Currently, there is massive demand for Data Scientists and Data Analysts. Yet, incredibly, the big data market is predicted to grow even more, up to $103 billion globally by 2027 according to Statista. This is double the size that was predicted in 2018. 

In other words, the need for skilled Data Scientists and Analysts is outpacing even the most optimist forecasts. Demand is high, and is going to get even higher.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated the employment rate for Data Scientists will grow by a whopping 36% from 2021 to 2031. For context, the average growth rate for jobs overall hovers at around 5%. Demand for data professionals is also high in Europe. Harvard Business Review found that European countries make up over 80% of the cutting-edge category across business, technology and data science. 

Naturally, filling so many data science and analytics positions is challenging. Governments and businesses have taken proactive steps to promote STEM jobs, especially among women, which means supply should gradually decrease.

But this is not something that will happen quickly. Anaconda’s 2022 State of Data Science report, based on 3,493 “commercial respondents” from 133 countries and regions, found that 62% are moderately, very, or extremely concerned about the potential impact of a talent shortage.

All of this is to say that, if you have been mulling over a career pivot towards data science or analytics – now is a great time to do it. There are a large number of open positions. And, despite a concerted effort to meet demand, this number is likely to remain the same or even grow.

OK, to be clear, data professionals do need maths, they just don't need to be maths prodigies. Working as a data professional, you will be using plenty of maths. If you are a Data Scientist working on modelling or creating algorithms, maths is one of the core skills you will be depending on day-in, day-out. "Data Science jobs often require a strong understanding of maths," explains Giedrius Žebrauskas, Head of Education at Turing College. "Skills in calculus, probabilities, statistics, and linear algebra are particularly valuable." For Data Analysts, there is a bit more room for manoeuvre in terms of your maths level. You will still be handling and manipulating large volumes of data. However, the knowledge of mathematics required will be within reach for most people who are genuinely motivated to learn.

To the uninitiated, data science and analytics often looks like magic. This makes Data Scientists and Analysts, surrounded by their monitors displaying arcane hieroglyphics, appear like modern day wizards. The reality, however, is quite different. Data professionals use coding, data visualisation and statistics to find patterns and trends. In the case of Data Scientists, they also use modelling and machine learning to build complex models that extract more sophisticated and subtle findings from a data set, building more intricate structures on top of simpler ones. 

This one is wrong for the simple reason that Data Scientists and Analysts need to not only understand data and models, but also explain them to non-specialists. They often interact with product managers, co-workers, and other stakeholders, which requires empathy and other soft skills like communication. At the end of the day, all that data – and the clever solutions based on it – has to translate into actionable insights that people can understand and use when making decisions. 

As a rule, those who follow a clearly-defined weekly job-hunting plan get hired up to 3X faster than candidates that don’t. Being proactive about submitting job applications to employers also greatly increases your chances of getting several offers simultaneously. 

This, in turn, will result in a much stronger bargaining position. Keep in mind that companies often have a 15%-20% salary buffer when it comes to final-stage candidates. They can also usually sense whether you are desperate or not from the wording of your application message and your behaviour during the phone call or interview.

Having more than one offer will certainly help you, but there are still challenges when it comes to preparing for the dreaded negotiation over salary. In fact, this is something that around 55% of candidates don’t do. Here are some tips for approaching the topic of salaries:

In summary, submitting frequent, targeted applications will help you secure multiple options. And when you have these, you will be much less anxious to speak freely in interviews and much more capable of agreeing on a favourable salary. In fact, our experience with alumni shows that consistent job-seekers often end up with 2-3 times higher salaries than their counterparts.

These days, “raw application” is no longer a very effective job-hunting strategy because there are often 100s of applicants for each position. 

Instead, says Simona, "one of the key strategies in a job search is to compile a thoughtfully curated list of organisations that align with your interests and aspirations." 

