Why Learn Data Science Skills?
The world is data-driven, with businesses, governments, and other organisations relying on huge quantities of data to make informed decisions, optimise their operations, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that companies are increasingly looking to data scientists, analysts and machine learning specialists to help them make sense of it all.
If you’re looking to change your career, upskill, or enter the tech world for the first time, now might be the perfect time to learn data science and machine learning. Read on and we’ll explore why you should consider a career in data science, and how learning in-demand skills could be essential to unlocking some of the most exciting opportunities in the tech industry.
So, why should you learn data science and machine learning?
Learning data science could be one of the most savvy career decisions you make!
Data science skills are in-demand
It’s generally accepted that the tech jobs market has slowed somewhat in recent years but there are encouraging signs that data science roles are bucking that trend. According to a UK parliament briefing, demand for data scientists has continued to grow, a trend which is forecast to continue with data science and machine learning in the top 10 jobs expected to grow fastest between 2023 and 2027. The report also suggests that the number of data specialist vacancies could exceed the number of viable candidates by a ratio of nearly 18:1.
Businesses in sectors such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and even government organisations are increasingly investing in data-driven strategies. The UK government has recently re-emphasised the importance and transformative potential of data science and artificial intelligence, placing them at the heart of plans to expand the scope of the Department for Science and Technology.
Data roles account for a significant portion of tech job vacancies in major UK cities and tech hubs including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol where companies are actively hiring for data science and machine learning roles.
Given this growing demand, learning data science could be one of the most savvy career decisions you make! With companies expanding their data teams, having the right data science skills can put you in a strong position in the UK job market.
Careers in Data Science and Machine Learning can pay well
Money isn’t everything but earning a decent salary certainly doesn’t hurt! According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an experienced data scientist in the UK is around £50,000 per year with more senior and specialised roles offering even more earning potential. Individuals seeking entry level data science roles in the UK can earn up to £30,000 with rapid increases coming with a year or two of additional experience.
As you might imagine, salaries can vary significantly from one region to another. At the time of writing, Indeed.co.uk reports that data scientists in Bristol might expect to earn around £43,000 – broadly similar to cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow – whereas the average salary for data science roles in London is around 40% higher at around £60,000.
These average salaries are roughly comparable to those on offer to software developers in the same regions but it’s worth considering that the specialist knowledge or experience required for some data science roles, and relative lack of qualified individuals, may mean companies will be willing to offer more competitive salaries, bonuses or other benefits, in order to attract top talent.
Data Science Skills Unlock Career Paths in Multiple Industries
Build a solid foundation of data science and machine learning skills and you’ll open up a whole range of career opportunities in all sorts of organisations and industries. With the right training, knowledge and experience you’ll be well suited securing roles including:
- Data Scientist – design and implement models to identify patterns and trends, forecast outcomes, and provide actionable insights from datasets.
- Data Analyst – Analyse and interpret data in order to provide insight, answer specific questions, and present information in more easily digestible ways.
- Machine Learning Engineer – Develop and maintain machine learning algorithms, systems, and predictive models
There is often some amount of overlap between these with a greater or lesser emphasis on specific skills and responsibilities depending on the specific role and these are just a starting point. There are all sorts of jobs suitable for specialist data science, machine learning and AI experts once you begin to develop your skills beyond the fundamentals.
The opportunities aren’t limited to any one industry either. The skills you gain from learning data science are applicable in a wide range of sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, logistics, and even government agencies. This versatility ensures that your career options remain open and there’s a career path to suit just about anyone!
For those who love continuous learning, data science is a perfect match.
Data Science skills can bring long-term benefits
Data science and machine learning are disciplines that are constantly evolving. Learning data science not only prepares you for today’s jobs but also equips you with the skills needed to be at the cutting edge of innovation. The tech industry is increasingly leveraging data science and machine learning in new ways; whether that’s using AI to predict patient outcomes in healthcare or enhancing customer experiences in retail, companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data.
New techniques, tools, and frameworks are regularly developed, meaning there’s always something new to learn and a new challenge to tackle. For those who love continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve, data science is a perfect match.
By learning data science, you’ll also develop all sorts of transferable skills that’ll come in handy wherever your career takes you. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, and programming skills are applicable to all sorts of roles, and can all help future-proof your career prospects.
Great! So, how Do I Learn Data Science?
The decision to learn data science and machine learning is a step towards a rewarding new career and, arguably, there has never been a better time to dive into this field.
There are all sorts of free resources online that can help you get started and we’d generally recommend you start there to see if it’s something you enjoy. Getting familiar with the fundamentals of programming in Python will also introduce you to key skills and concepts that’ll be useful later and will set you up nicely to continue your journey towards becoming a Data Scientist.
From there you might want to continue with self-directed learning but nothing really beats learning directly from an industry expert in a structured setting. Our part-time Data Science Pathway, for example, uses a mix of interactive online sessions, and hands-on projects to provide all the skills and knowledge you need to begin a new career in just 12 weeks. All sessions are delivered live by our industry-leading trainers who will guide you through 24 modules of content and practical exercises, to ensure you’re confident and career-ready by the end of the course. We’ll even provide specialist careers support to help you land your first role in data science and machine learning.
Want to know more? Contact us, talk to us at one of our upcoming events, or find out more about the Data Science Pathway.