Preston Fore is a staff writer at Fortune Recommends, covering education and its intersection with business, technology, and beyond. Preston graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied journalism and global studies. His previous work can be found in The Daily Tar Heel and CNN.
Jasmine Suarez is a senior editor at Fortune Recommends, where she was hired to build and launch the department in 2022. Before joining Fortune, she was a senior editor at Business Insider, where she led various verticals on the personal finance team. In the past, she’s worked for Red Ventures, Adweek, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more.
Data, data, data.
The world of tech is laser focused on harnessing, organizing, and analyzing data. That should be music to the ears for those with the expert know-how in the industry. But it should also be considered good news for those not as adept with data management since data science jobs are growing fast—and with greater salaries.
In fact, data science and database management skills are one of the top skills managers are increasing salaries for, according to Robert Half’s 2024 Tech Salaries and Hiring Trends guide.
Make data work for you
at Noble Desktop
Data science itself is a term used across-the-board to connect areas of AI, machine learning, and statistics and can lead to careers as data scientists, analysts, engineers, and beyond. Many people in the profession consider data skills as paramount to the future.
Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More
The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
While not everyone necessarily needs to become a data scientist, everyone needs to be knowledgeable of its data and its pitfalls, says Jignesh Patel, professor in the computer science department at Carnegie Mellon University and co-founder of DataChat—a generative AI platform.
“The study of data science is important because it imparts a systematic way to discover facts and identify falsehoods in a digitized society. Collectively, we are becoming more data-driven, not just in businesses, but in our day-to-day lives,” Patel tells Fortune.
So, for both sides of the coin—those who are and are not interested in pursuing a career in data science—what are the top skills in the data science field?
To be successful in data science, you must have a strong knowledge of math and computer science—in addition to soft skills centered around working constructively as part of a team.
More specifically, data scientists’ core must center around algorithms, code patterns, and interactions between code modules, Patel says.
“The foundational hard skill for a data scientist is statistics. How we apply statistics in data science is changing in dramatic ways thanks to automation and AI, but a foundation in statistics—and math—is critical for discovering facts,” he notes.
It also remains fact in the data science industry that AI is revolutionizing everyday tasks. In particular, the tech is increasingly able to assist experts in programming activities. But having the knowledge of popular languages remains a critical skill.
Some of the hard skills center to data science include:
Similar to the skills needed in data analytics, data science experts must have many common soft skills as often must across teams to use data toward business goals. These may include:
But, Patel believes the most important soft skill is being able to debate and openly critique work.
“You must learn to give and take feedback, which is a surprisingly rare skill. In businesses, the data scientists who rise to the top are deeply technical and skilled at navigating human processes—relationships, politics, approval flows, etc.—to create business artifacts of value,” he says.
Luckily, it is becoming more and more difficult to find post-secondary schools across the U.S. who do not offer any data science program or classes. So, if college is on your horizon, that may be the best way to first gain exposure. Relevant courses are likely to be hosted in the computer science, statistics, and/or mathematics departments.
For those who know data science is truly for them, majoring or minoring in the subject as an undergraduate—or pursuing an advanced degree is very achievable. For master’s degree programs in particular, many options are now available online–which can provide added flexibility and affordability for those who need it. (Fortune ranks the best in-person master’s in data science as well as online master’s in data science).
Another practical way to upskill and reskill in the data science space is via a bootcamp. They may offer a quick and affordable way to learn the necessary skills, especially the more hard, tech-based ones. For those who don’t know where to start, Fortune has made that process a little easier by ranking the best data science and analytics bootcamps. Some programs are notably tied to universities, which could provide an advantage in the name-recognition category.
Similarly, some universities and companies offer data science certification programs that range in terms of price, length, and platform. IBM and Harvard are two examples.
Fortune’s guide on how to get a job in data science as well as details about entry-level data science jobs may also be great resources for more information.
Patel’s overall advice for someone wanting to get started in data science? Learn Python and SQL and take courses in mathematics, statistics, and big data technology like databases and large language models (LLMs), he says.
“While the middleware in data science will change, those foundational areas will remain critical in the foreseeable future. Fundamentally, data science is a way to get to the truth, evolved for our digital environment,” Patel says. “Machines alone can’t handle that responsibility.”
Our Updated Curriculum at Syracuse University Prepares You to Be a Leader in Data Science
Don't get left behind as the data science industry evolves. In as few as 18 months, earn your MS in Applied Data Science from Syracuse University, ranked #25 in Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs. Apply today to gain the analytical, technical and managerial expertise required to stand out in a competitive job market. No GRE required.
Preston Fore is a staff writer at Fortune Recommends, covering education and its intersection with business, technology, and beyond. Preston graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied journalism and global studies. His previous work can be found in The Daily Tar Heel and CNN.
Jasmine Suarez is a senior editor at Fortune Recommends, where she was hired to build and launch the department in 2022. Before joining Fortune, she was a senior editor at Business Insider, where she led various verticals on the personal finance team. In the past, she’s worked for Red Ventures, Adweek, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and more.
Want to pursue a top 3 job in the U.S.? Earn a M.S. online and become a data scientist with SMU
Designed for working professionals looking to advance their careers, DataScience@SMU is an online Master of Science in Data Science from Southern Methodist University. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum prepares data science professionals to work with large datasets, analyze information and relate findings. The program blends live online classes, self-paced coursework and in-person learning experiences with classmates and faculty.
© 2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
© 2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.