Information and data are increasingly relevant to companies and clients across industries, and the data science field has expanded to accommodate this growth. While many people who pursue careers in data science are interested in becoming data scientists or analysts, there are other data science careers beyond those choices. There are numerous jobs without the Data Scientist title whose tasks and responsibilities require data science skills. The following article focuses on those types of data science jobs.
Data Scientist Title Vs. Data Science Jobs
Today’s data-driven world has prompted an increased demand for data scientists and analysts. However, these are not the only data science jobs available to those interested in breaking into the field. Data science jobs include a number of roles and responsibilities that require the organization, analysis, and management of information and data. And while the role of a Data Scientist or analyst encompasses a range of skills, other data science jobs focus on a specific data skill set. For example, some data science jobs require training and certification in a particular database, while others require the analysis of data using a particular tool or process.
As more industries invest in big data for decision-making and problem-solving, it is anticipated that the number of data science jobs will grow in response. So, training in data science prepares learners for positions as data scientists today, as well as positions developed down the road to meet new demands. These future-focused data science jobs reflect the needs of the data science industry for the maintenance and development of data infrastructure and machine learning models, as well as the security and accessibility of information and data for users and stakeholders.
In-Demand Jobs That Use Data Science
The following positions represent in-demand jobs that require knowledge of data science, although they are not eponymous Data Scientist jobs.
1. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are in high demand for positions requiring data science for finance and investing. Depending on the company and position, financial analysts require skills such as using business intelligence (BI) tools, calculating and assessing risk, and using algorithms and machine learning models to manage investment portfolios and accounts. The financial industry has embraced technology, giving birth to the FinTech industry, which needs people with data science skills to work as financial analysts who understand cryptocurrency and the development of mobile applications and platforms. Some Financial Analyst positions also involve using predictive analytics and BI tools for business decision-making and often fall under the Business Analyst title.
2. Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage the storage and accessibility of data, an important role that requires knowledge of the software and systems used to manage data. As more companies rely on complex database management systems and cloud providers to store and retrieve data, more data scientists are expanding their skills by learning database design. Depending on the company, this data science job may require certification in a particular database management system in addition to data science training. For example, supplementing your knowledge of the SQL programming language and database design with certification in enterprise platforms like Oracle MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server can be helpful when pursuing a job in database administration or management. In addition, this job is similar to database developers and data architects who also use data science and database design.
3. Machine Learning Engineer
Data scientists often have general knowledge of automation and machine learning, but machine learning engineers are specialists in this field, programming machines using complex models and algorithms. Machine learning engineers primarily use data science in their jobs by developing, training, and evaluating machine learning models which can be used to make decisions or program systems. There is a strong interest in artificial intelligence, engineering, and robots across industries, requiring skills that combine programming engineering and data analytics. So, machine learning engineers can be found in many research labs, technology companies, and other businesses and institutions that require data science teams or STEM professionals. This type of position is sometimes called “Data Engineer.”
4. Information Specialist
The field of information technology (IT) is vast and encompasses multiple areas, from cybersecurity to library science. Reflecting this diversity of professions, information specialists are any positions that focus on the collection, management, and sharing of information and data. Information specialists usually have positions where they manage and facilitate access to large stores of public data (like libraries and archives) or the protection and security of private and personally identifiable information (IT, Information Services, and Security). Information science has many similarities to data science. Many students and professionals receive IT training as part of data science training and specialize in data collection and storage for a specific field or industry. For example, data science jobs within healthcare are in-demand, so health information specialistscan receive data science training that focuses on public health or medical data to break into this industry.
5. Statistician
Many of the skills required to become a Data Scientist, analyst, or engineer come from statistics. Statisticians use statistical analysis software and tools to learn more about information and data. This role focuses on analyzing datasets and visualizing the findings through reports and presentations. Statistics-based data science jobs involve data-driven research and mathematical formulas and are usually found within the government, economics, public policy, and other industries where there is a need to develop studies and analyses of a population or problem over time. Consequently, statisticians usually require more formal education, training, and research experience than other data science jobs.
Interested in Data Science Jobs?
Many jobs require data science skills, even without the title. If you want to learn more about using data science in your current job or future career, consider enrolling in Noble Desktop's data science classes to improve your skills. The Data Science Certificate course offers a well-rounded approach to information and data applicable to numerous fields and industries. INoble Desktop also offers specialized data science boot camps such as the FinTech Bootcamp for financial analysis and the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp for training in machine learning algorithms.