Data scientists use cutting-edge computing technology to make sense of big data, and demand for these experts is high. If you’re a student exploring career options or contemplating a career change, you are probably curious if data science is a good career.
Data science has made solutions to many problems in society and business accessible. Many people have left careers in other fields to pursue it, undeterred by its technical nature.
Does this mean data science is a good choice? We’ll address this question and provide 17 reasons why it could be one of today’s top career options. We’ll also share tips on how to start a fulfilling data science career.
Yes! In fact, data science careers are among the best paying. However, Chris Holdgraf, the director of International Interactive Computing Collaboration, also contends that this profession offers an opportunity to solve meaningful problems for different communities.
This versatile discipline allows you to work in many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and financial services. As for job security, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 35% growth in the employment of data scientists between 2022 and 2032.
If you’re considering a career in data science, here are 17 reasons below why this could be a great choice.
As mentioned above, careers in data science pay well. The average base salary for a data scientist is $123,080, and the average total compensation package is $179,687.
Entry-level data scientists earn about $60,000 for their base salary. Those in management and senior data scientist positions may earn well over $400,000. For an in-depth look, check out this list on Interview Query of the highest-paying data science jobs.
Securing a good job is becoming challenging. Some sources state that applicants should expect to wait at least 44 days after sending applications to receive their first offer.
However, many firms are working to build data analytics divisions within their companies, and as mentioned earlier, the demand for data scientists is projected to last for years. This should make it easier to secure a job in data science if you have the right skill set.
At a time when the emergence of AI is threatening certain jobs, a career in data science is considered relatively secure, especially for those learning to use AI to improve data analysis.
Although AI is useful in data analysis, data scientists are still needed to make algorithmic decisions, break down complicated problems, and connect business problems with technical solutions.
The work done by data scientists is already improving the lives of many people. Data science is currently used in healthcare to predict disease outbreaks and personalize patient treatment. It’s also helping to combat healthcare fraud and accelerate the discovery of new drugs.
In the energy industry, data science is used to optimize operations and cut costs. Data from energy sources, e.g., solar panels and turbines, can be analyzed to improve the network’s reliability and help develop better storage solutions.
As a data scientist, you can find employment opportunities in many industries, including:
Whichever your area of interest, you’re likely to find a role for a data scientist.
Data science can influence almost every part of a business. The insights from data analysis can be used to make better business decisions. However, analyzing data can also help when making hiring decisions, identifying new business opportunities, identifying fraud, optimizing advertising and sales strategies, planning for the future, etc.
Data scientists often work closely with other experts, including software engineers, data analysts, machine learning engineers, and data engineers. Additionally, they must collaborate with or report to other departments and managers.
This creates opportunities to learn from and exchange ideas with other experts, which can enhance your career growth.
Your data science career can begin as a junior data scientist under someone in a senior role. As your skills improve, you can rise to mid-level positions such as senior data scientist or business analyst.
With enough time and experience, you can also become a principal or lead data scientist. You may also qualify for wider-reaching roles such as chief technology officer. Learn more on Interview Query about the skills progression for a data scientist.
You can take different educational routes to become a data scientist. Some universities offer data science as a minor. When looking for a job, data science skills, in addition to your major, can make you more marketable.
You can also pursue data science as a master’s degree or take data science courses online. With more employers prioritizing skills over certificates, the possibilities for learning data science are limitless.
Many cutting-edge sectors require data scientists, including natural language processing, advanced robotics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. A career in data science allows you to work on these futuristic projects and more.
To find out more about the kinds of projects data scientists work on, check out this list of data science projects on Interview Query.
In many companies, every aspect of the data scientist role is done remotely. This is convenient because it cuts out commuting so you can focus on the important stuff and allows you to work for overseas companies that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Many of the biggest companies in the world rely on analytics. This has created great internship opportunities for upcoming data scientists. Some companies offering internships in data science include Honeywell, TikTok, Microsoft, and GE Healthcare.
Check out this list of top data science companies on Interview Query to see the companies you could intern for.
The field of data science is relatively new, but this growing community is also tight-knit. Fresh data scientists can access the expertise and support of experienced seniors with different backgrounds, leading to professional and personal growth opportunities.
Data science, powered by tools like big data and machine learning, has enabled faster breakthroughs. One example is how data science is speeding up drug discoveries. This means you may not have to wait for years to experience a career-defining moment.
With data science skills, you can also become your own boss and set up a consultancy. Many companies need data analytics but are not ready to create an in-house analytics team or don’t need one. This creates opportunities for you to work as an external consultant.
According to a Career Explorer survey, the average career happiness score for data scientists was 3.3 out of 5. This means that a good number of data scientists were happy with their salaries, found meaning in their jobs, enjoyed their work environments, etc.
Switching to a data science career doesn’t mean your previous skills and domain knowledge won’t be useful. If you prefer, you can take on data science roles that benefit from your domain knowledge and skills, allowing you to build your new career on top of your existing one.
Undergraduate degrees in data science are still uncommon, but a degree in one of these areas or a related field will be an advantage in this career. These fields form the foundations of data science, and the knowledge will help you when learning or practicing.
Online courses are a great way to learn data science skills and earn certificates. These courses are less expensive than a university degree. They also make a lot of sense if you already have an undergraduate degree and are just looking to upskill before applying for data science jobs.
Data science projects allow you to practice your skills, learn new ones, and become familiar with the types of problems you’ll work on as a data scientist. These projects can also be added to your resume to demonstrate your skills when applying for jobs.
Many companies rely on connections and referrals to recruit new talent. To take advantage of this, start building your professional network early in your data science journey. Building a network with data professionals puts you on their radar in case their companies or someone else needs a referral. Networking also gives you opportunities to learn from other professionals.
You won’t start at the top if you have no prior experience in data science. However, getting a data science internship and an entry-level position will help you climb the ladder eventually.
Careers in data science come with challenges, such as the need for domain knowledge to work in certain fields like healthcare, keeping up with the latest analytics tools and methods, and becoming proficient in the different technical fields in data science.
Individuals with good technical and analytical skills and a passion for coding and problem-solving excel in data science. It’s also a good option for individuals who’ve studied software engineering or worked in such a capacity.
Check out our comparison of data science and computer science careers to decide if data science is better for you.
Programming is an important skill for data scientists. You’ll need coding to use many data science tools. The two commonly used programming languages in data science are Python and R.
Interview Query offers a Python learning path where you can review the basics of Python and go over some coding interview questions.
The demand for data scientists is high because most companies need their problem-solving skills. This career comes with great pay and opportunities to grow and work on interesting projects. Many data scientists are enjoying their careers, and you probably will, too.
At Interview Query, our goal is to accelerate your career in data science. We have a data science learning path you can use to refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals, we provide company-specific questions asked in data science interviews. Also, you can compare the salaries for this position at various companies or view our data scientist company interview guides.
As a data scientist, you could play a key role in answering this generation’s big questions, and that would be a worthwhile career.
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