The following roles highlight potential career paths for Data Science graduates, utilising their skills in data analysis, programming, and critical thinking:
Data Scientist - Use computing, statistics, and domain knowledge to extract insights from complex data, in order to support strategic decisions.
Data Analyst - Interpret data using statistical tools and visualisation techniques to identify patterns that guide business strategies.
Machine Learning Engineer - Build and deploy algorithms that allow systems to learn from data and automate decision-making.
SEO Specialist - Optimise website content using data analysis to improve search engine rankings and drive web traffic.
Statistician - Apply mathematical methods to design studies and analyse data, providing the statistical foundation for data-driven decisions.
Quantitative Analyst (Quant) - Use maths and statistics to model financial risks and investment strategies, mainly in banking or hedge funds.
Market Researcher - Collect and analyse data (quantitative/qualitative) to guide client decisions in politics, business, and society.
Operational Researcher - Solve organisational problems and improves systems using scientific and mathematical methods.
Environmental Consultant - Advise clients on reducing environmental harm, working across commercial and government projects.
Policy Officer - Research and analyse data to inform or influence policy development and decision-making.
Intelligence Analyst - Assess intelligence data to safeguard national security, prevent crime, and counter threats such as terrorism and cybercrime.
Organisations that have previously employed University of Kent graduates include:
Many more opportunities exist across these and other industries.
The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes Uni Kent Careers Hub, advertising a range of graduate jobs, placement year and vacation work/internships.
Showcase your skills: Include links to your Github (online code repository) in applications.
Take part in competitions: Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub or take part in data science competitions such as Kaggle.
Develop commercial awareness: Research the organisation thoroughly to prove you understand what they do, what makes them unique, the challenges they are facing, and any new strategic directions.
Get ahead: Prepare for any numerical, analytical or coding tests, and use any sample resources provided. Utilise Graduates First practice exercises - log in using your Kent details.
A year in industry can have a big impact on your employability. By gaining real-world experience and learning key skills in the workplace, and pairing these with the knowledge you gain during your degree, you can become a highly employable candidate in the labour market. The year can be based in the UK or abroad, including your home country if you're an international student, and contributes to your final degree. At The University of Kent, many courses include an optional year in industry between your second and final year, where you undertake graduate-level work related to your studies.
Some data science graduates pursue further study to specialise or move into research roles. You can search for Master's qualifications in subjects such as:
There are also many online certifications for data science and you can try some courses and resources for free using Coursera and Kaggle.