Will the Data Science Field Be Saturated in a Few Years?

by Atul J. Data Scientist

Data Science is the biggest thing now, with all engineers doing Data Science courses and specialisations to enter this domain. Data Science has created many offshoots such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, robotics and lots more.

 

Each of these fields is growing at a tremendous rate. With such rapid growth and a high number of data scientists being created every year, the next question is “Will the field of Data Science become saturated in a few years?”

 

There is a huge possibility that it could happen. A market study by IBM found that the demand for data scientists will be as high as 7 lakhs by 2020. Buoyed by hopes of good career growth and higher pay packages, many professionals are taking up certification programs to become data scientists.

 

However, the problem with this trend is that most of the new data scientists seem to have the certification and not the expertise to work on core Data Science challenges. The new crop of data scientists has the ability to work on the applications of Data Science and not in core Data Science research and development.

 

Effect of Automation on Data Science Jobs

 

If the automation trend continues at the same pace as it is happening now, it looks as if automated predictive analytic platforms, robotics and AI apps will replace these new jobs by 2025. So, the new data scientists will again have to find new avenues of career development.

 

Studying the sudden boom of data scientists across the globe, experts compare the same to the Gold Rush that happened in 1855 or the dotcom boom that happened between 1994 and 2004.

 

Based on the historical analysis (in tandem with the practices of Data Science), we can come to a few conclusions. One, there will certainly be a saturation of Data Science jobs with more data scientists than the number of core jobs available. The other conclusion based on the historical analysis is that only skilled and talented professionals who are strong in their basics and flexible in their learning will be able to survive this Data Science boom.

 

So, what’s the solution to the conundrum?

 

There is a possible solution for professionals to overcome the challenges of the Data Science boom and carve a successful career in Data Science. The key lies in going in-depth and branching out at the same time. It is vital to specialise in any one branch of Data Science, be it artificial intelligence, deep learning or machine learning.

 

Second, is to go for interdisciplinary studies. The two may seem to be contradictory. The fact is that a skilled data scientist not just has intensive knowledge and expertise of the field, but also of the industry where it is applied.

 

For example, a data scientist who wants to build a career in the field of healthcare needs to have a strong understanding of the challenges and demands of the healthcare sector. It will help them leverage their knowledge of Data Science tools in finding the best solution for the healthcare sector.

 

In conclusion, where there could be saturation in data science jobs in the next few years, there will also be a demand for the right talent. So, if professionals want to build a successful career in this domain, they need to upgrade their skills and capabilities continually.

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Created on Sep 20th 2019 10:52. Viewed 378 times.

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