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7 In-Demand Careers You Can Do with A Data Science MSc

17th August 2021

Data has fast become one of the world’s most valuable resources, and the World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025 there will be 463 exabytes of data created globally every day.

It’s no surprise then that this growing industry creates countless new jobs every day, and with a Data Science MSc from ARU, you could be well on your way to a brand-new career in an exciting field.

Our Data Science course is co-created and co-delivered with Cambridge Spark and can open doors to a wide number of future roles – this blog explores just seven of these.

1. Data Analyst


As a data analyst, you’ll have the ability to transform a vast amount of data into tangible insights that can have a profound impact.

Depending on the structure of your company, you may also frequently present reports to managers, making you a key part of the decision-making process.

These jobs are always in high demand, and can open doors both in the UK and internationally. And though plenty of companies have inhouse data analysts, many pursue this path as a freelance venture.

And if you’re considering a later-life career change, you may be inspired by the story of NBA careerist-turned-data-analyst Sergio Santamaria, whose new role has rendered him an instrumental part of his team’s sporting strategy.

2. Machine Learning Engineer


If you have an interest in software engineering, this may be the role for you.

As a machine learning engineer, the fastest-growing job title in the world and set to be for the future, you’ll have the opportunity to design and build machine learning systems – a form of artificial intelligence (AL) which is able to learn automatically, without human programming. One fantastic example of machine learning in action is Pinterest, who in 2015 acquired machine learning company Kosei, to improve their content discovery and ad targeting processes.

3. Statistician


Statisticians play a vital role in a range of industries such as government, market research, and healthcare, but for those with an eye for facts and figures, there are many more outside-the-box fields where statisticians are in high demand.

A great example of this is how the Oakland Athletics baseball team used sabermetrics (a form of statistical analysis for analysing baseball records) to gain a 20-game winning streak in 2002. General Manager, Billy Beane, who insisted on the systems implementation, was later made an offer to from the Boston Red Sox, that, had he taken it, would have made him the highest paid general manager in sporting history.

We aren’t saying that as a statistician, you’ll be guaranteed the opportunity to rake in $12.5 million, but the earning potential is there!

4. Data Architect


As a data architect you’ll have the chance to craft new database systems to suit your employer’s storage and retrieval requirements. Data architects are needed in both the public and private sector, so you’ll have plenty of choice when choosing companies to apply for, and the play a crucial role in forming solutions for everyday use. Take Paypal’s Aruna Susarla,a senior architect for the company who pioneers their innovative payment solutions used by countless shoppers online.

If you’re a natural problem solver who enjoys fixing things and finding solutions, this could be the perfect career for you. You’ll get the opportunity to improve the performances of existing systems, making them efficient for a wide variety of platforms, and ensuring the accuracy of any data that your systems collect.

5. Business Intelligence Analyst


You’ll find Business Intelligence Analysts in a range of industries, from media and technology to finance. In this role, you’ll be responsible for making information easily accessible to maximise speed and efficiency in the decision-making process.

As a key player aiding with interdepartmental collaboration, you’ll be an indispensable part of the company, giving teams the tools to master business intelligence strategies and practices. BI analysis is utilised by global brands every day, including HelloFresh, Coca Cola and Chipotle to maximise efficiency, consumer understanding and ultimately profit.

You’ll be up-to-date with changing industry trends at all times, and identifying patterns in data to form solutions and innovations in real time. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment that brings new challenges your way every day, this is the role for you.

6. Quantitative Analyst


This is a position that is highly sought-after by financial firms, as quantitative analysis is a vital tool assessing risk factors and helping decide on investment opportunities.

As a Quantitative Analyst you’ll use data to answer questions and make predictions on exchange rates and stock prices. To be successful in this intellectually challenging career you’ll need to develop a variety of skills, including a solid understanding of statistics and machine learning models, a proficiency in mathematics, and extensive financial knowledge.

Perhaps the best known quantitative analyst is the so-called ‘father of card counting’ Edward O. Thorpe, who famously mastered statistical analysis to ‘beat’ casinos at Blackjack, and later revolutionised investment, going on to start what is widely regarded as the first hedge fund.

7. Marketing Analyst


If you choose to pursue a career as a marketing analyst, you’ll be using the data you collect to improve companies. Marketing analysts are often required to analyse data and traffic from social media and third-party websites.

It’ll be your responsibility to aid your employer in making smart decisions about the market, from the prices of their products to the launch of goods and services, as well as helping brands stay ahead of the competition.

One historic example in marketing analysis is the Nielsen Company, founded in 1923 by Arthur Nielsen, who pioneered the eponymous rating system which tracks television viewership. The company is now the largest market researcher in the world, with an annual revenue of over 6 billion dollars, and their methods have been adapted by companies like Netflix to analyse and target their subscribers.

Data science is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, with a multitude of career paths for you to choose from. You’ll have the opportunity to take on new challenges, solve problems, grow businesses, and improve user experiences.

With a variety of lucrative positions, in a diverse range of industries, you’re bound to find the right fit for you, and a Data Science MSc with us could be your first step.

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