Data Scientist Credits Doctorate For Success In Entrepreneurial Environments
What type of career would you recommend for someone wanting to cure the ills of society by addressing income inequality and social development? In the past, such a job description was undertaken by social workers and family practice attorneys -- people working in the social sciences. But, the recent rise of social media and domination of mobile devices has created a new career category in the science of data and deep politico-economic insights. A solid background in mathematics is now more likely to win a social media job.
Where the soft sciences once reigned supreme, there is now a need for scientists who can take on big data to understand social media and different markets and demographics, according to Tuan-Anh Tran, Ph.D., a data scientist at Misfit Wearables. In his career goal to impact social development and income inequality, Tran said he has succeeded in large part due to his doctorate education at Oxford University. His expertise lies in statistical analysis, advanced mathematics, model-based engineering and programming, strategic synthesis, and "market understanding."
Rather than focus on sociology or psychology, Tran's coursework appears to be the polar opposite: mathematical methods, engineering mathematics, electrical systems, advanced electronics, modelling dynamics and control, and statistical methods in economics. "My doctorate prepared me for a career working in highly entrepreneurial environments to build life-changing, productivity-enhancing electronics and software," Tran said. His education helped him build the foundation for a career at the intersection of social media, mobile devices, and big data.
Tran currently works at Misfit Wearables, which develops wearable and home-based mobile devices that promote health, wellness, and fitness. Jobs in the mobile or social network spheres are in high demand, and many of these opportunities require big data or science backgrounds. Job postings for social media positions have grown more than 1,300 percent since 2010, according to data from LinkedIn. San Francisco is the third most "social city" in the world, with only New York at number one and Los Angeles at number two, and is fertile ground for a social media career.
Residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Greg is a patented inventor, technology enthusiast and intrepid journalist. He finds inspiration in diverse experiences, organizations, people and places -- from restaurants to politics, movies, music and, most of all, his daughter.
