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7 Entry-Level Data Science Jobs to Pursue in 2023
Data Science

7 Entry-Level Data Science Jobs to Pursue in 2024

10 minute read | May 19, 2023
Maria Muntean

Written by:
Maria Muntean

Ready to launch your career?

The field of data science is constantly growing and evolving, and oftentimes, it seems like a new application for data science is being found every day. From healthcare to finance, data scientists are in high demand, and it’s a worthwhile (and profitable) industry to enter if you have the aptitude and analytical skillset.

But while it’s clear that data science is a growing industry, entering the field isn’t as clear cut. Becoming a data scientist isn’t as straightforward as landing another job with an entry-level six-figure salary, like a doctor or lawyer.

That’s why we’ve written this guide. Below, we’ll tell you all about some of the most common entry-level data science jobs. We’ll also cover the basics of what it takes to succeed in a career as a data scientist.

Is It Hard to Land an Entry-Level Data Science Job?

Landing an entry-level data science role isn’t difficult if you have the right skillset. Data science is booming, and there are plenty of opportunities for people with little to no experience to break into the field. It definitely helps if you’ve completed a data science bootcamp.

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7 Entry-Level Data Science Jobs

For those who are looking to get into data science and start their careers, there are a lot of options out there. Here’s an overview of seven entry-level jobs to help you get your foot in the door.

Data Scientist Intern

A data scientist intern is a new employee learning the ropes of data science by working with more experienced data scientists. 

What You’ll Do

Data scientists interns usually work on data cleaning and preparation or statistical analysis. They might be helping with the development of new algorithms or machine learning models or even creating visualizations that show how data is being used. In some cases, data scientist interns can also have an opportunity to work on analytics projects that are specific to the company they’re interning at.

Related Read: How To Get a Data Science Internship

Salary

A data scientist intern earns a median salary of $93,452 per year.

entry-level data science jobs Data Scientist Intern

Basic Requirements and Skills

Data scientist interns should have experience working with various tools, such as Excel. They should also have experience using programming languages like Python, R, or SAS. 

Junior Data Scientist

A junior data scientist is new to the field of data science and is learning how to collect, analyze, and present data for others to use. 

What You’ll Do

A junior data scientist does the same things as a senior data scientist: analyzing, reporting, and communicating the results of the analysis. The difference is that a junior data scientist is less likely to be steering projects. They are also less likely to have worked with large datasets or complex machine-learning models.

Salary

According to Glassdoor, a junior data scientist earns an average of $100,265 annually.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Data Scientist

Basic Requirements and Skills

To land a job as a junior data scientist, you’ll need basic statistics and computer science skills. You’ll also need to be able to write Python code and use SQL databases. Depending on the company you’re working for, you might also need some business analytics knowledge.

Junior Data Engineer

A junior data engineer has recently graduated from a data science program and seeks real-world experience. They might be working as an intern, part-time, or even full-time.

What You’ll Do

The job requires a deep understanding of the technical workings of data, including how it’s collected, stored, and analyzed. A junior data engineer typically works on smaller open-source projects and has less responsibility than senior engineers. 

Salary

A junior data engineer can earn a median salary of $88,788 annually.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Data Engineer

Basic Requirements and Skills

As a junior data engineer, it is vital to understand how data is stored, processed, and visualized. You will need to know the basics of SQL and Python, and you should also have a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and machine learning.

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Junior Data Analyst

A junior data analyst has a firm grasp on the fundamentals of data analysis but is still learning how to apply those skills in a professional setting.

What You’ll Do

A junior data analyst manages and analyzes big data, and typically works with experienced analysts and analytics managers to learn how to interpret and use a variety of tools. They also assist other employees with tasks such as cleaning up data and prioritizing projects so they can be completed efficiently.

Salary

A junior data analyst earns an average salary of $57,456 per year.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Data Analyst

Basic Requirements and Skills

To be hired as a junior data analyst, you need to be detail-oriented, have strong communication skills, be comfortable working in a team environment and lead team projects successfully. You should also understand basic data analysis principles, such as statistics and probability, and have some experience with programming languages for data science, such as R, Python, SAS/SPSS, or SQL.

Junior Data Modeler

A junior data modeler is an entry-level data modeler responsible for creating and maintaining the database structure for a company.

What You’ll Do

A junior data modeler will create tables, columns, and relationships between tables, and may also be responsible for other tasks, such as designing indexes and triggers.

Salary

An entry-level data modeler can earn up to $102,851 per year.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Data Modeler

Basic Requirements and Skills

To be hired as a junior data modeler, you should have basic knowledge of relational databases, SQL, and writing queries. You should also be able to work with various platforms, including Microsoft Excel and SQL.

Junior Database Administrator

A junior database administrator helps manage a database-driven website or application but has a limited range of responsibilities that come with being an administrator.

What You’ll Do

A junior database administrator helps with the day-to-day operation of a database. They create new databases and tables, monitor performance, and troubleshoot when there are issues with their databases.

Salary

A junior database administrator can earn up to $71,834 per year.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Database Administrator

Basic Requirements and Skills

Junior database administrators need to know how to write queries in different programming languages like SQL or Python. And they have to be able to use tools like SQL Management Studio or Toad to manage their databases.

Junior Machine Learning Analyst

A junior machine learning analyst has a strong foundation in math and computer science but is still working on building their skills in data analysis. 

What You’ll Do

A junior machine learning analyst will begin by learning about the different types of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised machine learning, before moving on to more advanced topics like neural networks and deep learning. They will also learn about algorithms such as k-means clustering or linear regression. A junior machine learning analyst will also be expected to understand the importance of data analytics and its impact on business decisions.

