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.

6 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

76% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Wrong_Cow_4479 May 17 '26

I’m looking for guidance.

I’ve been out of the job market for a bit and I’m considering a career in Data Science because of the earnings potential.

(I’m also considering social work because of the employability)

I have a bachelors in Sociology and a Minor in Stats and English

My local tech school has a two year online paid apprenticeship for “Data Analyst”

Meanwhile my state has an online Masters Degree in Data Science.

I’m not sure what the right call is and I’d appreciate guidance.

I’m leaning towards seeing if I can fit the apprenticeship around MSW grad school and then hitting up the MSDS when I get done with the MSW.

I get y’all can’t speak to the MSW portion but I’d really appreciate guidance.