Get Tough, You Get Stronger

Even when you’re the one solving certain issues, it can take longer than you expected. Often times, big problems don’t take an hour or two to fix. Statistical programming issues take a lot of time, but if you’re patient during these tough moments, you will be able to endure any obstacle that arises.

But more than just endure, you should also remember to keep your ego in check. When things go wrong and there’s no instant resolution, you can’t crumble under pressure. Use failure as a learning tool to become successful.


You probably never imagined that everything you naturally gravitate toward could make you the perfect data science candidate. Your love of numbers and languages, courage, and intelligence all add up to something special. They could have been preparing you for the career of a lifetime—now all you have to do is look inside yourself and choose the future you want.


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