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Is Data Science the Right Path for You? Learn How UVA Prepares You for Success
Data is everywhere – and so is the demand for people who know how to use it. Organizations across every industry are searching for professionals who can translate complex information into actionable insights. That’s why careers in data science are booming. If you’re wondering whether data science is the right path for you, here’s a quick look at the field, the skills you’ll need, and the opportunities that await.
TL;DR
- Data science job opportunities are predicted to grow by 36% over the next decade. That’s 9X the national average.
- Data scientists are vital to every sector; from healthcare to consumer goods, every organization has data that’s not being utilized effectively.
- Core skills needed are programming for data science, statistics, data visualization, and collaboration.
Numbers swirl around us constantly. How many times it took to pass a test, how many people use certain products, and even how much it costs the government to support its citizens. On the surface, the numbers only tell us so much; the real value comes from decoding the data, drawing meaningful conclusions, and making data-driven decisions.
That’s where data scientists come in.
Working for a city, data scientists might analyze transportation data to identify the best locations for bike lanes and traffic lights. In the healthcare space, data scientists can comb through patient records to understand how effective treatments are across different populations.
Whether you dream of working in the startup world or making a difference in the government, data science roles and responsibilities are more important than ever before. Once you secure the data scientist’s technical skills in school, the opportunities are endless. Let’s dive into the future of data science careers.
What Exactly is Data Science?
Data science experts assess complex data sets, utilize analytical tools, and consider contextual insights in an effort to draw conclusions that are hidden in the data at hand. When decision-makers are able to lean on data when making their decisions, they are more likely to be successful.
As a society, our reliance on data has increased exponentially in the last decade, and, as such, our reliance on data scientists is greater than ever before. However, it’s important to note that data scientists are not data analysts; while data analysts look at data to understand trends and make decisions, data scientists go a lot deeper.
With advanced techniques, such as machine learning and predictive modeling at their fingertips, data scientists focus on predictive analytics and complex decision-making.
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Skills Needed to be a Data Scientist
Once you understand the difference between a data scientist vs. a data analyst, some of the skills needed to be successful start to take shape. Data scientists aren’t just analytical and detail-oriented; they must merge mathematics, computing, and problem-solving to drive change.
If you’re interested in a data scientist career path, mastering these data scientist technical skills will help you stand out:
Computer Programming
Python, R, and SQL are just a few of the programming languages data scientists learn. In some cases, data scientists use a specific coding language over others, but a versatile understanding of key computer programming concepts is crucial.
Statistics and Mathematical Prowess
Although you’ll have many different tools at your disposal, a foundational understanding of complex mathematics and statistics will help you draw insightful conclusions from the data.
Data Visualization
You might be able to see a complex data set and understand what it’s trying to tell you, but data visualization skills will help you get the message across to wider audiences. Being able to harness the power of tools like Tableau and Power BI can increase the level of impact data scientists have.
Collaboration and Communication
No data scientist works in a silo, and often data scientists are expected to partner with non-technical colleagues on a regular basis. Being able to take technical insights and relay them to non-technical audiences doesn’t come naturally to every data scientist, but it’s an important skill to develop.
Education as a Foundation: Data Science Degrees are the Starting Point
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At UVA, our B.S. in Data Science (BSDS) focuses on the four domains of data science: value, design, analytics, and systems. As part of the program – and related degree programs offered at UVA – students will take courses such as Computational Probability and Ethics and Policy in Data Science.
With a well-rounded approach to this technical degree, UVA students are equipped with the technical data science skills to succeed while also mastering some of the big-picture, soft skills needed to thrive.
Beyond coursework, data science students will be granted access to one-on-one career coaching, industry-focused technical discussions, job search support, and even faculty mentoring.
In addition to the BSDS, the School of Data Science features a full suite of degrees, including the Minor in Data Science, an M.S. in Data Science in two formats (in-person, residential and 100% online), and a Ph.D. program.
Where Do Data Scientists Work? Your Career Prospects
To be clear: every single entity in the public and private sector relies on data scientists. Whether you love to turn financial data into action for a company or provide guidance to city planners on how to best incorporate green initiatives into their upcoming strategy, the future of data science careers is bright.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in data science are expected to grow by 36% over the next decade, far outpacing the 4% expected average growth for all occupations.
Beyond that, data scientists can expect:
- A median annual wage of $112,590
- 20,800 job openings annually
For future data scientists, the outlook is bright: U.S. News ranks the role #4 in Best Technology Jobs, #6 in Best STEM Jobs, and #8 overall among the 100 Best Jobs. The field’s strong demand, competitive pay, and impact fuel its top-tier status.
Once you’ve figured out that the world is a data scientist’s oyster, the question becomes less about what opportunities you can have and more about what opportunities you truly want.
As you’re preparing to graduate with a data science degree, the following job titles are a great place to jumpstart your career:
Business Analyst: $87,000 average salary
If you love data but you also want to act as a strategic thinker in corporate settings, business analyst roles are a great way to bring together those skill sets. You can make a major difference in transportation and logistics companies, financial institutions, and more.
Data Scientist: $128,000 average salary
For the students who have a special knack for “data wrangling,” data scientist jobs are usually a great fit. If you pride yourself on being able to take an unstructured data set and turn it into meaningful insights, you’ll excel as a data scientist.
Data Engineer: $131,000 average salary
Humans have more data at our fingertips than ever before, but that data means nothing unless it’s organized, cohesive, and clean. Data engineers help build the back-end infrastructure that makes it possible for data scientists to dive in.
- Machine Learning Engineer: $172,000 average salary
Eager to be part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) wave that’s sweeping the country? As a machine learning engineer, you can build and train AI models that assess complex data and inform next steps.
Whatever career path you choose, know that a data science degree opens up a wide range of opportunities. As you grow in your career, set your sights on senior engineer roles, lead data scientist positions, and even Chief Technology Officer (CTO) opportunities.
Is Data Science a Good Career? UVA Says Yes!
If you’re a prospective student ready for a challenging, fulfilling career, look no further. And don’t take our word for it – the data doesn’t lie. Job prospects are bright, classes are fascinating, and your potential impact is endless.
Reach out to the School of Data Science Admissions team to learn more about our program offerings or discuss the next steps in the application process.
