What is it about Data Science that scares people? Is it the ‘science’ part, making it seem inaccessible to those from non-STEM backgrounds? Or perhaps the ‘data’ part? Most people know they have some, but are unsure how to find it, analyse it, or what to do with it.

The other side of this coin is that we are told Data Science is essential to successful businesses, an in-demand skill and critical part of future jobs. So, is it scary or sought-after?

It’s not just people but businesses who find themselves wondering how to embrace Data Science. Skills Development Scotland reports that only 24% of businesses consider themselves ‘data mature’, leaving a large majority unconvinced by the need to upskill, reskill or recruit a data scientist.

That gap leaves a lot of room for the competition to surge ahead, and not just in growth but in all areas of business from reducing costs, streamlining processes, untangling logistics, understanding customer demands, assessing environmental/C02 impact, and building business plans and strategies based on timely facts and figures.

Perhaps we should re-interpret ‘Data Science’ and reflect that it has always been part of a business’s DNA, just hidden under the bonnet and perhaps a bit fragmented.

We gather feedback from our customers, measure our performance and set targets, we benchmark ourselves against industry rivals, we know how to rate suppliers, count customer footfall, calculate costs, and forecast cashflow.

But do we collect and collate that into a picture that shows exactly where the sticking points are? Where we could make improvements, or eliminate waste? Are we aware of how we can marry our data with other people’s data to see the big picture, predict future outcomes and identify opportunities? Do we have real businesses intelligence?

This is where ‘data science’ can fill a gap. Giving your team the skills and knowledge to gather, analyse, and visualise your organisation’s information lets you take a critical look at all aspects of your business, from admin to production, delivery, marketing, and sales.

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Aligning data from multiple sources will give you information to enhance customer services, organise supply chain logistics, streamline operations and deliver critical communications efficiently. And data is ubiquitous, it can be accessed from multiple sources, external and internal, including from current customers and suppliers.

By upskilling existing staff in data science, organisations will also benefit from their deeper knowledge of that business and at the same time reward them with high quality, in-demand training that builds confidence and loyalty and delivers true ROI.

Heriot-Watt’s Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship is an ideal way to facilitate this. Embedded into a programme of work-based learning, the GA delivers degree level education at BSc Hons level and opens access to the University’s academics and leading researchers. Fully funded by the Scottish Funding Council for eligible learners, GAs offer cost-effective talent development for organisations across Scotland.

You can find out more about the Heriot-Watt Data Science programme by visiting our Resource Centre.

And if you’d like to discuss how the programme can build key skills for your company, we’re exhibiting at DIGIT Leader 2022. Make sure you visit our stand and talk to the team about how Data Science can make your business better.