Why Data Science Careers Appeal to Your Students
September 8, 2022
Job hunting can be challenging, but if your resume includes data science and statistics skills and knowledge, the opportunities are growing. Gen Z is taking notice!
Glassdoor has identified “data scientist” as #3 on its list of the 50 Best Jobs in America in 2022 based on salary, job satisfaction and position openings. Additionally, Data Engineer was ranked #7, and Data Analyst was ranked #35.
With consistently high job satisfaction and growing availability in recent years, it’s no wonder data science has become a top occupation for the newest generation of workers.
Generation Zers were born between 1997 and 2012 and are digital natives who grew up with mobile technology and the internet at their fingertips. As these young workers emerge as the largest generation of the professional workforce, they’re finding their generational values such as a desire for social impact, flexibility and work/life balance are well suited to data science careers.
Gen Z in the Workplace
As Gen Z-ers have filtered into the workforce over the past decade, they have proven to be action-oriented professionals who value flexibility and prioritize mental health. These young professionals are also more vocal about their desire for competitive salaries and open communication.
Being constantly plugged into the internet has increased Gen Z-ers’ passion to address social issues and advocate for equity. The pandemic has left members of the younger generation wanting genuine human connections in the workplace.
As a top-ranked job by Glassdoor, data scientist addresses the unique characteristics of the growing Gen Z workforce.
With high, competitive salaries and bountiful job openings, data science careers are being favored by Gen Z more than older generations. The data science field gives the youngest generation of workers the flexibility and creativity they desire in the professional workforce.
“Since data scientists aren’t necessarily required to be in an office like some other roles, it’s very likely companies are able to offer these workers more flexibility to work remotely if they prefer,” according to Fortune.
Data scientists earn high salaries, have rapidly growing opportunities, and high job satisfaction. Even better, career paths range widely across many different fields, offering Gen Z an outlet to engage in social impact efforts inspired by their desire for ethical and equitable business practices, or to pursue a passion.
Being a Data Scientist is the Best Career Choice for Gen Z
Data science is an area of growing opportunity: The Bureau of Labor Statistics shared that computer and information research jobs like data scientist are expected to increase by 22% percent between 2020 and 2030. As Gen Z flows into the workforce, they are rising to meet the rising demand with enthusiasm. Currently, members of the generation rate data science number four among their highest ranked jobs.
With opportunities ranging from Big Tech to biostatistics to social justice and more, this upcoming generation of professionals are already finding data science a satisfying career path.
Additional Resources
If you are interested in a career in statistics or data science, explore the various majors you can pursue as an undergraduate. Also, check out our graduate program resources for grad students!
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