Skilled Data Scientists in demand as job posts grow 1000%, says Rackspace

The exponential rise of ‘Big Data’ as a commercial imperative for businesses means that the role of ‘Data Science’ is now highly sought after. The number of permanent Data Scientist posts in the UK jumped a staggering 1005% in the past two years, gaining 189 places in a list of IT jobs skills/job titles most in demand [Source IT Jobs Watch].

Nigel Beighton, VP Technology, Rackspace said: “Right now, anyone with an analytics background and a PHD has a golden future as a Data Scientist. We have first-hand experience of the struggle to find these skills – from our own search for this talent and from what our customers are telling us – and the 1000% increase being reported shows that we are not alone. This five-week course has the right mix of theory and real practice, and we are very confident that the graduating students will be equipped with skills the industry is looking for.”

One of the participants is Chris Wallace, a British Particle Physics PhD student and a S2DS student. He said: “My PhD subject sounds specialised but, actually, there’s a very natural transition to Data Science. There is a mind-set you develop in academia, and a curiosity to get the right answers, that will translate well. One of the hardest things about making the move from academia to industry is convincing employers you have the relevant skills, so I’m particularly looking forward to getting access to the companies and mentors taking part in S2DS. Getting a real insight into the life of practical Data Scientists, and learning how to frame my skills in terms of industry over academia, will give me a competitive advantage to secure a top job.”

Matthew Eric Bassett, Director of Data Science at NBCUniversal will be teaching part of the course. He said: “What gets me really excited is working with people who are eager to learn something new; smart people who have the drive and initiative to solve a problem. In my experience PhDs have this, and they have the raw research ability that will translate directly into the skills they need. This initiative stood out to me because it presents a great opportunity to combine the theoretical knowledge with real world situations for students to make the transition to Data Science.”

From hundreds of applicants, 85 of the most talented PhD students have been selected to take part in S2DS and will be heading to the UK from 24 different countries including Italy, Germany, USA, France and Holland. The PhDs have a great variety of backgrounds including Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Chemistry, but they have one thing in common; the analytical skills to make excellent Data Scientists. 35% participating students are female, almost triple the average typically seen in the industry.

S2DS, which began today and will run for five weeks, will culminate in a one-day job fair introducing the students to companies interested in hiring in this sector, such as KPMG and Royal Mail.