Considering Career Path: Statisticians/Big Data Scientists

[Arsonism]

I'm not sure what to expect from this thread, but I figure it's best to reach out than to just keep wandering the internet to just reach random data about things people may or may not be doing with such backgrounds or careers; so here we are.

I have my Bachelors currently and I'm considering pursuing a degree in Statistics in order to yield (what I've obtained so far) a data specialist or consultant role for companies in the future. I have worked more or less as a Data Analyst (entry work, SQL/Excel programming/database creation, etc) and during audit periods as a Compliance Manager for a company operating in the oil and gas sector, and as far as I'm concerned it was my most favorite period of work that I've been assigned (outside of military work - I get to do some pretty cool stuff there).

My question's are mainly about the field after someone might consider a masters level degree in Statistics, and if anyone can speak to either the consultation that they have received from a statistician or their experience as performing the duties of one. This is to ultimately help me assess the value of this degree.

Some subjects I'm still curious about are:

What are the roles that someone with an MS in Statistics is typically found in?
What sort of programs do they use (SPSS, SP+, Matlab, etc)? Do they commonly write code?
What upward progression is there for a data analyst?
What progression is there for "Big Data Scientists?
What would you say appear to be or are the best features of this line of work?
Does consultation generally win out in terms of income over working solely for one company or organization?

I'm sure I'll find a slew of other questions to ask, but I think that would cover most of it for now. Just like any job, I'm just curious to know what it's all about and what I'd be getting myself into. I've leaped into career paths before and it's bit me in the butt, doing my best to make an educated decision on the remaining opportunities I have to chase down another degree.

I sincerely appreciate y'all's time.

Thanks,

Shane

[Mywifes335]

Big Data is going to be huge. I would look into certification programs first...giving ones that count toward a masters degree priority.

[ASBSECU E93]

Actuary...

/thread

[eluded]

outsource it.

[upstatedoc]

Statistics? Sounds like an exciting field.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

Actuary...

/thread

For those not sure, he is not kidding. Just sayin'. If you are looking for a career in a mathematical field, at least do some research. On the plus, you will most likely know when all your friends are likely to die

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Big Data is going to be huge. I would look into certification programs first...giving ones that count toward a masters degree priority.

I work at a very large public company and we spend a ton of money on our data analytics group. Big data, Hadoop, etc. There is def $$$ being invested in that space.

[Arsonism]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

Big Data is going to be huge. I would look into certification programs first...giving ones that count toward a masters degree priority.

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I work at a very large public company and we spend a ton of money on our data analytics group. Big data, Hadoop, etc. There is def $$$ being invested in that space.

Is this something that is a "hot topic/button" bubble currently or do you think these analytic industries are going to develop in years to come? To me sometimes I feel it's a sold product that sounds good on paper, but really could fade in effectiveness or utilization over time. The job security of this field is what I'm really looking at more than anything.

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by Arsonism

Is this something that is a "hot topic/button" bubble currently or do you think these analytic industries are going to develop in years to come? To me sometimes I feel it's a sold product that sounds good on paper, but really could fade in effectiveness or utilization over time. The job security of this field is what I'm really looking at more than anything.

It's hot now because it's in the infancy stage...people throw around big data because it's a buzz. However, I can tell you that big companies are investing real millions into developing their own big data analytics. Logically, it makes sense. We've never been in a world where so much detailed and descriptive data is available at our fingertips. Having the skill to break this data down and provide meaningful analytics is a big asset.

I don't think it's going away... This isn't 6 sigma - which isn't as hot anymore, but still survives. I believe big data is the way businesses and industries will have to proceed if they are to continue in the future. For example, the amount of information a car dealer has about one customer transaction has so much more value and tangential information now than before. It used to be isolated to just the customers contact info and at most his/her credit history. Now, an automaker, bank, or even dealer can cross-reference tastes, buyer habits, predict loyalty, identify customer base characteristics...the list is endless.

[ASBSECU E93]

OP - my best advice, develop a skill within you field that makes YOU the commodity, regardless of the chosen path.

