Data Science

Overview of Careers in Data Science

Careers in Data Science involve gathering, extracting, analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing large data sets that allow leaders to make data-driven decisions.  

Learn about the different career paths in Data Science.

Get details on the salary and job security of these data science careers:

Careers in Data Science

Check out these videos to learn about the typical workday and workplace for Data Scientists and get tips for success in this industry.

Data Analysts
Business Intelligence Analysts
Database Administrators and Database Architects

Get Career Ready in Data Science

Find out what it takes to land a career in data science

Career readiness equation: Earn Degree + Gain Experiences + Market Your Skills = Career Ready

Earn a Degree

Green scroll representing the first component of the career readiness equation – earn a degree.

To work in the field of data science, it is recommended to have a strong background in math, statistics, or computer science. Majors, minors, and degree information can be found in the George Mason Catalog.   

Along with your degree, professional certifications like these may increase your employment options:

Specialized knowledge and training in these technical skills are in high demand:

  • SQL
  • Python libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, PySpark)
  • Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI)
  • Excel (Advanced)
  • APIs and data pipelines
  • Generative AI and Machine Learning (Foundational)
  • Cloud Analytics Platforms (AWS, Azure)
  • Data storytelling and Stakeholder communication

Gain Experiences

Check mark inside of a circle representing the gain experiences component of the career readiness equation

Employers expect at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. 

Here are the types of experiences most valued by Data Science employers, and where to find them:

Internships/Jobs

  • Handshake: search for internships, on campus jobs, graduate research, teaching assistantships, fellowships
  • Interstride: for international students seeking opportunities in the U.S. and overseas
  • Dice
  • LinkedIn 
  • Search for graduate research, teaching assistantships, and fellowship opportunities in Handshake 

Projects

  • Faculty-sponsored research projects: Ask your professors about research projects
  • Capstone courses/Design projects: Consult your academic advisor about capstones in your department
  • Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP): Get academic credit and financial support for research projects
  • Parker Dewey

Challenges/Competitions

  • Kaggle – Information on data competitions.
  • Patriot Hacks – Information on George Mason’s annual hackathon.
  • Forage – Free job simulations. Explore what it’s like to work in a variety of companies.

Market Your Skills

conversational bubble in the color green representing the “market yourself” component of the career readiness equation.

Many entry-level analytics tasks are increasingly automated using AI tools. Students who combine technical skills with communication, business context, and project experience will remain most competitive.

Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to Data Science employers:

Resume

Online Portfolio 

A portfolio gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and experience in a visual format (e.g., code, database design). Here are a few resources where you can share your work: 

Interview

Preparing for an interview will help you better communicate the skills you’ve gained, here are resources to assist you: 

Interviewing well is key to standing out with employers in the arts, entertainment, and creative industries—and the best way to build confidence is through practice. Use InterviewPrep, George Mason’s free virtual mock interview tool, to explore industry-specific interview questions and sharpen your responses at your own pace. 

  • Register for an account at InterviewPrep using your George Mason email. 
  • Once you're logged in, use the following code to access a curated interview set for this career area: [vDxx4UekfPnP] 

Career Ready

graduation cap in the color green representing the final outcome of the career readiness model

Career ready George Mason grads have gone on to work in Data Science roles for employers, such as: 

Amazon Booz Allen Hamilton Bloomberg
Capital One Blue Cross and Blue Shield Community Dreams Foundation
Blue Horse Digital George Mason University Mitre
National Health IT Collaborative Navy Federal Credit Union United Health Group

Join the Data Science community

Get involved with academic and professional societies to grow your network while you're still a student.

Student Organizations:

For information on George Mason student organizations affiliated with Data Science, please check Mason360 and your department for more information.

Professional Associations:

Other Groups to join:

Your career advisor can help you decide where to start.