Data science is booming, and there’s no sign of it stopping.
Careers in the industry are growing faster than almost every other professional in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The agency noted that data scientist roles will increase by 35% over the next decade.
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What’s driving the demand is clear: The almost unfathomable amount of data that is created every day around the world. Experts are needed to be able to synthesize it to ensure the data’s safety and security—in addition to the fact that there are nearly endless opportunities when it comes to data analysis.
But, despite the growth and interest—data science, big data, and analytics positions remain among the top IT areas where there is the greatest difficulty in hiring talent, according to Skillsoft’s IT Skills and Salary Report. Why is this? In part due to a lack of qualified and experienced talent.
So, the key question remains: How can you gain those necessary skills and land a lucrative job—likely in the six-figure range—in the world of data science? The good news is that there are a plethora of ways to get ahead—from traditional education pathways to certification programs. Fortune has you covered with some of the options.
Pursue a degree in data science
Just like the job postings, data science degree programs are growing across experience levels and instructional methods.
Dozens of schools, for example, now offer a minor in data science. These include top universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina, and Stanford University. This could be a great way to get introduced to the subject and learn the basic skills in programming—like Python and R—as well as analysis and critical thinking. Completing the minor may also be an effective way to pair the learning with less technologically based majors like marketing, healthcare, or business.
But for those who are more serious about data science, major programs are also increasing. Just this year, the University of Virginia created a bachelor’s in data science program, and the University of Florida opened a $150 million center dedicated to AI and data science—which will, in part, house its undergraduate major.
While these programs are excellent ways to gain foundational skills in statistics, data analytics, AI, and more—many top companies, in particular, are looking for candidates with advanced degrees, sometimes in addition to years of experience. Therefore, obtaining a master’s degree may also be useful.
Luckily, Fortune ranks the best master’s in data science across the country. The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Harvard University, and the University of Minnesota are among the top programs. Not only will a master’s degree help you in getting a top job by preparing you with the most up-to-date, real-world skills, it may also help land a better salary.
For those with family or other obligations, there are also a number of online master’s in data science programs. The University of Southern California, the University of California—Berkeley, and Bay Path University are among the top options, according to Fortune.
But as it is well apparent, graduate education is not cheap. With some of the in-person programs costing more than $50,000 in annual tuition—affordability is a big factor. Based on Fortune’s assessment, New College of Florida, Oklahoma State University, and CUNY Graduate Center are among the most affordable.
The good news behind all these offerings is that with such a fast-growing industry, you can’t go wrong with studying data science. Plus, for many data scientist roles, you can also get ahead by studying adjacent subjects that may also involve data elements, including computer science, computer engineering, and statistics.
Explore bootcamps and certification programs
For those seeking a career change, seeking to upskill, or even just getting started in data science, nontraditional pathways are increasingly popular in the world of tech—especially as the industry becomes more skills-based in its hiring approaches.
Many universities offer certificate programs that can provide you with the necessary skills—minus all the general education and other requirements that are required with a degree. Top tech companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft also offer certificates in data science and analytics.
When looking at different options—especially at universities—be sure to look at the content and the potential sponsorship of the program. Many schools and companies use platforms like Coursera or edX to power their offerings, and it is possible you may be paying more for the name association rather than the skills.
Bootcamps can similarly provide an effective outlet to gain the necessary requirements for a job while also providing some of the career services and mentor support that you may also get in a degree program. Fortune has compiled a list of some of the best data science and analytics bootcamps.
All these options, above all, are often cheaper, take less time, and allow for added flexibility. Plus, exploring a shorter certification or bootcamp may also help you figure out what you don’t like. It’s possible data science may not be for you—and that’s ok! But it’s better to find that out sooner than later.
If you do decide to pursue one of these options, it is paramount that before you leave the program to be sure you are able to effectively talk about and showcase the relevant soft and hard skills you have learned; this will help you best standout during your next interview.
Network, network, network
Like many careers, knowing someone in the industry may give you a bigger advantage than anything a resume can provide. So, whether you pursue a degree, certificate, bootcamp, or something else—utilize alumni networks, previous work associates, and family friends to your advantage.
Be curious and charismatic. Find people with your dream job and pick their brain: learn about various job positions and companies, build relationships, and then, once you are in a position to do so, give back to those who are in your shoes right now and are looking to shape their career.
“If you have extra time, if you have the inclination, there’s no downside, in my opinion, given that this wave of AI is happening right now, for every technologist in the United States to learn those (data science) skills,” says Art Zeile, the CEO of Dice.
If you’re still in doubt if you like data science, it may be a good idea to engage in a job simulator. Forage—a company with free virtual job experiences—allows you to see what it’s like to be a data scientist at, for example, BCG or British Airways.
Overall, though, while the number of ways to get ahead in data science is seemingly growing just as fast as the data itself, it is most important to find the right path for you, your goals, and your life circumstances. Figuring out what career will motivate and excite you to get out of your bed every morning—and supporting your family with a nice salary—is key.
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