What are the Careers You Can Have As A Data Scientist

For four years in a row, data scientist has been named the number one job in the U.S. What’s more, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for data science skills will drive a 27.9 percent rise in employment in the field through 2026. Not only is there a huge demand, but there is also a noticeable shortage of qualified data scientists.

If you have a passion for computers, math, and discovering answers through data analysis, then earning an advanced degree in data science or data analytics might be your next step.

What is Data Science?

Martin Schedlbauer, PhD and data science professor at Northeastern University, says that data science is used by “computing professionals who have the skills for collecting, shaping, storing, managing, and analyzing data [as an] important resource for organizations to allow for data-driven decision making.” Almost every interaction with technology includes data—your Amazon purchases, Facebook feed, Netflix recommendations, and even the facial recognition required to sign in to your phone.

Amazon is a prime example of just how helpful data collection can be for the average shopper. Amazon’s data sets remember what you’ve purchased, what you’ve paid, and what you’ve searched. This allows Amazon to customize its subsequent homepage views to fit your needs. For example, if you search camping gear, baby items, and groceries, Amazon will not spam you with ads or product recommendations for geriatric vitamins. Instead, you are going to see items that may actually benefit you, such as a compact camping high chair for infants.”

Data science benefits both companies and consumers alike.Data science can simultaneously increase retailer profitability and save consumers money, which is a win-win for a healthy economy.

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Why is Data Science Important? 

Data science enables retailers to influence our purchasing habits, but the importance of gathering data extends much further.

Data science can improve public health through wearable trackers that motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits and can alert people to potentially critical health issues. Data can also improve diagnostic accuracy, accelerate finding cures for specific diseases, or even stop the spread of a virus. When the Ebola virus outbreak hit West Africa in 2014, scientists were able to track the spread of the disease and predict the areas most vulnerable to the illness. This data helped health officials get in front of the outbreak and prevent it from becoming a worldwide epidemic.

Data science has critical applications across most industries. For example, data is used by farmers for efficient food growth and delivery and by food suppliers to cut down on food waste.

Pursuing a career in data science is a smart move, not just because it is trendy and pays well, but because data very well may be the pivot point on which the entire economy turns.

In-Demand Data Science Careers

Data science experts are needed in virtually every job sector—not just in technology. In fact, the five biggest tech companies—Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook—only employ one-half of one percent of U.S. employees.

“Data scientists are highly educated–88 percent have at least a master’s degree and 46 percent have PhDs–and while there are notable exceptions, a very strong educational background is usually required to develop the depth of knowledge necessary to be a data scientist,” reports a leading site on Big Data.

Here are some of the leading data science careers you can break into with an advanced degree.

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1. Data Scientist

Average Salary: $117,212

Typical Job Requirements: Find, clean, and organize data for companies. Data scientists will need to be able to analyze large amounts of complex raw and processed information to find patterns that will benefit an organization and help drive strategic business decisions. Compared to data analysts, data scientists are much more technical.

2. Machine Learning Engineer

Average Salary: $131,001

Typical Job Requirements: Machine learning engineers create data funnels and deliver software solutions. They typically need strong statistics and programming skills, as well as a knowledge of software engineering. In addition to designing and building machine learning systems, they are also responsible for running tests and experiments to monitor the performance and functionality of such systems.

3. Machine Learning Scientist

Average Salary: $137,053

Typical Job Requirements: Research new data approaches and algorithms to be used in adaptive systems including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning techniques. Machine learning scientists often go by titles like Research Scientist or Research Engineer.

4. Applications Architect

Average Salary: $129,000

Typical Job Requirements: Track the behavior of applications used within a business and how they interact with each other and with users. Applications architects are focused on designing the architecture of applications as well, including building components like user interface and infrastructure.

5. Enterprise Architect

Average Salary: $150,782

Typical Job Requirements: An enterprise architect is responsible for aligning an organization’s strategy with the technology needed to execute its objectives. To do so, they must have a complete understanding of the business and its technology needs in order to design the systems architecture required to meet those needs.

6. Data Architect

Average Salary: $118,868

Typical Job Requirements: Ensure data solutions are built for performance and design analytics applications for multiple platforms. In addition to creating new database systems, data architects often find ways to improve the performance and functionality of existing systems, as well as working to provide access to database administrators and analysts.

7. Infrastructure Architect

Average Salary: $127,676

Typical Job Requirements: Oversee that all business systems are working optimally and can support the development of new technologies and system requirements. A similar job title is Cloud Infrastructure Architect, which oversees a company’s cloud computing strategy.

8. Data Engineer

Average Salary: $112,493

Typical Job Requirements: Perform batch processing or real-time processing on gathered and stored data. Data engineers are also responsible for building and maintaining data pipelines that create a robust and interconnected data ecosystem within an organization, making information accessible for data scientists.

9. Business Intelligence (BI) Developer

Average Salary: $92,013

Typical Job Requirements: BI developers design and develop strategies to assist business users in quickly finding the information they need to make better business decisions. Extremely data-savvy, they use BI tools or develop custom BI analytic applications to facilitate the end-users’ understanding of their systems.

10. Statistician

Average Salary: $88,989

Typical Job Requirements: Statisticians work to collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to identify trends and relationships which can be used to inform organizational decision-making. Additionally, the daily responsibilities of statisticians often include designing data collection processes, communicating findings to stakeholders, and advising organizational strategy.

11. Data Analyst

Average Salary: $69,517

Typical Job Requirements: Transform and manipulate large data sets to suit the desired analysis for companies. For many companies, this role can also include tracking web analytics and analyzing A/B testing. Data analysts also aid in the decision-making process by preparing reports for organizational leaders which effectively communicate trends and insights obtained from their analysis.

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Data Scientists Are in Constant Demand

While some data science work will likely be automated within the next 10 years, “there is a clear need for professionals who understand a business need, can devise a data-oriented solution, and then implement that solution.”

Data science experts are needed in almost every field, from government security to dating apps. Millions of businesses and government departments rely on big data to succeed and better serve their customers. Data science careers are in high demand and this trend will not be slowing down any time soon, if ever.

Breaking Into the Field

If you want to break into the field of data science, there are a number of ways you can prepare yourself to take on these challenging yet exciting roles. Perhaps most importantly, you will need to impress future employers by demonstrating your expertise and previous work experience. One such way you can build those skills and experience is to pursue an advanced degree program in your area of interest.

Both programs also provide students with the opportunity to participate in co-ops and experiential learning experiences, allowing them to build hands-on experience prior to graduating. Once you have considered factors like your personal background, interests, and career aspirations, you will be able to determine which degree program is right for you and take the next step towards achieving your goals.

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