Salary

A junior machine learning analyst with less than one year of experience in the field can earn $103,522 annually.

entry-level data science jobs Junior Machine Learning Analyst

Basic Requirements and Skills

To be hired as a junior machine learning analyst, you’ll need a firm grasp of statistics and probability. You’ll need to know how to make sense of data and be able to communicate why your analysis is meaningful. A solid understanding of linear regression and its limitations is also important. 

What Skills Do You Need to Land an Entry-Level Data Science Role?

What Skills Do You Need to Land an Entry-Level Data Science Role
Source: vitalflux.com

There are a lot of skills you need to land an entry-level data science role. Here are some of the most important ones.

Technical Skills

If you’re looking for a job in data science, you’ll need some technical skills. While some data science companies hire people without experience, most will want someone who can program and work with data. Some of the most important technical skills include:

  • The ability to write simple programs in Python, Java, or C++
  • Good knowledge of statistics and probability theory
  • Knowledge of machine learning techniques like clustering, regression, and classification
  • Knowledge of database systems, including MySQL, Postgresql, and MongoDB 

Soft Skills

As a data scientist, you’ll need to be able to communicate your findings to non-technical stakeholders. To do this, you’ll need soft skills like the ability to make presentations and communicate effectively. 

The Best Places to Find Entry-Level Data Science Jobs

Best Places to Find Entry-Level Data Science Jobs

Here are some great ways to land your dream job:

Job Boards

Online job boards like Monster.com and Indeed.com are the most obvious places to start. These sites have thousands of opportunities posted by companies looking for ideal candidates with a data science background.

Networking

Networking is an excellent way to find new opportunities in your field and connect with people who can offer you advice or even help you get hired. You can network through friends, family, alumni groups, or professional associations related to your field.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great place to network and find job opportunities. It’s a good idea to join groups related to your field so that when someone posts about an open data science position at their company, it will show up in your feed based on keywords used in the post (if they use specific terms like “data scientist,” “data engineer,” etc.). You can also connect with people who might know about openings at other companies by reaching out directly through private or group messages on LinkedIn.

Online Communities

Online communities like Reddit or Indie Hackers are great because they let you connect with other people interested in data science without leaving your house. Plus, there are tons of online groups for just about any topic related to data science you could imagine. You can even find groups for specific industries or companies if you’re looking for a particular gig.

Conferences

Conferences are another great place to find entry-level data science jobs if you’re not sure where else to look. These events typically bring together industry leaders from various fields to share knowledge and build connections between data science professionals with similar interests.

How To Land an Entry-Level Data Science Role

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It can be challenging to land an entry-level role, but it’s not impossible. If you know what to do and who to reach out to, you’ll have your first interview in no time.

Here are our top tips for getting started.

  1. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree (in a Related Field) or Bootcamp

  2. Develop a Strong Portfolio

  3. Network

  4. Find a Mentor

  5. Tailor Your Resume and Prep Well For Interviews

Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree (in a Related Field) or Bootcamp

The first step in landing an entry-level data science role is to make sure you have the qualifications needed for the job. That means you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree program in a field related to computer science or data analysis. If a bachelor’s degree is either too costly or too time-consuming, then you need not worry. Consider pursuing data science bootcamps or taking classes at your local community college before applying for jobs.

Develop a Strong Portfolio

A strong data science portfolio is one of the best ways to demonstrate your skill set and knowledge when applying for data scientist jobs. It doesn’t matter what format your portfolio takes—it could be a blog, website, or even just a collection of papers that showcase your work—as long as it contains examples of what you’ve done and how well you did it.

Network 

Networking is the most critical aspect of landing an entry-level data science role. You should be networking nonstop. This means going to meetups, joining LinkedIn groups, connecting with people on social media, and sending out emails to people you might want to work with.

Find a Mentor

A mentor can help you get your foot in the door at a company hiring for data science roles. If you need help finding mentors, try reaching out to professors from your university or asking friends who have worked at tech companies if they would be willing to meet for coffee and chat about their job experiences.

Tailor Your Resume and Prep Well For Interviews

Make sure you highlight relevant work experience (especially in data science), include keywords from the data scientist job description, add any data science courses you graduated from, and make sure your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.

And remember to prepare for your interview. It’s always good practice to prepare beforehand so that when it comes to the interview process, you’re ready with answers that show off your relevant skills and knowledge.

FAQs About Landing an Entry-Level Data Science Job

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What Can I Expect From My First Data Science Job?

As an entry-level employee at a company that uses data science as part of its business strategy, you might be responsible for building models using machine learning techniques, training algorithms using labeled training sets, analyzing results, and identifying patterns in the data at hand.

What Are the Qualifications Needed To Become a Data Scientist?

There aren’t any specific qualifications needed to become a data scientist—you just have to have the skills and experience required for the job. You should understand programming languages like Python or R and SQL databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL. You’ll also need knowledge of machine learning concepts like regression analysis and clustering techniques.

Can I Get a Data Science Job Without a Degree?

Yes. Many companies employ entry-level candidates who don’t have degrees because they tend to be self-directed learners who can pick up new skills quickly. If you don’t have any formal education but do have relevant experience working with data sets, then you can get hired without having a degree in data science or related fields

Can I Land a Data Science Job Without Prior Experience?

Yes. It’s helpful to have some background in programming or statistics, but there are plenty of jobs for entry-level data scientists who have just graduated from college and have yet to gain experience.

Since you’re here…
Curious about a career in data science? Experiment with our free data science learning path, or join our Data Science Bootcamp, where you’ll get your tuition back if you don’t land a job after graduating. We’re confident because our courses work – check out our student success stories to get inspired.

About Maria Muntean

Maria-Cristina is a content marketer with 7 years of experience in SEO and content strategy for SaaS and technology brands. She holds an MA thesis on the effects of emotions in written and video content. She loves to spend time near the ocean and watch horror movies.