Home Forums SQLServerCentral.com Editorials Becoming a Data Scientist RE: Becoming a Data Scientist

  • April 27, 2017 at 8:50 am

    #1940227

    Eric M Russell - Thursday, April 27, 2017 8:38 AM

    Rod at work - Thursday, April 27, 2017 8:25 AM

    Tony++ (love that "++", btw), your post makes me wonder, are certain places better for data scientists than others? For example, when I was unemployed a few years ago, I went to the unemployment office several times seeking help and direction. During one of those visits the counselor that mentioned that I might have a harder time finding a new job in this state because for the most part most developer positions are for what he called, "lunchbox programmers". I didn't fit in with that.

    So perhaps the same is true about data scientists? Are more jobs for them in places like Silicon Valley, NYC or other major places of commerce?

    What is meant by the term "lunchbox programmer"; I googled it and found nothing specific, except for an IT staffing agency called "LunchBox". Perhaps lunch-boxing refers younger folks who pack their lunch to work and eat together as a group?

    Sorry, it was a phrase that counselor at the unemployment office used. By "lunchbox programmer" he meant that the developer basically just writes simpler apps. They're not working at the latest level. Think of someone who writes simple queries, brings up reports either in MS Access or Crystal. Sort of like someone who punches in and out each day. I know most programmers, DBAs and the like don't, even in this state, but that's the idea. They work on what's been proven to work about 5 to 10 years ago and basically always do that. Not really interested in learning anything new. I hate to say it of the state I work in, but that describes the majority of developers here. There are exceptions and truly cutting edge development does occur here, but it is the rare exception rather than the rule.

    Kindest Regards, Rod Connect with me on LinkedIn.