Advantages of a Career in Data Science
As the rampant growth of data science continues across industries, the opportunities are plenty for both aspiring and expert data scientists. Here is an overview of data science industries, opportunities and work locations.
By Jay Taylor.
The rapidly progressive new forms of technology in our world exhale big data as a byproduct. It’s everywhere: from the information housed in our smartphones and related apps to the concept of a self-driving car. This is a modern phenomenon that is making data scientists increasingly necessary. As proclaimed as the sexiest career path of the 21st century, data science will only continue to expand and develop in the coming years.
Due to the novelty of this profession, a lot of people are still not entirely aware of the multitude of possibilities that are correlative to being a data scientist. Those interested in this field of work can look forward to both an auspicious career and an outstanding salary.
Many specific industries are necessitating a high demand for those well versed in data science. Not surprisingly, the largest arena is the technology sector with about 41% of the total in-demand workforce outlook. Beyond the obvious applications to tech, work in corporate setting, marketing, consulting, healthcare, and financial services also hold promise. There is also much potential scattered across job outlook in the fields of government, academia, retail and of course gaming.
Many reputable publications are holding data science as a hot profession. In fact, Glassdoor named data science the Top Job in America for 2016.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of room for new people to with nearly 80% of data scientists reporting a shortage in their field. The volume of work for data architects is massive; the projected growth over the next decade is 3% higher than the estimated growth for all other fields of work.
So one thing is certain: the outlook for growth in the field of data science is blooming and there is room for this growth. And a byproduct is the expansive availability of degree programs centered around big data and related college pathways.
Many online and brick and mortar schools are offering Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for data science. For example, Arizona State University Online offers a BS and MS in data sciences but also offers an undergraduate certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics. The range of options available is evidence that what was once a specialized discipline is now evergreen and relevant to other cross examined areas of study.
Furthermore, programs such as the Big Data Challenge by University of Toronto are encouraging high school aged students to partake in STEM learning through big data studies. Big data will be prevalent at an exponential rate, and this further solidifies the promise for a future of digital natives armed with an articulate data science knowledge base. Simply put, data science should be studied at all educational levels.
Once a career path is established, questions may be lurking for the data scientist to be: where is the best place to live to land a truly exceptional job? Where’s the potential at?
Considering the following variables can certainly help lead you to success: effective analytics communication is a must, relocation is a possibility, and interaction with other data scientists in the industry is crucial.
The first involves elaborate and technical work within big data. These types of data driven results must be understood by coworkers and managers that may not have as much technical knowledge as you do. It’s important for data miners to know how spell out dense situations in layman’s terms.
Images courtesy of Rutgers University Online
The willingness to move to either the West or East Coast is a practical mindset to have if you want to go far with big data studies. 75% of available jobs are found along either coastline with the majority centered around Silicon Valley.
Lastly, you must be a figure in the industry and constantly interact with those who are making big leaps for big data. This is advice that is common to all types of work: relationship building and learning from your peers creates future opportunities with that group, especially in intricately driven niches of technology.
Author Bio: Jay Taylor is student and aspiring musician from the Northwest. He is most passionate about the environment, technology, music theory, and the well-being of others.
Post based on this infographic:
online.rutgers.edu/resources/infographics/what-can-you-do-with-a-career-in-data-science/
Infographic Data Sources:
www.burtchworks.com/files/2014/07/Burtch-Works-Study_DS_final.pdf
www.mastersindatascience.org/careers/data-scientist/
www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Scientist,_IT/Salary
www.glassdoor.com/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm
businessoverbroadway.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/datascienceblogjobroles.png
www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/18/white-house-names-dr-dj-patil-first-us-chief-data-scientist
www.linkedin.com/in/dpatil
hbr.org/2012/10/data-scientist-the-sexiest-job-of-the-21st-century/
http://visit.crowdflower.com/2015-data-scientist-report
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm#tab-6
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/data-scientist-jobs-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
http://lifehacker.com/career-spotlight-what-i-do-as-a-data-scientist-1684793405
Related:
