Of the many STEM fields and industries, Data Science is widely perceived to have a positive job outlook because the demand for data scientists and data science-focused positions has grown exponentially. Data science is projected to continue to grow over time. Whether you are interested in starting on a data science career path or looking to transfer your data science skills to new opportunities, there are many paths to prosperity in this fast-growing field, making this an excellent time to investigate job prospects!
The Demand for Data Scientists
As more industries become invested in applying data science to solve business problems and create results, demand for data scientists will continue to grow, for employers and employees alike. Data Science Specialist is listed as one of LinkedIn's “Top 15 In-Demand Jobs of 2021." U.S.News also ranks the role of Data Scientist as a Top 10 Best Job in 2022 and a Top Job in Technology and STEM. There is a positive outlook for the role of data scientists in multiple fields and career paths.
Statistics for the next two decades also project that the demand for data scientists will increase over time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that big data will open up many opportunities to pursue a career in mathematical operations and other data science-focused specializations such as statistics and research analysis. There is an expected 33.8% increase in employment growth for statisticians from 2016 to 2026 and a 27.4% growth for research analysts and information scientists. Most of this job growth is a result of increased demand for data scientists.
Data Scientist Career Path and Demand
Most data scientists begin their careers working in essential or entry-level data science roles. On-the-job experience–including working on collaborative teams–and continued learning, provide opportunities to advance to positions requiring more advanced skills and eventually to a supervisory role. Depending on industry and experience, each phase of a data science career can lead you to a unique career path and outlook.
Data Analyst
Data analysis is another in-demand field. And while data analysts have many of the same skills as data scientists, this position requires less advanced data science knowledge and would be considered the first step on a data science career path. For example, while data scientists are expected to understand programming languages and database design, data analysts use business intelligence tools and statistical analysis software. Within business analytics, there are many ways that data analysts can build a career using their skills in predictive analytics, as well as their understanding of new tools and platforms. Professionals looking for more experience in data science can begin as data analysts and chart a path toward other data science careers.
Data or Information Scientist
Data scientists have a range of skills that can be applied to projects in information technology and data storage, as well as to positions in marketing, advertising, and media. So, multiple fields and industries are looking to hire data scientists with the combination of experience and skills they need.
The finance field offers a positive job outlook for data scientists, and financial data scientists are in particularly high demand for their ability to extrapolate data for more informed business decisions and to improve the development of financial technology. Data science is also closely related to information science, which has seen growth in areas like cybersecurity and database administration. Data science skills can be transferred to many roles and titles.
Data Engineer or Developer
Data engineers or developers are widely considered to be the future of data science and the demand for people to fill these positions has spilled over beyond the data science industry. It is possible that Data Engineer and developer positions will eventually outpace the popularity and job outlook of data scientists. A strong background in computer science and engineering, as well as data architecture and the systems behind data management software and databases, is what differentiates data engineers and developers from other data science roles. Data engineers may also have training in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and database design and development. Data engineers and developers are in great demand in industries and companies that work with big data. A Data Engineer is also an excellent career to pursue after gaining professional or project-based experience as a Data Scientist or Database Administrator.
Data Leadership and Management
While many people are currently pursuing new careers in data science, upper-level roles in data leadership and team management are available for data science professionals with some background and experience in the field. There is high demand for people with experience who can lead projects, teams, and companies that manage information, data, and other professionals. Data leadership roles exist on multiple levels, from project lead in a data science team to analytics leadership roles such as Chief Data Officer (CDO) within a company. Data leadership and management roles provide industry knowledge and expertise to lead a company, or even an industry, toward its vision for the future. Today’s novice data scientists and analysts
Can look forward to taking on any number of management roles and executive positions during the latter part of their careers.
Opportunities and Outlook for Data Scientists
Data analysts and scientists with a fundamental knowledge of data science can pursue multiple opportunities in finance and investing, computer programming, and web design and development. Data scientists at the engineering or development level can transition into careers such as software engineering and development, or even information technology, cybersecurity, and database administration.
Those who excel in data leadership and management can also find opportunities in careers that focus on project management and problem-solving, whether in entrepreneurial and corporate roles or supervisory positions in government, research, and technology companies. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced Data Scientist, the job outlook in this field is just as positive outside of the industry as in it!
Want to Get Your Start in This Fast-growing Field?
The expectation is that employment opportunities and careers in data science will only continue to grow. Noble Desktop's data science classes and certificates introduce students and professionals to the skills needed to excel in this fast-growing field. For novices, the Data Science Certificate includes both practical training and professional development. The Data Analytics Certificate is also an excellent option for working in business, finance, and information technology. And the Python for Data Science Bootcamp is the go-to course for aspiring data engineers and developers!