"By carefully refining this list, it becomes possible to craft a compelling motivational message that highlights why you want to work for a particular organisation," explains Simona. "It also puts you in a strong position to show the value you can bring based on your prior experiences and qualifications."

With your list compiled and refined, you are ready to reach out to companies and organisations. Instead of mass emailing, Simona recommends a targeted approach. "Send personalised emails rather than relying on mass cold emailing," she says. "In my experience in HR, cold emails are usually treated as spam and can potentially do more harm than good."

"In addition to this, I would recommend exploring avenues to connect with your target organisations," Simona continues. "These could include meeting with potential managers or reaching out to HR personnel. This presents an opportunity to make a memorable first impression, as there might not be a second chance." 

If a given company is fairly large (50+ employees), it is best to find the contact details of its hiring managers on LinkedIn and get in touch with them directly. On the other hand, if the company is relatively small, you may choose to connect with the data professionals on its team directly, as they will likely be managing themselves to a greater extent. And remember, when it comes to hiring managers, even if you ultimately get a negative response, they may still pass your resume on to their colleagues, potentially landing you an interview with a different company later on.

Applying to open positions, sending out emails and connecting with managers and HR personnel are all important methods to use. But they are by no means the only ones.

"Along with these methods, I would recommend other, less conventional ways to search for a job," she comments. 

"For example, I recommend participating in events like hackathons and other gatherings organised by data-related associations and communities. You can also attend conferences, take part in training programmes and explore tech fairs - these are all valuable avenues to pursue."

Although these methods are more long-term, they bring some specific benefits. "These activities are often supported by organisations who are looking to connect with the community and identify highly-motivated individuals," she explains. "So, while this approach may take longer, it can bring a wide range of unique opportunities that might otherwise not be available to you."

As we have already shown, although a degree is not essential, data jobs typically require some qualifications, both academic and professional. And employers will also want an idea of your level of experience. 

In other words, you will need to show: 1) what skills and qualifications you have gained, 2) real examples of the work you have done so far; and 3) what clients or employers have said about your work.

For starters, you should build a solid portfolio on GitHub and a strong LinkedIn account. Regarding your profile on LinkedIn, Simona has helpful tips to share:

Another tip is to use referrals to demonstrate that you are a valuable candidate and that your past clients and employers appreciate your work. 

If you know anyone working for a company you are interested in, ask them for a short text about working with you. This will help your application, and has the additional benefit that the referee might inform you of opportunities that have not yet gone public. Developing an extensive industry network, while time-consuming, is necessary in today’s busy market. 

Recruiters and HR heads are a very valuable resource when it comes to your application. They can clarify questions you might have about the role, and help you prepare effectively for interviews.  

However, as Simona warns, many of these professionals are currently overworked, and reaching out to them prior to the interview probably will not yield a response. "It is important to recognize that recruiters and HR professionals, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, often face significant burnout," Simona explains. "Due to the high volume of candidates, they may not always have the bandwidth to provide feedback to every candidate after job interviews, so don't expect them to have time to educate candidates on interview preparation."

"Having said that, there are times in the process when reaching out to them might be worthwhile," Simona continues. "In my opinion, the optimal stage to seek clarification and pose specific questions is when recruiters or hiring managers reach out to you to invite you for a job interview. At this point, it would be appropriate to inquire about any additional preparation that could enhance the effectiveness of the interview process. Then during the interview itself, you can ask any remaining questions you have."

"Before you embark on writing your cover letter or motivational message, it is essential to conduct thorough research. Familiarise yourself with the company and the specific job you are interested in. While carefully reading the job description is important, it is equally valuable to explore the company's website. You can also look through the company leadership's Twitter feeds, and review employee profiles on LinkedIn."

"This research will enable you to customise your message to reflect your genuine motivation. Perhaps you will discover a unique story or experience that resonates with the company. If not, consider how you can create a compelling narrative that is related to the interests and focus of the company or individuals."

