Data science is ubiquitous today. One after another, companies around the world are turning to data science to solve a wide variety of problems. This has placed data scientists in an advantageous position when it comes to employment and compensation.
Naturally, many people are interested in learning how to become a data scientist. If you’re reading this article, you might be one of those people. Here, we’ll outline everything you need to know to become a data scientist, including an effective and engaging way to learn what you need to get started in the world of data science.
We’ve selected data science for our list of the best careers in analytics , and you can find more roles in our full article.
What does a data scientist do?
An entire article is dedicated to understanding data science . In it, we explore the role a data scientist can play. Essentially, data scientists strive to deeply understand and analyze data to provide actionable insights.
In a professional environment, they work with multiple teams to lay the foundation for solid analysis. This means developing strategies to capture, aggregate, and cleanse data from various sources. After organizing and exploring this data, they can then develop solutions and communicate their findings across the organization.
Data Analyst or Data Scientist: What’s the Difference?
We have a comprehensive guide comparing data analysts and data scientists . However, in summary, while both roles work with data, they differ in scope and responsibility:
They may use simpler models and tools.
Data scientists play a broader role and often formulate the questions to be answered. They draw conclusions using advanced tools and models, including machine learning algorithms.
Why become a Data Scientist ?
There are many reasons why someone might choose a career in data science. It can be an extremely rewarding field and offers an intellectually stimulating environment. Data scientists must stay abreast of the latest trends and technological developments and work in an often dynamic environment.
Additionally, there are plenty of job opportunities for talented data scientists. Statista data shows that the big data market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a projected value of $103 billion in 2027, up from $84 billion in 2024.
Similarly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% increase in data science jobs between 2021 and 2031, well above the national average of 4%.
This growth is reflected in the popularity of data science careers, with organizations such as US News & World Report ranking data scientists as the fourth best job in technology, the seventh best job in STEM, and the eighth best job overall.
If you’re still not convinced that this career is worthwhile, the average salary for a data scientist can be attractive.
There’s some debate about whether a degree is necessary to become a data scientist.
Most graduate programs and jobs seek individuals with qualifications in computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, and even physics.
We’ll get into the exact skills later, but a working knowledge of programming languages like Python, R, SQL, and/or Julia can be helpful.
Others will find they can rely on their own learning, gaining the necessary skills and experience at their own pace and impressing employers during job interviews.