What is a data scientist, what does he or she do, and how much does he or she earn?
12 March 2025Data science refers to the interdisciplinary field that combines expertise from mathematics, statistics, computer science, and engineering to analyze and interpret huge amounts of data.
With the advent of new technologies and the explosion of data generated every day, data science has become a core discipline in almost every industry, from technology companies to healthcare institutions, from banks to government agencies.
What does the data scientist do?
A data scientist is a professional who uses advanced data analysis techniques to solve complex problems and support strategic decision-making within an organization. he data scientist combines technical knowledge, such as programming and statistical analysis, with a strong intuition for identifying hidden patterns and trends in the data. The activities of a data scientist include collecting, cleaning, and processing data, creating predictive algorithms, and interpreting results through effective visualizations.
The aim is to translate large volumes of raw data into actionable insights that can enhance business operations, optimize processes, and create a competitive advantage.
What is the difference between data analyst and data scientist?
Although the roles of data analyst and data scientist may seem similar, there are significant differences in their responsibilities and skill sets. A data analyst primarily focuses on descriptive analysis of data, examining historical data to identify trends, patterns, and useful insights. The data scientist has a more complex and strategic role: designing predictive models, making future predictions, and applying advanced machine learning techniques. Furthermore, data scientists are more involved in optimizing algorithms and automating decision-making processes through artificial intelligence.
In what areas are data scientists in demand?
The data scientist is a vertically growing role, increasingly sought after by a wide range of businesses: data is now one of the most valuable assets for companies.
From e-commerce to finance, from healthcare to advertising, data science companies, which can be large multinationals as well as small startups, span every market sector: from banking to insurance to healthcare.
Tech companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook are among the leading investors in data science to optimize search algorithms, personalize user experiences, and predict consumer behavior.
How much does a data scientist earn?
The salary of a data scientist varies greatly both by experience level and size of the company for which one works. On average, a junior profile can expect an annual salary between €30,000 and €40,000 in Italy, and between $70,000 and $100,000 in the global market.
An experienced professional working for a large company can earn between €40,000 and €70,000 in Italy, and between $120,000 and $160,000 in the global market.
How does one become a data scientist?
To grow professionally in this area, a solid academic background is required (degrees in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and statistics are preferable), along with practical skills in various areas.
After academic training, continuous learning is crucial: data scientists must stay updated on new technologies, tools, and data analysis methodologies.
Bologna Business School, always closely connected with the market and leading companies in each sector, constantly updates programs dedicated to training these professionals. If hands-on experience is a key element for becoming a data scientist, BBS’s learning by doing method is the key to acquiring practical, cutting-edge knowledge that is immediately applicable.
Bologna Business School offers a diverse educational range on data analysis, including the Professional Master Data Science and Business Analytics, a full-time, 12-month program in English with 500 hours of internships at partner companies, designed for young graduates looking to enter the data analysis field.
The part-time, hybrid (part online, part on-campus) Executive Master in Business Analytics and Data Science which offers all the tools needed to understand, interpret, and utilize data, offering a passport to becoming a key player in the world of Big Data and data analytics.
Alongside the more structured courses, the vertical (Big) Data and Artificial Intelligence program, in Italian, part-time 4-day on-campus + 12 online sessions, was created to fill the knowledge gap that incorporates the most advanced technologies, operational models and innovative methodologies in the market. Designed to promote a critical approach to data analysis, this course strengthens decision-making skills and enhances the value of knowledge for professionals already working in the field.
In Bologna, home to the Leonardo supercomputer, the fourth-larges in the world for computing capacity and part of the European high-performance computing network EuroHPC, Bologna Business School‘s programs are designed to train managers capable of organically developing their skills, creating highly qualified professionals who play a crucial role in extracting value from data.
In a world where data has become one of the most valuable assets, data science skills have become critical to business success. BBS is the key to successfully entering this ever-expanding world.
