If one follows closely what has happened in the area of data science, in general, and in higher ed in particular, then one might observe that a data scientist has additional job to do, which is to provide strategic information to the decision makers.

Consequently, this requires that data scientists (DSs) have to have various background, away from the traditional areas such as the ability to code or knowing basic statistics.  DSs have to equip themselves with different areas which traditionally belong to the CPA or MBA holders.  In other words, knowing how to code is no longer enough.  DSs are expected to be able to relate what the codes have outputted with the business metrics such as sale, revenue, and as far as product costing and new product development.

For example, in the east cost, some higher ed institutions are recruiting for those who have the ability to forecast students’ enrollment, both using econometric or time-series analyses.  Also the position requires that the DS is able to identify key metrics and find strategies to outsmart the competitors.

Years ago, folks in education industry used to identify other institutions as their “peers”.  But now, they are not shy to identify them as our “competitors“.