How to Become a Data Scientist: A Complete Guide

How to Become a Data Scientist: A Complete Guide

In today’s fast-paced digital world, companies are generating and collecting more data than ever before. The question is whether businesses are using this data to inform decisions, forecast future trends, and promote innovations. This is the role of data scientists—and the reason they are among the most in-demand professionals in the world.

If you are wondering how to become a data scientist, whether an MBA is the right path for you, and how to pick the right university for you—this blog has it all. We will also promote an exciting new opportunity at Chandigarh University, offered in academic collaboration with SAS, that can jump start your career in this highly valued profession.

Who is a Data Scientist?

Data scientists are professionals that generate insights from unstructured data. They apply various analytical approaches based in statistics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to find answers to complex business questions and ultimately help organizations make better decisions.

Data scientists operate at the intersection of technology and business strategy, employing quantitative techniques to find relationships and patterns in data that drive product and service development, marketing channels, financial forecasting, and more.

With the advent of Generative AI, the role of the data scientist has expanded again. Generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, DALL·E, and countless others are not only changing the way businesses interact with customers but redefining the boundaries of automation, content creation, predictive modelling, and other emergent ways to

extract value from data, across all domains.

Admissions Open 2025 - Apply Now

Why are Data Scientists in High Demand?

It is impossible to ignore that data dominates today's way of life (it is not only the giant hole of information dispensed through mobile apps and e-commerce in general— interactions with a smartphone, the number of transactions that generate a data point and even simple things that we do every day generate data points) and we don’t even realize it. Companies want to be able to:

  • Predict demand and consumption
  • Enhance supply chains
  • Identify fraud
  • Assign and/or automate tedious and time-consuming activities
  • Devise better marketing campaigns to produce a better ROI

But overall, there is a major lack and lack of emphasis on skilled data scientists to steward and communicate the data. According to IBM, the demand for employees who qualify in data science will increase by more than 28% by 2026, which makes it one of the best future-proof career paths today.

As Generative AI becomes more embedded in the everyday work of companies, whether it is synthetic data, or the simulation of human-like interactions, the opportunity for data professionals that understand both historic analytics, and next-generation AI will explode.

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Data Scientist?

To be a successful data scientist requires technical expertise, analytical capabilities, and business intuition.

Some Core Skill may include:

  • Programming: Python, R, SQL
  • Data manipulation: Excel, DBMS (SQL/MySQL)
  • Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI
  • Statistical Models, Machine Learning and AI Algorithms
  • Math and Statistics
  • Business Insights
  • Presentation Skills, and Communication
  • Generative AI tools and models (like: GPT, DALL·E, text-to-image and text-to-code type networks)

The data scientist of the future will be comfortable using generative models and prompt engineering, and will use AI systems to generate new ideas, improve productivity, or automate processes within their teams, departments, etc.

Admissions Open 2025 - Apply Now

Is an MBA the Right Degree to Become a Data Scientist?

Yes. In fact, many companies are looking for the new breed of professional that is well-rounded in data and the process of using it in the decision-making process of the business.

An MBA in data science and business analytics is a mixture of.

  • Managerial Skills (finance, HR, marketing)
  • Analytical Skills (machine learning, AI, data modeling)
  • Tool Skills (Python, SAS, Excel).

The really interesting combination is in building a dynamic profile: the persons that can a) still crunch the numbers, but b) can build teams, develop strategies, and drive growth with data. Generative AI is now starting to drive enterprise innovation, and MBA's with a technical context to generative AI tools will be best situated to lead that change.

The New Managerial Landscape: Why an MBA in Data Science Matters

The managerial environment is evolving quickly, given the advancements in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Generative AI and web-enabled business platforms. Organizations have also realized that traditional business intuition does not cut it. As the landscape continues to evolve, organizations are seeking leaders with the following attributes:

- Ability to interpret complicated datasets

- Ability to employ AI/ML models and generative tools to develop future actions or ideation

- Use of Data Science techniques in their everyday decision making

- Ability to embed data science activity into a business rationale

The mix of organizational leverage and financial advantages from employing these attributes has created a seismic shift in management education priorities and has rapidly propelled MBA programs with new concentrations in Data Science, AI and Business Analytics to a central focus in the collegiate landscape.

The CU Advantage: MBA in Data Science & AI in Collaboration with SAS

Chandigarh University's University School of Business (USB) has launched a New MBA in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, delivered by SAS - world leaders in analytics. This MBA is specially designed to teach learners the techniques to collect, analyze, and process data for real world business problem solving. Learners will learn to implement applications like neural networks, forecasting, and predictive algorithms that build intelligent business strategies; and generative AI models, and contemporary automating frameworks that are making business intelligence today.

