Thinking of a Career Switch? Is an Online Master’s in Data Science in Canada Worth It?

Data has become the core of decision-making across industries, particularly in a technologically advanced First World country like Canada. There is immense dependence on data to make the right decisions, and this is why there is such a great demand for such professionals as well. This demand is also evident from their salaries, which average CAD 91,000 per year, with the potential to increase to CAD 100,000 depending on various factors. At the very least, they earn CAD 76,000, which is much higher than a basic respectable salary in the North American country.

This blog will discuss whether a data science career switch is worth it or not, and also highlight the factors that students must focus on while choosing an online data science course in Canada.

Source: Glassdoor 

Is a Data Science Career Switch the Right Move?

A data science career switch is a smart move, as it offers several benefits, including high demand across all industries, diverse opportunities, and competitive salaries.

High Demand Across Industries

For students wondering if an online master’s in data science is worth it or not, studying data science after graduation can open up a wide range of doors to a diverse array of industries such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology. There are numerous data science jobs available in the market as companies have become increasingly reliant on data to inform their decisions, creating opportunities for professionals capable of interpreting and extracting insights from data.

Thanks to the rapid pace of digital transformation, even formerly non-technical fields are now seeking data professionals to enhance their operations.

Also Read: The Future of Data Science in Canada: Trends and Predictions

Growth Potential and Competitive Salaries

One of the significant benefits of a master’s in data science is that students can earn a good salary. Even in entry-level roles, graduates can earn above-average pay, and for experienced professionals, this can often go up to six-figure earnings as well! Additionally, the domain provides exceptional opportunities for career advancement, offering paths into roles such as data analyst, chief data officer, and machine learning engineer.

Transferable Skills that Accelerate Transition

A data science degree program offers students a range of transferable skills, as data science relies significantly on them. Data roles value skills such as problem-solving, domain expertise, critical thinking, and communication.

Also Read: Top Data Science Skills You’ll Learn in a Course

Remote Work Opportunities and Flexibilities

After graduating from a data science online course, students can become eligible for job roles with flexible work arrangements that include hybrid or remote setups as well. Such work is largely project-based and digital, which allows people to work from anywhere they choose, as long as they have access to the internet.

Intellectual Simulation and Continuous Learning

The best data science master’s programs offer ideal opportunities for students who wish to continue learning and solving problems. The field never stops evolving thanks to innovations in domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, and these developments maintain the intellectually engaging and dynamic nature of such work.

Also Read:  A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners on How to Start a Career in Data Science in Canada

What to Look for in a Good Online Data Science Program? 

Students need to select the best online programs to receive the proper foundation for carving out the finest data science careers. For that, they need to focus on a wide variety of factors.

Also Read: Exploring Data Science Jobs in Canada: Opportunities, Salaries, and Skills

How upGrad’s Online Data Science Programs Help You Make a Confident Career Pivot 

The upGrad data science and analytics courses are the best options for students, including early- and mid-career professionals, who are looking to transition into data science. These programs can help them elevate their data skills in the truest sense of the word and become masters of the discipline by studying leading courses from top universities worldwide.

• Master of Science in Data Science, Liverpool John Moores University
• Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science (E-Learning), upGrad Institute
• Executive Diploma in Data Science and AI, IIIT Bangalore
• Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (Executive), IIIT Bangalore

FAQs on Pursuing an Online Master’s in Data Science in Canada for a Career Switch

Q: How long does it take to transition into a data science role?
Ans: Transitioning to a data science role may take anywhere from a couple of months to a few years, depending on factors such as the candidate’s previous experience.

Q: What’s the average salary after switching to data science?
Ans: The average salary for a data scientist varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and skills. For example, experienced data professionals earn significantly more than entry-level data scientists.

Q: Do online Master’s in Data Science hold the same weight as on-campus programs?
Ans: Usually, an online master’s degree in data science holds the same weight as an on-campus program, especially when the former is from a reputable and accredited institution.

Q: Will a bootcamp be enough or is a full degree better for a career change?
Ans: In the context of a career change, a boot camp can offer a more focused and expedited path to specific job skills. In contrast, a degree provides a broader foundation and may be more suitable for specific industries or roles.

Q: What are the top industries hiring data science professionals?
Ans: The top industries employing data science professionals are:

• Technology and IT Services
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Finance and FinTech
• Retail and E-Commerce
• Telecommunications