{"id":2289,"date":"2023-12-01T06:29:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T14:29:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/?p=2289"},"modified":"2025-05-06T00:01:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T07:01:23","slug":"how-to-become-a-data-scientist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/data-science\/how-to-become-a-data-scientist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Data Scientist in 2025: 10-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, \u201cdata scientist\u201d positions are growing at a faster than average pace, with projected 35% growth by 2032.. Coupled with a median salary of $131,490, it\u2019s never been a better time to get into the field of data science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But changing careers is not something that can be done overnight. From education and portfolio-building to networking and interviewing, there are several steps budding data scientists must take before they are ready for their first day on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Become a Data Scientist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The following list outlines the steps required to become a data scientist in today’s market. Each step includes a link to the corresponding section below, in which we outline each one in greater detail:<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Start with a Prep Course<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    Brush Up on Data Science Fundamentals<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \n

    Meet the Educational Requirements<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \n

    Plan Your Career Path and Specialization<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \n

    Hone Essential Skills<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  6. \n

    Familiarize Yourself With the Essential Data Science Tools<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  7. \n

    \u00a0Gain Practical Experience by Working on Projects and Building Your Portfolio<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  8. \n

    Build Your Network<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  9. \n

    Pursue a Data Science Internship<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  10. \n

    Prepare for and Ace the Data Science Interview<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    1. Start with a Prep Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you are completely new to the field, it’s best to start with an introductory prep course into data science<\/a>. You’ll learn a lot about the tools you’ll use, the industry, and what your day-to-day working life might be like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Brush Up on Data Science Fundamentals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The obvious place to start when considering how to become a data scientist is assessing what you know and what you don\u2019t. Niches and specialties cannot be developed until the fundamentals of the trade have been perfected, so starting simple is never a waste of time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s where you should focus your energy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n