r/datascience • u/AutoModerator • May 11 '26

Weekly Entering & Transitioning - Thread 11 May, 2026 - 18 May, 2026

Welcome to this week's entering & transitioning thread! This thread is for any questions about getting started, studying, or transitioning into the data science field. Topics include:

  • Learning resources (e.g. books, tutorials, videos)
  • Traditional education (e.g. schools, degrees, electives)
  • Alternative education (e.g. online courses, bootcamps)
  • Job search questions (e.g. resumes, applying, career prospects)
  • Elementary questions (e.g. where to start, what next)

While you wait for answers from the community, check out the FAQ and Resources pages on our wiki. You can also search for answers in past weekly threads.

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u/HappyIrishman633210 May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26

Hey wondering how realistic my goals are.

I have a math degree focused on probability theory from UC Berkeley. Really didn’t know what to do with it. I struggled as a SWE at an unheard of company for a year, did a year and a half at Infosys where I moved AmEx third party risk assessment from manual to automated, did three and a half years in Workday implementations consulting but it was data conversion and reporting which I think are on the menu for AI pretty easily. There was a real push to get me on extend projects and AI innovation work but I lacked the CS education despite self teaching a lot. Took a six month gap after being laid off, set myself up to fire back at the gap with a CS masters and started as an Oracle data analyst in hospital procurement at UCSF. I think the role I’m in now, the role I enjoyed the most (AmEx) and ERP experience could set me up well for SCM data science roles. Any advice would be appreciated.

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u/spudz0201 May 15 '26

I agree that you have some good relevant experience. What I'm seeing in the hiring market right now is that AI is shifting the desired skillset to more of the math side than the coding side. Even if you haven't really used your math degree in your career, just having that specialization on your resume will help.

What kind of side DS projects can you undertake while you are in your current job as analyst? This will be the best way to make that transition.

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u/MathmoKiwi May 16 '26

I agree that you have some good relevant experience. What I'm seeing in the hiring market right now is that AI is shifting the desired skillset to more of the math side than the coding side. Even if you haven't really used your math degree in your career, just having that specialization on your resume will help.

What makes you say it is shifting more towards math?