Analyzing the Analyzers

Chapter 4. T-Shaped Data Scientists

We feel that a defining feature of data scientists is the breadth of their skills — their ability to single-handedly do at least prototype-level versions of all the steps needed to derive new insights or build data products (Mason & Wiggins, 2010). We also feel that the most successful data scientists are those with substantial, deep expertise in at least one aspect of data science, be it statistics, big data, or business communication.

In many ways, this pattern matches the “T-shaped skills” idea that has been promoted since at least the early 1990s (see citations here). The “T” represents breadth of skills, across the top, with depth in one area represented by the vertical bar. T-shaped professionals can more easily work in interdisciplinary teams than those with less breadth and can be more effective than those without depth. Data science is an inherently collaborative and creative field, where the successful professional can work with database administrators, business people, and others with overlapping skill sets to get data projects completed in innovative ways.

For data scientists, we feel this notion can help address the communications issues we’ve described. By clarifying your areas of depth, perhaps using our Skills terminology, others can more quickly understand where your expertise lies. We also suggest that our Skills terminology can suggest areas of career development. For instance, a data scientist with an Operations Research background ...