Elective Specializations:

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Business Analytics

Why Choose Chandigarh University’s MBA in Data Science & AI?

Here's what sets this program apart:

SAS-Certified Advantage

You will achieve 5 SAS Digital Badges and 3 Global Certifications which will establish you as an analytics individual with analytic knowledge and skills which could be recognized by a few of the best top companies around the world:

You will master the Full Analytics Lifecycle

You will learn and be able to demonstrate the complete analytics lifecycle and apply advanced tools and concepts around AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), Generative AI, and Visual Analytics to support strategic decision making.

You will develop practical skills

You will have practical skills and experience through training in the following subjects:

  • Excel & Python
  • Tableau & Power BI
  • DBMS (SQL/MySQL)

You will have exposure and possibility to utilize Generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance business processes and decision making.

SAS Labs for Live Projects

Chandigarh University has SAS Labs that only students of this program will have access to.  Students will solve real-time business problems using SAS and other next-gen technologies.

Internship with placement support

You will have internship placements and placement support at SAS and corporate partners of Chandigarh University where you can demonstrate your skills to help gain a competitive advantage in the analytics job market.

Eligibility & Admission

The eligibility conditions to apply for the MBA in Data Science & AI at CU are:

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum 50% marks in Bachelor's Degree in any Subject
  • Demonstrate study of Mathematics/Statistics/Quantitative Techniques at 10+2 qualification or graduation

The Admission Process for the MBA in Data Science & AI is:

If you are excited to start your application with us, please follow the easy steps below:

  1. Register for CUCET: The first step and requirement is to register for Chandigarh University's entrance (CUCET) exam to assess your eligibility.
  2. Create an account and Schedule your exam: create your account and create a schedule to sit the exam.
  3. Prepare to Qualify CUCET: Qualify the entrance exam with the necessary scores for admission, and check availability for scholarships based on your performance.
Admissions Open 2025 - Apply Now

Career Prospects After This MBA

Graduates of this program are ready to enter high-demand, high-impact roles in fields like:

  • Data Scientist
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • AI/ML Engineer
  • Data Strategist
  • Analytics Consultant
  • Product Manager (Data & AI-centric)
  • Generative AI Business Analyst

Top recruiters include Deloitte, EY, TCS, Accenture, Mu Sigma, Infosys and many more—and packages start off ?6–12 LPA onwards for experienced candidates.

A Future-Proof Career Starts Here

With the exponential growth in data professional demand—The industry needs people who can take data science and communicate it into valuable business strategy. MBA in Data Science & AI, will merge the technical role, and also develop you into a practical situation of leading the organization's analytics.

Chandigarh University, has taken the MBA in Data Science & AI to a next level with the partnership with SAS that provides organized accredited certifications, real-time learning experiences, future tech exposure into Generative AI, and live projects.

If you are ready to be a part of the next generation of data-led leaders, now is the time to invest in yourself.

"The future is in the hands of those who can turn the data itself into decisions and the data-driven power and capabilities of the upcoming Generative AI, means your future is beyond limitless."

Learn More & Apply Now

Learn more and apply for MBA in Data Science & AI at Chandigarh University at www.cuchd.in  . You can start your journey into the world of data-fueled leaders.

Related Articles
Revolutionizing Media Education with Industry-Driven Learning & AI based curriculum at Chandigarh University, UP
Revolutionizing Media Education with Industry-Driven Learning & AI based curriculum at Chandigarh University, UP Why learn media studies in a similar cliché way, when you can join India’s First AI Augmented Multidisciplinary Univers...
Understanding the Human Experience- Humanities & Liberal Arts That Inspire Change At Chandigarh University, UP
Understanding the Human Experience- Humanities & Liberal Arts That Inspire Change At Chandigarh University, UP India’s First AI Augmented Multidisciplinary University, CU-UP, is breaking boundaries in the education sector by including arti...
Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games: 24 CU Students Selected to Represent India at the 2025 World University Games in Germany!
Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games: 24 CU Students Selected to Represent India at the 2025 World University Games in Germany! Renowned as India's No.1 Private University, Chandigarh University is proud to announce that 24 of our brilliant s...
Accelerate Your Career with Automobile Engineering at Chandigarh University
Accelerate Your Career with Automobile Engineering at Chandigarh University If the roar of an engine, thrill of speed on tarmac, and the science behind a well-engineered shift do give you goosebumps, then it's not fascination; it's passion. Automobi...
A Healthier Future & Transformative Education in Applied Sciences at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh
A Healthier Future & Transformative Education in Applied Sciences at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh India’s First AI Augmented Multidisciplinary University, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, is a fortress of innovation and a...