What Is a Part Time Data Science and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Part-time data science jobs focus on the collection, analysis, and manipulation of data sets. In this role, you can either work for one employer or freelance on a per-project basis. As a data scientist or data analyst, you mine and analyze information. Your duties also include using statistics and math on the data sets to develop algorithms and models that perform specific processes or aid with your employer’s decision-making. Machine learning engineers use data to create algorithms that help computers and machines process information in structured and unstructured environments and make decisions or take actions based on the data.

The qualifications that you need to get a part-time data science job include a degree or equivalent experience and mathematical skills. Employers and clients expect you to know statistical computer languages, such as Python, R, and SQL, and computer coding languages like Java and C++. According to the University of Wisconsin, 88% of data scientists have at least a master’s degree. These degrees are in computer science, applied math, statistics, machine learning, or a related field. Part-time data science experts often handle their responsibilities as part of a team that includes other experts, so you need communication and teamwork skills.