A Field by Any Other Name

Abstract

I have often been asked, “What do you have to study to be a data miner?” or “What skills should we look for in hiring data miners?” I think there are three success factors that have little to do with one’s specific academic training: an analytic mindset, attention to detail, and a rigorous appreciation of and adherence to the scientific method. It is also important that data mining practitioners know their limitations and understand that the success of any project depends on working closely with the people who will be using the solution. Successful data miners do not build solutions in isolation; they take the time to understand the problem and the data before even beginning to consider a technological approach.