A graduate degree is a massive undertaking, particularly in a data-related field. Some examples of these disciplines include data science, data analysis, and data mining. As technology becomes an increasingly important factor in business operations, more companies are using complex data to accomplish their tasks. As a result, they need more qualified data specialists to help them implement these practices and strategies.
If you’re still on the fence about pursuing a graduate degree in data science, here are three reasons you should enroll in a data science graduate program.
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1. Data Skills Are in High Demand
We are living in an information-driven world. As a result, it’s no surprise that data-related skills are in extremely high demand amongst employers. A report published by the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) and PwC projected continuous growth and demand for graduates with high-level data science and analytical skills.
The report revealed that roughly 70% of business leaders in the U.S. would prefer applicants with data skills by 2021. It also predicted that jobs in data science and data analytics would grow massively from 2015 to 2020. Specifically, it stated that the U.S. would see a rise from the 2.35 million documented job postings in 2015 to 2.72 million by the year 2020. It was estimated that a talent shortage would make these positions difficult to fill.
2. It Can Make You More Employable
Just because there is a shortage in data-related talent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take extra steps to make yourself more hireable to employers. A graduate degree is a very attractive selling point as a job candidate.
One reason for this is because it shows employers that you have discipline and a genuine dedication to the field. It also demonstrates that you have made a conscious effort to refine your skills to make a significant contribution to the sector. It also conveys that, through your education, you will have more of the qualifications they are looking for, making you a far more desirable hire.
Data scientists are also a highly educated group. In fact, the majority of your competition will hold similar qualifications, so you’ll need to keep up to hold your own in the industry. One source reports that 88% of data scientists hold a master’s degree, while 46% have PhDs.
3. You Could Earn a Higher Salary
In many industries, a graduate degree can open the door to higher salaries. This is particularly common in situations where a graduate certificate, master’s, or PhD is deemed “necessary” to the position you’re applying for. Given the complex and highly technical nature of this field, it is extremely common for data science positions to require a postgraduate degree.
According to QS Top Universities, your graduate degree gives you grounds for salary negotiations. While a graduate degree is a financial investment, it can pay off in the long run, so long as you advocate for yourself.
If you want to reap the rewards of a graduate degree in data science, a Graduate Certificate in Data Science at RMIT Online is the perfect place to start. This program will not only allow you to hone your data-centric skills, but you can do so from anywhere.
Ultimately, choosing whether or not to pursue a graduate degree is a personal decision, and only you can decide if it’s the right fit for your life. However, should you choose to pursue a data science degree, you will have peace of mind knowing there are plenty of positive reasons motivating your decision.