Data scientists have an irreplaceable role in the pharmaceutical industry, especially within companies that want to maximise value creation from health data. However, often the gap between these professionals, management or end users of the data are far too large to overcome with just weekly project calls.
Some argue, that data-savvy subject matter experts, will soon be paid more than data scientists in the future. Here are 3 skills data scientists will need to learn to safeguard their careers.
1. Master the application of data analytics to create value.
skills data scientists
The application of data analytics goes beyond crunching the numbers. Those who understand the end users’ needs and pain points, will be able to grasp and derive the value data can bring to different stakeholder groups. The most valuable data scientists for leadership are the ones who can connect business needs with data outputs and deliver on them.
2. Be part of the data strategy design.
Strategic thinking is required to see 5 steps ahead on the chess board and create a data strategy that addresses these needs. Advanced analytics is just one step of this plan and seems to be a small one in the full-scale data strategy piece. To stay relevant and irreplaceable for the organisation, sharpening business management skills to identify and validate healthcare data is important so that you can be an active participant in strategy discussions.
3. Excel in the discipline of data management.
Data management in healthcare is about gathering and curating high-quality data that sets to improve business outcomes, the decision-making processes and eventually, patient care. A Deloitte research article highlights that data management is pivotal to unlocking data’s full value for companies. Traditional data management, however, may not be the most efficient way of handling the increasing volume, variety, and velocity of data. A skilled data scientist with a firm grasp of AI and ML algorithms will be able to apply them to enhance or automate data management tasks.
The increasing amount of unstructured data that pharmaceuticals collect and purchase puts constant pressure on their data management processes. As they are trying to optimise costs on personnel, many of the processes get outsourced or automated. Even though data scientists are in high demand, the mastery of certain business skills cannot be avoided to stay relevant and irreplaceable in a healthcare organisation.
Read more on the topic and find out the 5 steps to master your data strategy.