What is hot today will be automated by data processors tomorrow.

The trick - make yourself somewhat irreplaceable because of what you know. I work with financial data all day, everyday. I am also in the position of being on a very short list of company employees that have my particular skill and full working knowledge (1 of 1).

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

OP - my best advice, develop a skill within you field that makes YOU the commodity, regardless of the chosen path.

What is hot today will be automated by data processors tomorrow.

The trick - make yourself somewhat irreplaceable because of what you know. I work with financial data all day, everyday. I am also in the position of being on a very short list of company employees that have my particular skill and full working knowledge (1 of 1).

AI is growing at a logarithmic rate, like it or not. We need to adjust and adapt where we can to leverage this...

MUST READ:

https://medium.com/basic-income/deep...a49#.vira6ss3e

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

AI is growing at a logarithmic rate, like it or not. We need to adjust and adapt where we can to leverage this...

MUST READ:

https://medium.com/basic-income/deep...a49#.vira6ss3e

Just read. Great paper with well thought out points and arguments. Thanks!

OP, the ability to see the story that data tells is only the beginning. The analysis most be actionable and duplicatable, if appropriate. As far as a career in data goes, I urge you to look into the pharma/biotech space. Data is our best friend.

[Arsonism]

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

OP - my best advice, develop a skill within you field that makes YOU the commodity, regardless of the chosen path.

What is hot today will be automated by data processors tomorrow.

The trick - make yourself somewhat irreplaceable because of what you know. I work with financial data all day, everyday. I am also in the position of being on a very short list of company employees that have my particular skill and full working knowledge (1 of 1).

That's the idea and but I need a leap from where I am presently with my current background to a new field of opportunities. So in respect to that statement, I'm attempting to embark on a journey through education that will aid me in becoming that very unique person in a very marketable position that will satiate job security.

However, the only knowledge that I possess currently at a mastered or expert level is ballistics and military tactics regarding snipers. Everything else that I've achieved doesn't necessarily set me aside from the other candidates and I do not have the skills I feel civilian side that I can really build upon. I feel that statistics and big data science would be a route that would aide me in achieving that status, hopefully securing a career for a long time to come as a specialized individual with proof that he/she could still adapt and overcome to achieve.

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

AI is growing at a logarithmic rate, like it or not. We need to adjust and adapt where we can to leverage this...

MUST READ:

https://medium.com/basic-income/deep...a49#.vira6ss3e

That's a very interesting article because it is something that I've considered. This helps form the perspective that the tasks that can be done by computers are only going to further aid us in processing this information not actually analyzing it. The analytical and interpretation or what we would even want to interpret will come from us, human beings, for a good long while to come. Especially with different industries attempting to understand their efficiency and deficiencies.

I thank you greatly for sharing that article.

Originally Posted by MKSixer

OP, the ability to see the story that data tells is only the beginning. The analysis most be actionable and duplicatable, if appropriate. As far as a career in data goes, I urge you to look into the pharma/biotech space. Data is our best friend.

I most definitely stole some of the language here for my response above. I believe that being able to interpret those stories and relay them back to interested parties would be a very rewarding career. In a way you are able to help folks and in the same respect you are able to achieve something that they are incapable of fathoming. That regard to knowledge and the advancement of that knowledge is something that intrigues me. It is not necessarily to belittle someone else, rather to be humbled by what others have achieved and in some way or form be able to partake in their future success. To see construction, building blocks and growth, is a foundation that I've always enjoyed. Having these skills allows you the general and mutual respect through knowledge to perform these duties for others and be granted a rather high responsibility with those very same persons. It's hard for me to explain, but I really do enjoy being a humble person and learning everything that I'm able and most certainly everything at my disposal, however until you've reached a utilizable position, rarely do you get included at such high decisions or even get to see the full scope of an operation even though you could be capable of doing such things.

Ironically I am looking also at the pharmaceutical industry and possibly getting my PharmD in another path through education. Everything that I'm considering embarking on leaves me with no debt, and that's urged me to continue my education and give it the best shot that I can, as this may be my last shot to get into a career that I would enjoy for my working life to come.

