A data scientist is a professional who uses statistical methods, algorithms, and programming skills to analyze and interpret complex data. They help organizations make informed decisions by uncovering patterns and trends in large datasets. Their work often involves cleaning and organizing data, creating visualizations, and building predictive models. Data scientists typically have a background in fields such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics. They use tools like Python, R, and SQL to manipulate data and derive insights. Their expertise is valuable in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and marketing, where data-driven decision-making is essential.