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Struggling to break into data science after grad school

Frustration Grows Among Graduates in Data Science Race | Job Opportunities Dwindle

By

Lucas Meyer

May 21, 2025, 12:27 AM

Edited By

Nina Elmore

Updated

May 23, 2025, 10:34 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A graduate looking worried while browsing job listings on a laptop, surrounded by data analysis materials

A rising wave of graduates in data science faces mounting frustration as many struggle to land desirable roles post-graduation. Some are questioning the effectiveness of their advanced degrees as they navigate a competitive job market rife with uncertainty.

The Current State of Data Science Careers

Recent conversations on several forums highlight the shifting realities of the data science job landscape. Graduates expecting data science positions now frequently find themselves in roles such as analysts or engineers, causing discontentment among aspiring professionals.

Insights From Forum Discourse

  • Pharmaceutical Industry Opportunities: Many commenters point to the pharmaceutical sector as a promising avenue for data science graduates. As one forum participant stated, "Any and all divisions of pharma can be beneficial. Larger companies often have data science teams across various functions, from clinical R&D to sales and marketing."

  • Alternate Career Paths: Several people suggest that graduates consider alternative roles such as quant positions, with one commenting, "You could easily be a quant for a fund if you're up for it. It was super fun for me." Another argued, "Being a quant generally pays better than data science positions."

  • Global Job Market Variability: Questions arose about career prospects outside the US. An aspiring graduate inquired, "Is it worth it right now? How is the job scene in other parts of the world?" These conversations indicate a broader concern about the value of degrees across various regions.

"The most 'non-linear' paths often lead to rewarding outcomes long-term," a participant noted, reflecting the mixed sentiment of graduates who remain hopeful despite setbacks.

Grad Perspective on Job Availability

While some maintain optimism, an undercurrent of frustration persists as many find traditional data science roles limited. As articulated by one commenter, "It can feel brutal when expectations and reality donโ€™t align after dedicating so much time."

Key Insights

  • โ—‰ Many pharma companies are expanding their data science teams across various divisions.

  • โ–ฝ Some graduates are exploring quant positions due to perceived higher salaries.

  • ๐Ÿ” "Networking is crucial; you can't just rely on online applications," one participant advised, underlining the importance of personal outreach.

As graduates contend with a tough market, the question lingers: Will new strategies open avenues for success in an increasingly competitive environment?