Data Science Jobs Guide: Resources for a Career in Tech

If you want to get a tech job, then data science is one of the fields within the technology industry where you can expect to earn a high salary and contribute to advancing the way products and services impact your life. Data science professionals are in high demand.

Data scientists in Canada earn an average base salary of $99,144 [1]. The demand for data scientists is “Moderate” to “Good” in most Canadian provinces and territories, a promising landscape for those who work in this growing field [2]. 

Whether you want to become a data scientist, data analyst, or machine learning engineer, this guide will provide the resources you need to navigate data science jobs and break into the tech industry.

Data science overview

To get started in data science, you'll want to research, learn the necessary skills and terminology, and prepare for industry-specific interviews. These articles can help you succeed:

• Your Guide to a Data Science Career (+ How to Get Started)

• What Is Data Science?

• What Is a Data Scientist? Salary, Skills, and How to Become One

• Data Scientist Salary Guide: What to Expect

Career paths in data science

Data science professionals can work in technology companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and more. Once you learn the skills, they are transferable between industries. Here are a few career paths to choose from:

Data scientist

Data scientists use analytical data skills to solve complex business problems. These articles can help you become one:

• How to Become a Data Scientist

• Data Scientist Interview Questions and Tips

• How to Land a Data Science Internship: Guide + List

Data analyst

Data analysts collect and interpret data to solve specific problems within an organization. Becoming a data analyst is an excellent leaping point for advancing in data science. Here's how to get started:

• What Does a Data Analyst Do? Career Guide

• 4 Data Analyst Career Paths: Your Guide to Leveling Up

• 7 In-Demand Data Analyst Skills to Get You Hired

• 5 Data Analytics Projects for Beginners

• Data Analyst Cover Letter: Sample and Guide

• 15 Data Analyst Interview Questions and Answers

Data engineer

Data engineers often start as data analysts or software engineers because they need a solid foundation in data management and optimizing business outcomes. Learn more about how to prepare for a career as a data engineer:

• What Is a Data Engineer?: A Guide to This In-Demand Career

• Data Engineer Salary: Your Guide

• 14 Data Engineer Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

• What Is a Big Data Engineer? A Career Guide

• Big Data Engineer Salary: What to Expect

• Learning Data Engineer Skills: Career Paths and Courses

Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)

ML and AI are rapidly advancing data science, and there are plenty of exciting careers in building and designing algorithms and models. Read on to learn more about them:

• What Is a Machine Learning Engineer? (+ How to Get Started) 

• How to Get a Job in Artificial Intelligence

• Machine Learning Interview Questions and Tips for Answering Them

• How Much Does a Machine Learning Engineer Make?

Other data science-related careers

From working with the cloud to developing games, exciting and unique opportunities are ahead if you decide to explore a career in data science.

• What Does a Data Architect Do? A Career Guide

• What Is a Game Developer (and How Do I Become One)?

• What Is a Cloud Engineer? Building and Maintaining the Cloud

• What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Find a tech career that works for you

Get job-ready with professional-level training and a credential in the high-growth technology field. Unsure which career is right for you? Explore your options with Coursera Career Academy.

Skills and tools to learn

Data scientists, machine learning engineers, and data architects can refine and reform a business, product, service, or even entire industries. These skills are essential to any data science professional:

• Python or R for Data Analysis: Which Should I Learn?

• Popular Programming Languages

• How Long Does it Take to Learn Python? (+ Tips for Learning)

• Python vs. C++: Which to Learn First and Where to Start

• What Is Statistical Modeling?

• 7 Machine Learning Algorithms to Know

• Machine Learning Models: What They Are and How They're Made

• What Is Data Wrangling and Why Does It Matter?

Degrees and certificates to earn

Bootcamps, degrees, and professional certificates. Where to begin? These articles can help you determine what degree or certification you’ll need to break into tech:

• How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp (+ 5 to Consider)

• Data Science Major: What You Need to Know Before Declaring

• What Degree Do I Need to Become a Data Analyst?

• 6 Popular Data Analytics Certifications: Your Guide

• 5 SQL Certifications for Your Data Career

• 5 Cloud Certifications to Start Your Cloud Career

Fun ways to learn and build your skills

Reading a book or listening to a podcast is a great way to brush up on data science. Gain insights from industry professionals with the Analytics Power Hour podcast or read Andriy Burkov's The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book to get the full picture of machine learning.

• 17 Data Science Podcasts to Listen To

• 18 IT and Tech Podcasts for Tech Professionals

• 8 Machine Learning Books for Beginners: A Reading List

Get started today.

Starting a career in data science begins with learning how to transform data into meaningful business insights. 

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