The rise of the “Data Scientist” job title has created unprecedented interest in data analytics careers. That’s good, and also bad.
Among the 300 or so articles that I’ve published, no topic draws readers like careers. One of my career posts has been viewed well over 200,000 times, dominating over anything else I’ve written, and by a lot.
It’s great to see a rush of interest in analytics. It’s interesting and valuable work, and you can earn a nice living in the field.
What’s not so great is the hype. Analytics hype is not new – the past few decades have brought us a series of hot buzz words, each generating some unrealistic expectations followed by disappointment. But nothing compares with the expectation inflation surrounding “data science” and “Big Data”.
It’s a little surprising that, after writing an article specifically asking everyone to think twice, or thrice, before entering any Masters in Data Science program, I get a couple of letters every week, asking advice about Masters in Data Science programs.
It’s surprising because most of the letters come from people who read the article, but want reality to be different.
Here’s what I tell them:
I’m hesitant about Masters in Data Science degrees because I believe that universities are using them as a money mill and playing on students false hopes of that the degrees will assure them of employment and security.
In my youth, it was MBAs. They used to be fairly unusual and were preparation for those on track to become middle managers, perhaps more. Today I know hundreds of MBAs and few of them have lucrative management jobs.
My issue isn’t with the quality of the education, so much as whether you will get something out of it that justifies the time and money that goes into it.
So – is the effort worth it for you? Here’s what I would do. Get out and look for information interview with employers you may wish to have in the future. Find out whether they value the degrees you’re considering – will they hire people with those degrees, and for what jobs? What’s the career path? How’s the pay? Etc…
Look over the programs with care. What classes do they include? If you already know a topic, will you be allowed to take a more advanced class instead or do they expect you to sit through material you don’t need? What backgrounds do the other students have? You want classmates who will challenge you. And check carefully on claims for employment and salaries.
I don’t feel that these degrees are necessities for careers in data analysis. If you just love to study, who am I to object? But if you’re in it for career benefits, explore your options.
Best wishes for a great career.
P.S. The following links provide more information for aspiring analytics professionals.
Here is basic advice for those interested in data analytics careers:
If You're Thinking About A Career In Data Analytics, Please Do This First
You Don't Need A Fancy Education To Start A Data Analytics Career
If you’re considering a Masters in Data Science, or any similar program, read these:
4 Reasons Not To Get That Masters In Data Science
Ask 3 Kinds Of Questions About Masters In Data Science Degrees
You Can Get A Data Analytics Job Without A Masters In Data Science
Read this before you invest in code academy or a similar bootcamp:
4 Reasons Not To Learn To Code
Have you explored a variety of roles that emphasize analytics and other STEM skills?
10 Data Analytics Careers That Aren't Data Scientists
20 Data Analytics Careers That Aren't Data Scientists
30 Data Analytics Careers That Aren't Data Scientists
These 5 High-Paying, Fast-Growing STEM Professions Need More Men
Avoid interview pitfalls:
3 Major Ways That Qualified Applicants Screw Up Their Data Analytics Interviews
And please avoid forming these bad habits as you start your work in analytics:
7 Terrible Habits of Data Analytics Professionals
But do cultivate these good habits:
You Can Cultivate These Nontechnical Skills To Keep Your Technology Job Longer
