In the last decade, data science has become one of the most popular and in-demand fields of work. Data scientists are some of the highest-paid professionals in the world, and they get to use their skills to solve interesting problems. If you’re thinking about becoming a data scientist, here are four reasons who it is one of the best fields to get into:
1. High demand
On a global scale, governments and world superpowers use data science to protect their citizens. Important government data that falls into the wrong hands can be extremely detrimental, so governments rely on data scientists to protect themselves.
Data science is also a field that is constantly evolving. As more businesses rely on data to make decisions, the demand for data scientists will only continue to grow.
2. Competitive pay
The median starting salary for a data scientist is $95,000. As a data scientist moves into a mid-level or managerial role, this figure nearly doubles. With experience, a data scientist can realistically earn over $200,000 per year.
In addition to the high salary, data scientists also enjoy excellent job security. Data science is a field that will be around for years to come, and there is always going to be a need for talented professionals who can help organizations make sense of their data.
3. Challenging work
Data science is the perfect field for people who are curious and enjoy solving complex problems. As a data scientist, you’ll get to work on a variety of interesting projects that will challenge you intellectually. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills and technologies. Data science is a field that is constantly evolving, so there is always something new to learn.
4. Make a difference
About 82% of organizations don’t know where their critical data is kept. Since data is becoming more and more important in our world, data scientists play a vital role in helping organizations find and make use of their data.
Corporate data is always at risk due to numerous factors that impact business’ bottom lines every day. With cybersecurity at the forefront of every company’s budget, data scientists play a vital role in protecting businesses from both internal and external activities that leave them vulnerable to attacks.
How to Start Your Career in Data Science
If you’re interested in becoming a data scientist, there are a few things you can do to get started:
Enroll in a Master’s Program
If you want to get a Master of Data Science degree, there are many excellent programs to choose from. Do your research and choose a program that is accredited and will give you the skills you need to be successful in data science.
You can even get this credential online from some universities. This is a great option if you’re already working full-time or if you have other commitments that make it difficult to attend classes in person.
Get a Data Science Certification
Another option is to get a data science certification from an online provider like Coursera or edX. These courses will teach you the basics of data science and give you the opportunity to practice your skills.
Start Networking
If you want to become a data scientist, it’s important to start networking with other data scientists. Attend meetups, conferences, and online events. This will help you learn more about the field and make connections with other professionals.
You can also join online communities like Reddit’s r/datascience or Kaggle’s Data Science subreddit. These are great places to ask questions, learn from others, and stay up to date on the latest news in data science.
Summary
Data scientists enjoy high salaries, job security, interesting work, and the opportunity to make a difference in the world. If you’re interested in becoming a data scientist, there are many ways to get started. You can enroll in a Master’s program, get a data science certification, and begin networking to kickstart your career.
