Introduction 

If you have ever thought about pursuing a career in data science, now would be a great time to make the pivot. The data science job market continues to grow, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects a 35% increase in new openings from 2022 to 2032. 

But if you don’t have work experience with a data science title, you may need to think outside the box to get your foot in the door. But fear not. With a deeper understanding of the role, the necessary skills, and how to demonstrate them to hiring managers, you can open yourself up to exciting, lucrative opportunities in the tech industry. 

Data Science vs. Data Analytics 

Before we get into the path toward a successful data science career, let’s clarify the distinction between a role in data science versus data analytics.  

While both involve working with data to gain insights, data science focuses on collecting, managing, and building models to predict future outcomes, requiring expertise in programming languages like Python and machine learning techniques, and data analytics centers on analyzing existing data to inform present decisions, often using tools like Excel and SQL. 

The Benefits of Pursuing a Data Science Career 

Data scientist salaries start with an average of $80,000 to $90,000 and scale up rapidly, with lead data scientists earning anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000, sometimes even higher.  

Data scientists also find financial stability thanks to the field’s versatility, with a demand in most industries domestically and abroad. This means that you could potentially work for a bank, in e-commerce, for a healthcare facility, or even for a global conglomerate. Data science’s broad applicability across fields also increases its demand, giving workers the freedom to apply their skills in an area that aligns with values and interests, and to move on to a new area if that appeals to them down the road.  

In addition to career durability, a job in data science offers opportunities to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and influence key business decisions through data-driven insights – making the opportunity as engaging as it is lucrative.

Recommended Courses and Essential Skills for Data Scientists  

To thrive as a data scientist, you’ll need to develop strong skills in math, statistics, and computer science, with a particular focus on programming languages like Python or R. Coding is a core