In fact, data scientist careers in particular are the third fastest growing occupation in the entire country–just behind nurse practitioners and wind turbine service technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Actually obtaining a data science job can oftentimes be easier said than done. Many companies desire talent who are prepared to tackle complex tasks on day one, which, in some cases, may call for years of education and work experience.
But, on the other hand, because data is becoming increasingly critical in making business-related decisions, filling data-related positions is essential for employers. Fortune’s career guides in data scientists and data analysts—as well as its broader coverage on how to get a job in data science—are great resources for those looking to get ahead in the data science field.
One important step toward getting into data science is actually finding the right companies and positions—something that can be especially challenging for those who don’t even know where to start. Fortune has you covered with some of the entry-level data science opportunities out there.
Diversify your search
For those just starting out, it may be challenging to begin with a fully-fledged full-time data science position, especially without any past experience or connections.
Data science occupations can take the form of many different roles, including, but not limited to data scientist, data analyst, data engineer, business intelligence analyst, and marketing analyst.
Within these titles, also explore internships, fellowships, and co-ops opportunities because many times, they are not restricted to current students and are available to recent graduates. Plus, these positions can still be high-paying. Most importantly, though, they get your foot in the door and may prove to be one of the best ways to climb the ladder in the industry.
Above all, start doing your research sooner rather than later. Many top tech and consulting firms in particular tend to hire far in advance (months and even sometimes years)—especially for its entry-level programs.
The list below is not exhaustive, but it may put some ideas into your head of where you can start your career in data science. Exploring job posting websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, and Dice could very be helpful (and provide you with a larger collection of potential opportunities).
Tech data science jobs
Government data science jobs
Consulting data science jobs
Other data science jobs
- Schools and universities (including community colleges)
- Healthcare
