To succeed as a data scientist in 2025, you'll need a mix of technical, analytical, and business skills. Core competencies include programming in Python or R, expertise in SQL, and familiarity with big data tools like Spark or Hadoop. Machine learning, deep learning, and proficiency in AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) are essential. Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and statistical analysis skills will help in storytelling.