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Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
  • Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
  • Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.
  • Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  • Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.
  • Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
  • Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
  • Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.2 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

7.0 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

2.6 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.7 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.7 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.4 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2026-08

4.4 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2026-08

4.3 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2026-08

3.9 / 5

Programming

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2026-08

3.8 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2026-08

3.6 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2026-08

3.6 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2026-08

3.5 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2026-08

3.5 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2026-08

3.4 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 4 of 5 · 2026-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Artificial Intelligence →

Information Technology →

Computer Science →

Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration →

Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation →

Bioinformatics →

Computational Biology →

Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other →

Mathematics, General →

Applied Mathematics, General →

Computational Mathematics →

Computational and Applied Mathematics →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 15-2051.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.