For an industry this size, one would think that there wouldn’t be any gaps by now. There are a lot of opportunities in this industry; however, the demand and supply relationship suggests that either there aren’t enough data scientists or enough companies are looking for data scientists. This cannot be further from the truth, as the new and evolving digital world opens up opportunities for more people to get involved. So, where is the gap, and how do we bridge it? In this article, we will look at how data science has changed the world we live in, the gaps that exist in this industry and how we can get more and more people, especially at the school level, interested in a career in data science.
Bring Back The Excitement
When data science was first introduced to the world, it was seen as one of the most promising jobs in the world. This is very true and still remains true today. Coupled with a good salary and a high demand, data scientists are generally more hireable. However, due to evolution, growth, and change, companies have now started looking for specific skills or experience in the field, making it slightly hard for new graduates to land jobs as opposed to internships. While this may seem unfair, companies’ HR departments may not be aware of the capabilities data scientists have in their field as this is a new career. Remember, HR people have been operating on the same hiring system for ages, one that requires degrees and years of experience, so it is up to data scientists to a certain extent, to inform these companies of the skills they have obtained, what they are able to do and what they are still learning. After all, it should be about being able to do the job properly. So, data scientists, remind us again what it’s like to be in this exciting industry and showcase what can be done to drive visibility and inclusivity in your industry.
School-Level Collaborations
A lot of data science and digital industry companies pride themselves on being involved in creating an interest and inspiring young people to join the tech career world, and this is beneficial as it prepares young people for the jobs they will be taking in the future. While disadvantaged communities are unable to access these opportunities due to things such as lack of resources, societal issues, period poverty, and more, there are more and more public and private sector companies that are willing to help. Even though they may not reach everyone, the impact has been felt where there has been involvement and education around all things tech, and more young people, especially girls, are finding that these opportunities are reachable.
More Mentors, More Mentees, And Some More Mentors
It is universal knowledge that helping others does not necessarily mean we will seize our opportunities and achievements. In the data science world, this is understood well. There are more and more mentors who are coming out in numbers to offer support and guidance to those who are new to this industry. And this ripples into more students wanting to do the same as they progress. So, another way to bridge the gap is to upskill data scientists who want to be mentors too in order to let them inspire a nation of tech-savvy data scientists.
Learn As You Grow
Data science may be a new career you want to tap into and take a shift away from the one you are in right now. Luckily, there are ways you can learn while working without having to worry about starting over from scratch. For example, you can look into online data science courses in South Africa that offer full and part-time options. What are you waiting for? Your new career move is here.
In Conclusion
The world of data science is large and has space for anyone who wants to go into it. Remember to research as much as you can in order to make an informed decision and know that tech or digital jargon is easy to understand with time. There are enough resources and people out there who are willing to help you out at all times, so don’t hesitate to take this leap. The tech world will thank you for it.