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by Arsonism

However, the only knowledge that I possess currently at a mastered or expert level is ballistics and military tactics regarding snipers. Everything else that I've achieved doesn't necessarily set me aside from the other candidates and I do not have the skills I feel civilian side that I can really build upon. I feel that statistics and big data science would be a route that would aide me in achieving that status, hopefully securing a career for a long time to come as a specialized individual with proof that he/she could still adapt and overcome to achieve.

First. Props and respect.
Second, do not underestimate the skills and experience that a serious military background gives you. Granted, my team are sales folks, so our skills requirements are a bit different. My team handles large, complex, B2B sales with months-long sales cycles and millions of dollars price tags. (I offer this as context.)

Dedication, focus, adaptiveness, mission-orientation, competitiveness, urgency, coolness under pressure, strategic thinking, patience... these things must be possessed and are difficult to teach. I have three ex-military guys on my team (one Ranger/Delta, one sniper). Those skills are SO precious and they both have them in spades.

I realize this may not apply to all other fields, but I urge you to 1) evaluate how those rare skills (that cannot be taught, really, but must be acquired under extreme circumstances or be innate) can be used in whatever path you choose and 2) to communicate that to whomever you interview with in the future.

Not to drone on here, but you talk about knowledge. Careers are built on WAY more than knowledge. The poor house is full of knowledgeable people. It is about character, work ethic, and other intangibles as well - about how the weapon of knowledge is employed by its owner. Don't focus only on what you "know", but also on how you work and who you are.

Just two cents from an old guy whose been some places and seen some things.
/diatribe

[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by Arsonism

That's the idea and but I need a leap from where I am presently with my current background to a new field of opportunities. So in respect to that statement, I'm attempting to embark on a journey through education that will aid me in becoming that very unique person in a very marketable position that will satiate job security.

However, the only knowledge that I possess currently at a mastered or expert level is ballistics and military tactics regarding snipers. Everything else that I've achieved doesn't necessarily set me aside from the other candidates and I do not have the skills I feel civilian side that I can really build upon. I feel that statistics and big data science would be a route that would aide me in achieving that status, hopefully securing a career for a long time to come as a specialized individual with proof that he/she could still adapt and overcome to achieve.



That's a very interesting article because it is something that I've considered. This helps form the perspective that the tasks that can be done by computers are only going to further aid us in processing this information not actually analyzing it. The analytical and interpretation or what we would even want to interpret will come from us, human beings, for a good long while to come. Especially with different industries attempting to understand their efficiency and deficiencies.

I thank you greatly for sharing that article.



I most definitely stole some of the language here for my response above. I believe that being able to interpret those stories and relay them back to interested parties would be a very rewarding career. In a way you are able to help folks and in the same respect you are able to achieve something that they are incapable of fathoming. That regard to knowledge and the advancement of that knowledge is something that intrigues me. It is not necessarily to belittle someone else, rather to be humbled by what others have achieved and in some way or form be able to partake in their future success. To see construction, building blocks and growth, is a foundation that I've always enjoyed. Having these skills allows you the general and mutual respect through knowledge to perform these duties for others and be granted a rather high responsibility with those very same persons. It's hard for me to explain, but I really do enjoy being a humble person and learning everything that I'm able and most certainly everything at my disposal, however until you've reached a utilizable position, rarely do you get included at such high decisions or even get to see the full scope of an operation even though you could be capable of doing such things.

Ironically I am looking also at the pharmaceutical industry and possibly getting my PharmD in another path through education. Everything that I'm considering embarking on leaves me with no debt, and that's urged me to continue my education and give it the best shot that I can, as this may be my last shot to get into a career that I would enjoy for my working life to come.

A PharmD is an extremely valuable and flexible credential in my industry. One may literally work across medical, legal, and all aspects of commercial operations in pharma/biotech organizations. This is a serious and rare advantage as most people are confined to one of the aforementioned silos. I am fortunate enough to have worked in legal and commercial. The data we collect, assimilate, manage, and use to make decisions is manifold. Anyone that can not only understand the what but also the why is rare. Anyone that does the aforementioned 2 AND can make decisions about resource deployment will never have to worry about employment in the future.

