Considering a career in data science? Many people are transitioning into this field (in which case, the need to invest in a CV writing service to tailor their CV to the new industry) or progressing towards a data science career from school, and this is for a good reason. Data science is currently one of the most sought-after roles and can provide all kinds of benefits, but it is also a unique and challenging role in a relatively new field. Therefore, it is helpful for people to be aware of a few of the main benefits and drawbacks of a career in data science before jumping feet first. So, if you are thinking of a career in data science, keep reading for all that you need to know.
It Is In Demand
One of the biggest pull factors for a career in data science is that it is in demand and has the fastest-growing role on LinkedIn. It is predicted that there will be 11.5 million jobs by 2026, so this is a field that should not be too challenging to find work in once you are ready, and it can provide job security. Data science is high in demand but low in supply, so now is the perfect time to embark on a career in this field.
It Is Well-Paid
Following this, you will also find that data science roles are well-paid as they are so in demand and can play such a beneficial role for businesses. According to the Tech Republic, the median base salary for data scientists is $130,000 with the potential to earn a lot more, so this is certainly a good field for those that want a lucrative career that would provide a very comfortable lifestyle for themselves.
You Can Work In Many Areas
These days, data science is used in just about every field. Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data allows organizations to make intelligent decisions, eliminate risk, identify patterns, predict behaviors, and much more. This means that you can find work in just about any area, such as business, healthcare, banking, sports, or any other field. You could also work for a data consulting agency, which would allow you to work with clients in various sectors, making the work versatile, varied, and interesting.
You Can Earn Online Qualifications
In a highly technical field such as this, qualifications are obviously essential. A masters is a qualification that every aspiring data scientist should strive for as this will develop the necessary skills and knowledge to rise to leadership roles and design and build processes for data modeling and production. You can earn an online masters in data science, which makes your studies more flexible and can be easier to fit into your schedule when you are working and have other responsibilities to manage.
It Is The “Sexiest Job Of The 21st Century.”
Back in 2012, Harvard Business Review deemed that the role of data scientist was “the sexiest job in the 21st century”. Make of that what you will, but it is said that the reason for this is that data scientists are essential for modern-day organizations looking to improve and profit from big data. When you factor in the demand, salary, and versatility, it is certainly clear that this is an excellent role that would allow for a lucrative, secure, and fulfilling career.
You Need A Strong Work Ethic
It is easy to look at the demand and salary for data scientists and believe that this is the job for you. However, even with the right qualifications, you will still need to have a strong work ethic because this is work that can be laborious, stressful, and challenging. You need to be self-motivated, meticulous, and willing to work long hours to succeed in this role. There is flexibility and the possibility for a good work-life balance, but it is also a lot of hard work, and you may end up working long hours on projects to meet deadlines.
It Is Highly Social
There is a misconception in tech roles such as this that it is antisocial work, but actually, the tech industry is incredibly social and can be good fun to work in. In addition to working alongside others, you will also need to build strong relationships with clients and be a good communicator. Networking is also a big part of data science and other tech roles, so you need to try to attend relevant industry events and try to build a large professional network that could come in handy when looking to make a change.
You Can Work Anywhere
One of the perks of a job that is in demand and across various sectors is that you can find work just about anywhere. Not only this, but a lot of the work can often be done entirely remotely, which will be a major pulling factor for many. This can make it easier for people to lead a healthy work-life balance and give them the chance to explore and live in different places if they wish.
It Is Constantly Changing
As a relatively new field and one reliant on emerging technologies, you need to be prepared to constantly change data science. This means that even once you have earned a qualification, you will need to try to continue to learn to stay current. This means that a career in data science is a lot of hard work, and you will need to commit to self-improvement outside of work, but it is also fascinating as data science goes from strength to strength and can make such a big difference in business and the world.
These are a few of the main aspects to be aware of with a career in data science. Of course, this is a role that many are looking to right now, and it is easy to see why when you look at the wide-ranging perks, but it is also a challenging role, and you need to know the benefits and drawbacks so you can make an informed decision before embarking on a new career path.
