I want to know what a data scientist does, what the career options are, and whether it is worth attending a program for data science.
Background:
- B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley. Got top grades.
- J.D. from a good law school. Got good grades.
- I have been out of mechanical engineering for a while (~10 years) so I don't know what my value is in that market. It seems like it is not expanding much these days.
- Relocated to San Diego and in my early 30's.
- I have worked in law for a couple years I am absolutely hating it. I have also taught GRE and engineering courses in the past but don't see myself teaching professionally.
- I know some programming but forgot a lot of it and didn't like it too much. I don't have any real IT knowledge.
- Ultimately, I enjoy different types of problem solving and have solid communication skills.
I have heard that big data is a growing field. I don't know what it is really all about. What skills are required? What background do people typically need to do well? And is there any point in getting a degree? (somebody turned me on to a degree program in data science at UC Berkeley... but it takes two years and looks expensive.
I know that there are a lot of very smart guys and gals in the LRC so any help would be GREATLY appreciated!