Career Opportunities in Data Science

Those with expertise in data science have become essential to successful businesses. Data professionals with the skills to analyze, interpret and recommend data-driven decision making can help provide organizations with a competitive edge.  

Data scientists provide insights gleaned from data that organizations can use to make stronger decisions in many areas. For example, they provide data-backed guidance on developing more efficient internal operations and creating products that better meet consumer needs. They also anticipate those needs, leading to more focused and targeted marketing campaigns.  

Data-driven decisions alone make data scientists a worthwhile addition to a business, as they focus on identifying patterns and trends that can lead to improvements in products and services. However, their work also can improve internal operations, keeping businesses on pace with the competition. 

What is Data Science? 

Data science is an interdisciplinary field that employs statistical methods, software code and technology to extract valuable insights and knowledge from both structured and unstructured data. Combining expertise in statistics and computer science, data scientists uncover patterns, trends and actionable information from complex sets of data. By leveraging machine learning and advanced analytics, professionals in data science understand how to transform raw data into meaningful solutions, which can help drive innovation and problem-solving. 

Organizations across virtually every industry have uses for applied data science, including business, healthcare, finance, marketing, nonprofits, insurance, technology startups, and government agencies. Applied data science typically involves several steps, including data collection, data cleaning and preparation, data analysis, and data visualization. The insights gained through applied analytics can be used to inform business decisions, optimize processes, and improve outcomes. 

Data Science Career Options

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that data-related occupations will grow faster than the national average for all occupations through 2031. 

A graduate degree in data science could help qualify professionals for careers in the following roles.  

Data Scientist 

Data scientists analyze and interpret large complex data sets by utilizing algorithms to help businesses forecast long-term trends and predictions. They leverage a combination of statistical, mathematical, and programming skills and expertise. Data scientists often employ various techniques such as machine learning and data modeling to extract deep data insights used by decision-makers to formulate business strategy. 

The BLS projects a 35% increase in data scientist jobs over the next decade, far above the national average for all occupations. The median salary for data scientists nationwide also has reached $103,500, according to the latest salary data from the BLS. 

Data Analyst 

A data analyst analyzes raw data to provide organizations with meaningful information to support strategic decision-making and guide current, more short-term strategy. Using an array of statistical techniques, data analysts clean, organize, and analyze data sets to identify trends, patterns and correlations and then communicate their findings clearly to decision-makers.  

Data Engineer 

Data engineers develop, construct, test and maintain data architectures (databases, large-scale processing systems) to support data generation and consumption. They build the infrastructure necessary for data generation, transformation and storage, ensuring its reliability and scalability. Data engineers work closely with data scientists and analysts, providing the foundational infrastructure to support their work. 

Machine Learning Engineer 

Machine learning engineers design, implement and deploy machine learning models and algorithms for predictive and prescriptive analytics. Machine learning engineers work with large datasets, select and fine-tuning algorithms, and develop systems that can learn and improve over time. Machine learning engineers are crucial in deploying and maintaining machine learning solutions, ensuring their integration into real-world applications across various industries. 

Business Analyst

A business analyst analyzes and assesses business processes, systems and operations to identify opportunities for improvement and optimization. Their role involves understanding the business’s goals and objectives, gathering and analyzing data, and providing recommendations to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and overall performance. Business analysts bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions, often working closely with stakeholders, project managers, and IT teams. 

Data Science Career Opportunities and Growth Potential 

For its online Master of Science in Applied Data Science, Eastern Connecticut State University (Eastern) refers to applied data science as the ability to “collect, interpret and convey information from data in a meaningful way.” Professor and program coordinator Dr. Garrett Dancik adds that, “data science is a field that helps others make better decisions.” For those considering a graduate degree in a data-related field, an applied data science program dives deeper into topics like machine learning, predictive modeling and data visualization to provide students with the knowledge to tell the story of data in a data-centric business world.   

*National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. The information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of job titles, and degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.