Asking ChatGPT about data science careers

ChatGPT is a chatbot developed by OpenAI that utilizes the GPT-3 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) language model to generate human-like responses in real-time conversations. It can be used in chat applications or on social media platforms to engage with users and provide support or information. ChatGPT is trained on a large dataset of human conversations and can understand natural language and context, allowing it to generate appropriate responses to a wide range of questions and prompts.

In fact, it is so smart that it wrote the paragraph above. It can be used to ask questions and also to write computer code. It’s API is being used in all sorts of applications and you can even add it to RStudio to have it help write and comment code and text.

I wanted to know what ChatGPT had to say about data science. In particular I asked it if I (although technically you) should become a data scientist, how to become a data scientist, and whether it will eventually steal your job and get rid of data scientists. I was impressed by the answers, with the only real thing I had to add being the importance of some SQL skills when training to become a data scientist.


Here is my conversation in full:

Check out this ShareGPT conversation
Avatar of the person chatting

Should I become a data scientist?

There is no easy answer to this question, as becoming a data scientist involves a lot of hard work and dedication, and it may not be the right career path for everyone. However, if you are interested in using data to solve complex problems, are skilled at programming and statistical analysis, and enjoy working with large amounts of data, then a career in data science may be a good fit for you.

Data science is a rapidly growing field, and there are many exciting opportunities for those with the right skills and interests. Data scientists are in high demand across a wide range of industries, and they play a vital role in helping organizations make informed decisions using data. If you are willing to put in the time and effort to learn the necessary skills and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, then a career in data science could be a rewarding and fulfilling choice.

Avatar of the person chatting

How do I become a data scientist?

To become a data scientist, you will typically need to have a strong foundation in math, statistics, and computer science. You should also be comfortable with programming languages such as Python or R, as these are commonly used in data science. Additionally, you should be able to work with large datasets and have excellent problem-solving skills.

Here are some steps you can take to start your career as a data scientist:

  1. Build a strong foundation in math and computer science. This includes taking courses in subjects such as linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and machine learning.

  2. Learn to program. Data scientists often use languages like Python and R to work with data and build models.

  3. Gain experience with real-world data. This could include working on personal projects, participating in online hackathons, or completing internships or co-op positions.

  4. Build your portfolio. As you gain experience, be sure to document your work and create a portfolio of your projects. This will be useful when applying for jobs or internships.

  5. Consider earning a degree or certification. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science, computer science, or a related field can be helpful in demonstrating your knowledge and skills to potential employers. There are also many online courses and certifications available that can help you learn more about data science.

Keep in mind that becoming a data scientist is a journey, and it may take time to gain the necessary skills and experience. However, with hard work and dedication, it is possible to build a rewarding career in this field.

Avatar of the person chatting

Will chatgpt get rid of data scientists?

It is unlikely that chatbots like GPT (Generative Pre-training Transformer) will completely replace data scientists. While chatbots and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems can automate certain tasks and assist with data analysis, they are not yet able to fully replicate the skills and expertise of a trained data scientist.

Data scientists use their knowledge of math, statistics, and computer science to analyze and interpret data, identify patterns, and draw conclusions that can inform decision-making. They also have the ability to communicate their findings to a variety of audiences, and to work with teams of other experts to solve complex problems. These skills are difficult to automate and require a high level of training and experience.

In the short term, chatbots and other AI systems may be able to assist data scientists by automating certain tasks and helping to process and analyze large amounts of data. However, it is unlikely that they will be able to fully replace the expertise and judgment of a trained data scientist.