Once you get to the point of making a decision and IF you wish to move in that direction, I can connect you with people to speak with you as you move through this process.

Good luck with your decision.

Kindest Regards-mk

[upstatedoc]

Wait, statistics or PharmD? Two totally unrelated fields IMO. And one does not simply "get his PharmD" most PharmD programs are extremely competitive, require 6 years of intense schooling and training. And at the end a lot of grads have the same student debt load many MD/DO's have.

[Arsonism]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Wait, statistics or PharmD? Two totally unrelated fields IMO. And one does not simply "get his PharmD" most PharmD programs are extremely competitive, require 6 years of intense schooling and training. And at the end a lot of grads have the same student debt load many MD/DO's have.

I have a few luxuries that are working in my favor in terms of the debt and the competitive nature of PharmD, military and currently no debt from an undergraduate degree. I would need some catch up course work that I'm not afraid to put the time in to get, but I would have to develop a detailed plan to pursue that. This was a passion of mine that I wanted to pursue when I was in my undergraduate, however time and funds then did not permit me to do what I am able to do now. I do not want to rule it out, but what I've become efficient at and had some experience with that I'm looking to build up on is statistical work and data analysis. They are completely different fields outside of research backgrounds and capacities. I'm decently malleable from my previous background and I feel as though if I put my full efforts forward that going through the rigorous coursework to get my PharmD would yield a result worth pursuing, whereas another degree may not be. That's been the dilemma for my choosing of a masters degree to progressively a doctoral degree or simply working for something I've been passionate about for a long time that may not be a immediately suiting.

I don't mean to demean any of these career or educational paths, I truly do not and I understand that the road through these programs will be quite difficult. I do not shy away from hard work or the opportunity to better myself. Should I fail in one direction, I will likely try another. I simply do not enjoy the position I am in currently and seek to change that through means of more education and hopefully my civilian careers will benefit from such mindset, especially since I can walk away with no future debt.

I am going to be taking up a job here soon for a Pharmacy Technician close to home while I try to get my feet under me as I've gone through quite a bit here recently. I will likely continue to pursue other careers until I find something solid school side, but for the time being I hope to explore the pharmacy world to discover if it is something for me and hopefully I'll also find some definitive answers there as well.

[Acturater]

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

Actuary...

/thread

I'll leave this here for OP to consider as well. If u have a knack for math/stats and pick things up quickly the Actuary can be a rewarding profession indeed.

https://www.dwsimpson.com/salary

[Arsonism]

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

Actuary...

/thread

Originally Posted by Acturater

I'll leave this here for OP to consider as well. If u have a knack for math/stats and pick things up quickly the Actuary can be a rewarding profession indeed.

https://www.dwsimpson.com/salary

I had not actually realized that my aunt has been doing this for nearly her entire career. They mentioned quite a few exams to pass and whatnot but overall that she was happy with where she wound up. I will be giving her a call here in the near future to discover more about it. I'll dig deeper into it, this was not something that I had previously considered and I thank you both for the suggestion! (If you have any tips/tricks or even ways to gateway oneself into that profession, I would also be interested in the pre-requisites that would allow me to be considered for such a career path however I'll do some research tomorrow as I'm burning the midnight oils tonight).

[BigDog]

Currently work in data science here in san fran, past life was a quant/high freq trader in chicago for 8 yrs...

What do you want to know?

[Mywifes335]

Originally Posted by BigDog

Currently work in data science here in san fran, past life was a quant/high freq trader in chicago for 8 yrs...

What do you want to know?

PhD? Programming? Just curious.

[BigDog]

Originally Posted by Mywifes335

PhD? Programming? Just curious.

Bachelor - Physics
Masters 1 - Electrical Engineering
Masters 2 - Quantitative Finance
PhD - Quantitative Finance