"Address the recipient directly and avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear HR." To do this, use LinkedIn or other channels to identify the title of the hiring manager and their name, the recruiter's name, or the specific team you are addressing in the company. Then begin your cover letter with a personalised greeting."

"While remaining concise, make sure you fit all of the relevant information about yourself in the message, as this may be forwarded to others. Give a brief rundown of your personal details: name, background, credentials, and profession (“I’m a data scientist/analyst”). Share a link to your final project, made available online. Assuming that you have about 20 seconds to make an impression, make the presentation easy to understand and, if possible – easy to share. Finally, give a quick but focused demonstration of your interest in, and knowledge of, the company you’re applying to and the industry they operate in."

The explanation as to why you are interested in a specific company will need to be written specifically for each new application. So, to make life easier and speed up your application process, here are 3 basic templates you can follow for this part of your application.

"Knowing yourself is very very important. You need to understand your strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and working style. You will also need to be able to recall real-life examples and successes from your previous work. To help with this process, I recommend gathering feedback from different people who know you well - friends, relatives, co-workers, and bosses. Seeking professional guidance from career coaches, counsellors, or mentors can also be beneficial."

"Before your interview, have conversations with professionals working in your desired field or positions. They can provide relevant insights on how to prepare for a job interview and what crucial information should be expressed during the interview process."

"When changing careers, candidates often overlook their previous experience. This is a mistake, because this experience can provide valuable information to prospective employers. Therefore, highlighting transferable skills you have gained throughout your professional life is important."

"This is a critical component of a job interview that sets the tone for the rest of the conversation and immediately demonstrates your understanding of the organisation and position you are applying for. Your pitch should convey all of the essential information about yourself within a concise and focused message. Similar to public speaking, it is crucial to "hook" the listener from the first few seconds in order to be heard effectively."

And here are some other general tips you might like to follow in preparation for your interview.

If you re-read your resume immediately before the interview then this information will be fresh in your mind and it will be easier to give specific examples. You will want to demonstrate your skills by bringing up real situations from the past to highlight your work style, motivation, strengths, and other characteristics relevant to the job.

Interviews can be quite stressful, but you have to come in as relaxed as possible. This may sound banal, but one good way to calm your mind is by doing a bit of controlled breathing right before entering the door. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5, and then exhale for another 5. Do this several times and see if it helps. Many people swear by it!

It is best to think of a job interview as an equal exchange, rather than a one-sided interrogation. So, when the time is right, ask your own questions of the employer. These could be related to the company's activities in general, or the specific role you are applying for. 

This should, of course, be reserved for the later part of the interview. But it will help the recruiter connect with you as a real person, not just a resource for the company. In addition, having interests outside of work communicates that you are able to persevere and work towards self-assigned goals.

After the interview is finished, it is a good idea to ask for feedback, regardless of whether you end up getting the job or not. If the interview is successful and you ask for feedback, it shows that you have a growth mindset and are looking for ways to continually improve. And if you ask for feedback following an unsuccessful interview, you will have valuable information that can be a big help in your future career endeavours.

One important area to focus on when given an open-ended question is soft skills. In data science and data analytics, soft skills are just as important as technical skills. In fact, as much as 75% of long-term career success depends precisely on your soft skills. So, which soft skills should you emphasise? Here’s LinkedIn’s TOP10 in-demand soft skills in 2023:

When it comes to data jobs, it is crucial to be able to present your findings in a way that is easy to understand for professionals and non-professionals alike. In other words, you must know how to explain data-based insights as a story or narrative.

So, when given open-ended questions during the interview, directing your answer to focus on communication, teamwork, critical thinking and personal initiative is a smart move.

One final point to emphasise is that most recruiters will use the interview to assess your soft skills and judge whether you will be a good fit for their team and culture. They will have a strong sense of your hard skills from your project examples, tech challenge and resume. So, be sure to dedicate time in the interview to focus on soft skills.