“Why do you want to be a data scientist?” asks the interviewer.
When interviewing for a career as a data scientist, the interviewer may enquire about your interest in the field and what data science fascinates you. “What makes you want to be a data scientist?” they might ask. Answering this question successfully suggests that you are passionate, competent, and a good match for their organization.
In this piece, we will look at why interviewers ask this question and provide some suggestions and examples of how to effectively respond.
Why do employers ask applicants, “Why do you want to be a data scientist?”
Employers want to know that you are motivated and engaged in the role’s responsibilities. A successful response may reveal a genuine interest in data science as well as specific areas of interest. Interviewers may like hearing a detailed response about technology, statistics, and the data science life cycle that displays your expertise. They might also want to know that you recognize the value of data science in business.
This question collects information about your career goals as well. The interviewer can learn what drew you to their organization and what duties most interest you. This allows them to see how you might advance within the company. Employers frequently place a premium on how well you fit into the company’s culture and work style.
What do you say when asked, “Why do you want to be a data scientist?”
Take the following steps to effectively answer this question:
1. Explain why you’re interested in data science.
Companies want people that are passionate about their employment. Begin by expressing your interest in data. You can also show your enthusiasm by expressing what brought you to the field in the first place. For example, you may explain that you enjoy problem solving and statistical analysis, which led you to a career in data science. Be truthful in your response.
2. Describe your background.
This question can be utilized to advertise your education and to mention any relevant previous duties. Explain how you got started in data science and how your interests have changed over time. You can tell a story about your interests. For example, you may discuss a project at your previous job where you learned you really liked feature engineering.
3. Talk about technology.
Because technology is so important to a data scientist’s job, employers may appreciate knowing that you can quickly adapt to new advancements. You may mention an exciting new technology like artificial intelligence, blockchain, or machine learning. Personalize your response to the organization if at all possible, as describing the technology they use may impress the interviewer.
4. Talk about the significance of data science.
Understanding the role of data in making effective business decisions is crucial. Show the interviewer that you take this link seriously and want to use your analytical skills to help the organization reach its goals. For example, you could talk about how automation can help you save money while improving your earnings. You may even share a story from a former employment. Discussing a time when your analysis resulted in a business win shows how your work can help employers.
5. Connect your reaction to the company
Show the interviewer that you are familiar with and respect their company’s processes. Perform preliminary research on the firm and industry. Learn about their data science strategy and why you might like it. For example, you may express your admiration for the company’s use of cutting-edge technology or the manner in which it communicates with clients.
Answers to the question “Why do you want to be a data scientist?”
Here are some potential answers to this question:
1st Exemplification
“I am passionate about using data to draw meaningful conclusions about a company’s success. Before earning a master’s degree in data analytics, I studied computer science. In school, I mostly used SQL, but in my first job as a data scientist, I also learned Python. I enjoy learning new computer languages and expanding my data analysis toolkit.
I appreciate deriving meaning from data and contributing in the creation of real solutions. In my previous position, I collaborated with the customer care team to evaluate customer comments. I organized the data by response time, level of satisfaction, and medium of communication provided, such as email or video chat. I observed that clients believed that discussing their problems via video chatting resulted in faster resolutions.”
Exemplification No. 2
“I’m interested in data science because of how quickly technology is altering the sector. I enjoy being a part of new technology and experimenting with new solutions, both of which I believe your firm values. I’m particularly interested in artificial intelligence after studying machine learning throughout my studies, and I’m eager to put it to use in a more practical capacity. I really like how your company uses predictive analytics to anticipate and meet customer expectations.
Some are concerned that AI will automate data collection, but I believe that AI will allow me to focus on the most interesting component of my job: data oversight. I’m excited about the potential of collaborating with AI rather than competing with it, which will result in more useful discoveries. I intend to help the company pioneer new applications for AI and machine learning.”
third illustration
“I have a Ph.D. in data science and enjoy solving difficult problems using practical methods. I’m excited to bring data analysis to a new industry. Despite the fact that I’ve never worked in health care, I respect how your organization handled the telemedicine demand. My skills, I believe, are in harmony with the goals of your company.
Because telemedicine is new at your company, I’d like to collaborate with the team to develop the product and identify best practices. For example, I appreciate testing various algorithms to see which one best matches the needs of the product. I am confident that my adaptive approach will help the business create a more user-friendly and adaptable telemedicine solution than your competitors.”
